How to book a doctor's appointment, in English
Your name, your date of birth, what it's about in a few words, and when you're free. No medical words needed.
To book a doctor's appointment by message, give your full name and date of birth, say in a few plain words what it's about, and list the times you're free. For example: "I'd like to book an appointment for a cough I've had for a week. I'm free weekday mornings." The clinic doesn't need medical terms; plain English is better.
For an emergency, don't send a message. Call your local emergency number.
The messages
Copy a message, then replace the parts in [square brackets] with your own details.
Formal
By email or through the clinic's online form, for a new clinic or a specialist.
Hello,
I'd like to book an appointment with [Dr. Patel], or the first available doctor. I've had a sore throat and a cough for about a week, and it isn't getting better.
My name is [Ana Torres], date of birth [12 March 1990]. I'm available on weekday mornings before 11.
Could you let me know what times you have?
Thank you,
[Ana Torres]
[Phone number]
Neutral
A text or app message to a clinic you already go to.
Hi, I'd like to make an appointment for a check-up. Do you have anything next week? I'm free Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. My name is [Ana Torres], date of birth [12/03/1990].
Casual
For a small clinic where they know you, when it's a repeat problem.
Hi, it's [Ana Torres] ([12 March 1990]). Are there any appointments free this week? It's my back again. Thanks!
Why this works
- Name and date of birth go together. That's how most clinics find your record. Without it, they have to message you back.
- "For a week" tells them how urgent it is. How long you've had a problem matters as much as what it is.
- Your free times are in the first message. The receptionist can offer a slot in one reply.
- "Or the first available doctor" gets you in sooner. Use it when you don't need a specific doctor.
Symptoms in plain English
| You might want to say | Natural English |
|---|---|
| "I have pain in my head" | I have a headache. |
| "I have pain in my stomach" | I have a stomach ache. / My stomach hurts. |
| "I have pain in my throat" | I have a sore throat. |
| "I have temperature" | I have a fever / a temperature (UK). |
| "My skin has red spots" | I have a rash. |
| "I feel like I will fall" | I feel dizzy. |
| "I can't stop coughing" | I have a bad cough. |
Common mistakes
"I want to take an appointment." Spanish pedir/sacar una cita, Portuguese marcar uma consulta and French prendre rendez-vous lead to take or ask an appointment. In English you make or book one.
- ✗ I want to take an appointment with the doctor.
- ✓ I'd like to book an appointment with the doctor.
"I need a receipt for my medicine." Spanish receta and Portuguese receita look like receipt, but a receipt is the paper you get after paying. The doctor's note for medicine is a prescription. See more Spanish false friends and Portuguese false friends.
- ✗ Can the doctor give me a receipt for antibiotics?
- ✓ Can the doctor give me a prescription for antibiotics?
"I have 12/03/1990 as my birthday." Dates in numbers are read differently in the US (month first) and most other countries (day first). With a new clinic, write the month in words.
- ✗ My date of birth is 03/12/1990. (Is that 3 December or 12 March?)
- ✓ My date of birth is 12 March 1990.
If you can't work because you're sick, see the sick leave templates. If the appointment is for your child and they'll miss school, see messages to your child's teacher.
Questions
What do I say when I call to book a doctor's appointment?
"Hello, I'd like to book an appointment, please. My name is [name], date of birth [date]." Then say what it's about in one sentence and when you're free. It's fine to say "Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?"
What's the difference between a GP, a family doctor and primary care?
They're the same idea in different countries. In the UK and Ireland, your general doctor is a GP. In the US and Canada, people say family doctor, primary care doctor or primary care physician.
Is "appointment" the same as "meeting"?
No. With a doctor, dentist or hairdresser it's an appointment. A meeting is for work. "I have a doctor's appointment at 3" is right; "I have a meeting with the doctor" sounds odd.
How do I cancel or move an appointment?
"Hi, it's [name], date of birth [date]. I have an appointment on [Thursday at 10:30], but I can't make it. Could I move it to next week?" Do it as early as you can; some clinics charge for late cancellations.
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