Hi, I'd like to make an appointment.
Is this the right number for new patients?
English for work · Help in your language
How to Book a Doctor's Appointment by Phone in English
To book an appointment, you might start with: “Hi, I'd like to make an appointment to see a doctor” (Hi, I'd like to book an appointment with a doctor). State your name and birthdate, briefly explain what's wrong, and say when you can go. If you don't understand something, ask for repetition: no one expects you to understand everything the first time on the phone.
English Phrases with Interpretation
A medical call is short and follows a set pattern: who you are, what you need, when you can come in. Adapt the details to yours.
My name is Ana Ruiz, R-U-I-Z.
My date of birth is March fourth, 1990.
I've had a cough for about a week.
It's not an emergency.
I can come any morning this week.
Do you have anything after five?
Sorry, could you repeat that more slowly?
Let me write that down.
Dialogue to Practice Out Loud
Read one role and then the other. Explanations help you understand; try repeating afterward without looking at them.
- Receptionist
Harborview Community Health Center, how can I help you?
- Patient
Hi, I'd like to make an appointment to see a doctor. My name is Ana Ruiz.
- Receptionist
Have you been here before, Ana?
- Patient
No, this is my first time. I've had a cough for about a week. Could you repeat the address more slowly?
How to Adapt Your Answers
- Spelling your last name is normal in English and they'll almost always ask for it: practice the letters of your last name out loud before calling.
- “It's not an emergency” (it's not an emergency) is a useful phrase: it tells the reception they can offer you a regular appointment without worrying.
- If you're given a time and don't understand it, repeat it back: “So that's Tuesday at ten?” (So it's Tuesday at ten?). Repeating is the quickest way to confirm.
Now It's Your Turn to Talk
Without reading, say your name, spell your last name, state in one sentence what's wrong, and mention two times you can go. Then repeat the call, asking for the address to be repeated.
Practice Calling Harborview Community Health Center →
The scene card is in English. In the app, you can choose your language for instructions and help.
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