A Visit to the Doctor

Part 1. A2. Elementary.

Making an Appointment

I would like to make an appointment with a doctor.
Is there anything available this week?
Thursday at ten works for me.
I need to see a doctor today, it is urgent.
I booked my visit online in two minutes.

At the Clinic Reception

Hello, I have an appointment at ten.
My name is on the list, I hope.
Here is my insurance card.
Which floor is the doctor's office on?
Do I need to fill in a form first?

In the Waiting Room

The waiting room is full of people.
My appointment was at ten, but it is already ten forty.
Is it my turn now?
I turn off my phone and wait.
Finally, the nurse calls my name.

Quick reminder: every phrase sounds twice.
Repeat it out loud after me, do not just listen.
The Russian translation stays on the screen all the time.

In the Doctor's Office

Good morning, doctor, I do not feel well.
My stomach hurts, and it started two days ago.
Should I take off my jacket?
I do not take any medicine at the moment.
Please speak slowly, my English is not very good.

What the Doctor Said

The doctor says it is nothing serious.
I have to take one tablet twice a day.
Do I take it before or after meals?
I must drink more water and rest.
Can I go to work tomorrow?

After the Visit

I need a doctor's note for my work.
The next appointment is in two weeks.
Where do I pay for the visit?
The doctor was kind and patient with me.
I feel calmer after the visit.

Part 2. B1. Intermediate.

Why I Am Going for a Check-up

I have not had a check-up for almost five years.
My wife finally talked me into booking one.
Honestly, I am a bit nervous about the results.
When did you last see a doctor just to check?
Prevention is cheaper than treatment, as my mother says.

Filling in the Form

The form asks about allergies and past operations.
I am allergic to penicillin, so I always mention it.
Do I have to list every medicine I take?
I put down my father's heart problems as family history.
Could you help me with this question, please?

Tests and Measurements

The nurse took my blood pressure and weighed me.
I had to come in on an empty stomach for the blood test.
How long will the results take?
I nearly fainted when I saw the needle.
They also sent me for an ECG, just in case.

Questions About Medicine

What are the side effects of this medicine?
Can I take it together with my vitamins?
I would prefer something that does not make me sleepy.
How long do I need to take it for?
Is there a cheaper alternative with the same effect?

A Referral to a Specialist

The doctor referred me to a cardiologist.
The waiting list is three weeks long.
Could I get an earlier appointment if something changes?
I asked for a copy of my test results to take with me.
Being sent to a specialist does not mean something is wrong.

Results and What Comes Next

My cholesterol is a bit high, but nothing dramatic.
The doctor suggested more exercise instead of pills.
I have to come back in six months for another test.
What would you change first: food or sleep?
Leaving the clinic, I felt like I had passed an exam.

Part 3. B2. Upper-Intermediate.

Seeing a Specialist

The cardiologist went through my results line by line.
I had prepared a list of questions so I would not forget anything.
Could you explain that in plain language, please?
Half the terms went straight over my head.
Do you take notes during a doctor's appointment?

Uncomfortable Questions

What exactly does this diagnosis mean for my daily life?
I would rather hear the worst-case scenario now than later.
How confident are you that this is the right diagnosis?
Is this condition something I will have to manage for life?
Asking directly turned out to be far less scary than guessing.

Treatment Options and Risks

The doctor laid out two options: medication or surgery.
Each option comes with its own risks and side effects.
What happens if we simply wait and monitor it?
I need a few days to think it over before I decide.
Nobody warned me how hard it is to weigh up such choices.

When I Disagree with the Doctor

With respect, I am not convinced surgery is the only way.
I have read about a newer treatment; is it an option for me?
I would like to consult another specialist before going ahead.
Disagreeing politely does not make me a difficult patient.
In the end, the doctor respected my decision to wait.

My Rights as a Patient

I am entitled to a copy of my full medical records.
Could you send the test results to my email as well?
I asked whether the follow-up could be done online.
Have you ever felt rushed out of a doctor's office?
Fifteen minutes is not enough when your health is on the line.

The Plan and Follow-up

We agreed on a plan: new medication and a check in three months.
I keep a log of my blood pressure every morning.
If the numbers do not improve, we will reconsider surgery.
Taking part in the decision made me stick to the plan.
A good doctor is a partner, not a judge.