Contents
Visiting a doctor in an English-speaking country? Knowing the right phrases makes the experience much smoother. Below are 24 essential phrases — split between what the staff will say to you and what you can say as a patient — plus key medical terms you should recognize.
Phrases Used at the Doctor’s Office
Common Phrases Used by Staff
“Please have a seat in the waiting room.”
The receptionist says this when you arrive. Simply sit down and wait for your name to be called.
- Staff: “Good morning. Please have a seat in the waiting room. The doctor will be with you shortly.”
- You: “Thank you. About how long is the wait?”
“May I have your insurance card, please?”
The receptionist needs your insurance information for billing.
- Staff: “May I have your insurance card, please?”
- You: “Sure, here it is. Do I have a copay today?”
“Please fill out this paperwork.”
You’ll usually receive forms to complete with your medical history and personal details.
Staff: “Since this is your first visit, please fill out this paperwork. Let me know if you have any questions.”
“The doctor will be with you shortly.”
This means the doctor is slightly behind schedule but will see you soon.
Staff: “Dr. Patel is finishing up with another patient. She’ll be with you shortly.”
“How are you feeling today?”
A nurse or doctor will ask this to start gathering information about why you’re visiting.
- Nurse: “How are you feeling today?”
- You: “I’ve been having headaches for the past week.”
“Please follow me to the exam room.”
A nurse will guide you from the waiting area to the examination room.
Nurse: “Sarah? Please follow me to the exam room. I’ll take your blood pressure first.”
“Please undress and put on this gown.”
For physical examinations, you may need to change into a hospital gown.
Nurse: “Please undress and put on this gown. The opening goes in the back. The doctor will be in shortly.”
“The doctor would like to order some tests.”
This means the doctor needs additional information to determine your diagnosis.
Doctor: “I’d like to order some blood tests to check your iron levels. The lab is on the first floor.”
“Take these medications as directed.”
The doctor or pharmacist will explain how to use your prescribed medicine.
- Doctor: “Take these medications as directed — one tablet twice a day with food.”
- You: “Should I take them in the morning and evening?”
“The doctor will review your test results with you at your next appointment.”
Some results take time. You’ll discuss them at a follow-up visit.
Staff: “Your blood work will take about three days. The doctor will review your test results at your next appointment.”
“Please make a follow-up appointment with the front desk.”
Before leaving, you may need to schedule another visit.
Doctor: “I’d like to see you again in two weeks. Please make a follow-up appointment with the front desk.”
“Please call us if you experience any unusual symptoms.”
The staff wants you to contact them if anything concerning happens after your visit.
Nurse: “Please call us if you experience any unusual symptoms like fever or dizziness. Here’s our direct number.”
Common Phrases Used by Patients
“I have an appointment at [time].”
Use this when you arrive at the reception desk.
- You: “Hi, I have an appointment at 10 a.m. with Dr. Johnson.”
- Staff: “Yes, I see you here. Please have a seat.”
“I’m here for a follow-up visit.”
Use this when returning for a scheduled check-up.
You: “I’m here for a follow-up visit. I saw Dr. Lee two weeks ago about my knee.”
“I’m experiencing [symptoms].”
Describe your symptoms clearly and specifically.
- You: “I’m experiencing sharp pain in my lower back, especially when I bend over.”
- Doctor: “How long has this been going on?”
- You: “About five days.”
“I’m allergic to [medication].”
Always tell the doctor about your allergies before receiving any prescription.
- You: “I should mention — I’m allergic to penicillin. I get a rash.”
- Doctor: “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll prescribe an alternative.”
“I’ve been having a lot of pain in my [body part].”
A simple way to describe ongoing pain.
- You: “I’ve been having a lot of pain in my chest for the past three days.”
- Doctor: “Can you describe the pain? Is it sharp, dull, or burning?”
“Can you explain what’s going on?”
Ask this when you don’t understand the doctor’s explanation.
- You: “Can you explain what’s going on? I’m not sure I understood the diagnosis.”
- Doctor: “Of course. You have a mild ear infection. It should clear up with antibiotics.”
“What are my treatment options?”
Use this to understand all available treatments.
- You: “What are my treatment options? Are there alternatives to surgery?”
- Doctor: “We can try physical therapy first and see how you respond.”
“Are there any side effects I should be aware of?”
Always ask about potential side effects of medications.
- You: “Are there any side effects I should be aware of with this medication?”
- Doctor: “Some patients experience mild nausea. Take it with food to minimize that.”
“How long will it take to recover?”
Ask about the expected recovery timeline.
- You: “How long will it take to recover from this procedure?”
- Doctor: “Most patients feel back to normal within two to three weeks.”
“Can I do anything to prevent this from happening again?”
Ask for preventative advice.
- You: “Can I do anything to prevent this from happening again?”
- Doctor: “Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and try to reduce stress.”
“Can I please have a copy of my test results?”
You have the right to request your medical records.
- You: “Can I please have a copy of my test results? I’d like to keep them for my records.”
- Staff: “Sure, I’ll print those out for you.”
“What should I do to take care of myself at home?”
Ask for home care instructions before leaving.
- You: “What should I do to take care of myself at home?”
- Doctor: “Rest for the next 48 hours, apply ice to the area, and take ibuprofen for pain.”
Essential Medical Terms
If you hear these words at the doctor’s office, here’s what they mean:
Diagnosis — The process of identifying your condition based on symptoms and tests.
“After running some tests, the doctor gave me a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.”
Prescription — A written order from the doctor for medication. You take this to a pharmacy.
“The doctor wrote me a prescription for antibiotics.”
Prognosis — The doctor’s prediction of how your condition will progress.
“The prognosis is good — she should make a full recovery.”
Symptoms — The signs that indicate something is wrong (pain, fever, cough, etc.).
“What symptoms have you been experiencing?”
Referral — When your doctor sends you to see a specialist.
“I’ll give you a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.”
Over-the-counter (OTC) — Medicine you can buy without a prescription.
“For mild headaches, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen.”
Tips for Your Doctor’s Visit
Before the visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any medications you’re currently taking.
During the visit: Don’t be afraid to say “Can you explain that in simpler terms?” Doctors are used to this and happy to help.
After the visit: If you didn’t understand something, call the office and ask. You can say: “I had an appointment earlier today and I have a follow-up question about my medication.”
Practice these 24 phrases before your next appointment, and you’ll feel much more confident communicating with doctors and clinic staff in English.