Booking a medical appointment by phone
1. Warm-up discussion
Discuss these questions:
- Have you ever called to book an appointment for yourself or someone else?
- Do you prefer to book doctor's appointments by phone or online? Why?
- How important is it to see a doctor when you don't feel well?
2. Listening: Booking an appointment by phone
Listen to the audio and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear.
Hello. I want to an . It is for my . I come next Monday at 10 AM? Yes, that is good. Thank you. Goodbye.
3. Key vocabulary
Complete the sentences using the words from the word bank.
2. The listened to my heart and checked my throat.
3. A helps the doctor and cares for patients.
4. The small on Main Street is open until 6 PM.
5. A cough and a fever are common of a cold.
6. This is an situation; we need to call an ambulance!
4. Grammar focus: "Can I...?" and "I want to..."
We use "Can I...?" to ask for permission or to ask if something is possible. We use "I want to..." to say what we desire or intend to do.
Example: "Can I come on Tuesday?" (Asking if it's possible)
Example: "I want to book an appointment." (Stating your intention)
Choose the correct phrase for each sentence:
1. _______ book an appointment for tomorrow morning?
2. Hello, _______ speak to the doctor, please.
3. _______ see the nurse about my cough?
4. _______ ask about my test results.
5. Excuse me, _______ sit here?
5. Reading: My visit to the clinic
Read the short blog post about a visit to the clinic and then fill in the missing words.
My Visit to the Clinic
Last Tuesday, I felt very sick. I had a fever and a cough. I called the clinic. The receptionist was kind. She said, "Hello, how can I help you?" I said, "I want to book an appointment with the doctor." She asked, "Can you come on Wednesday at 2 PM?" I said, "Yes, that time is good." On Wednesday, I went to the clinic. The nurse called my name. The doctor was very nice. She gave me medicine. Now I feel better!
2. I want to book an with the doctor.
3. The gave me medicine.
4. The called my name.
6. Speaking practice: At the doctor's
Discuss these questions with a partner. Use the vocabulary and phrases from this lesson.
- What do you say when you call to book a doctor's appointment?
- What are some common symptoms when you are sick (e.g., headache, sore throat, stomach ache)?
- Who helps you when you visit a clinic or hospital (e.g., doctor, nurse, receptionist)?
- What questions might a doctor ask you when you are sick?