Speaking English at the doctor’s office is an important skill for anyone living abroad, traveling, or learning English for everyday situations. Knowing how to describe symptoms, ask questions, and understand advice can make your visit easier and less stressful. Whether you’re seeing a general doctor, making an appointment, or discussing follow-up care, the right vocabulary helps you feel confident and prepared.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to speak English at the doctor’s office through real-life dialogues and useful phrases. Each conversation includes common medical terms, key vocabulary, and practical questions to help you understand medical conversations and feel more confident in healthcare settings.
English Conversations at the Doctor’s Office
Below are real-life doctor’s office dialogues with practical vocabulary, natural expressions, and common questions. Each includes a helpful word list to improve your medical English and speaking skills in health-related situations.
Dialogue 1: Making a Doctor’s Appointment by Phone
Receptionist: Good morning! Greenview Family Clinic — How may I assist you today?
Patient: Hi! I’d like to make an appointment to see a doctor.
Receptionist: Of course. Are you a returning patient or is this your first time with us?
Patient: I’ve been there a few times before. My last visit was about six months ago.
Receptionist: Great, I’ll pull up your file. What’s the reason for your visit?
Patient: I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather — kind of run-down. I’ve had a nagging cough, sore throat, and low energy. Mostly fatigue, really. I just want to get it checked out before it gets worse.
Receptionist: Of course. Have you had any fever or chills? Shortness of breath?
Patient: I had a mild fever yesterday and some body aches. No breathing issues, thankfully.
Receptionist: Okay. We have an opening tomorrow at 10:30 AM — would that work?
Patient: That works. Is Dr. Hassan available?
Receptionist: Let me check… Yes, she’s available at that time.
Patient: Perfect. I prefer to stick with her — she’s my go-to doctor.
Receptionist: No problem at all. Will you be using insurance?
Patient: Yes, I’m covered through CareWell. Same plan as before.
Receptionist: Got it. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID when you come in. We also ask patients to show up 10–15 minutes early to fill out a quick update form.
Patient: Sure thing. Do you know how much the co-pay is?
Receptionist: It should be $25 under your plan.
Patient: Good to know. Oh — just in case something comes up, what’s your cancellation policy?
Receptionist: We ask for 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Patient: Got it. Hopefully I won’t need to. Thanks a lot for your help — you’ve been great.
Receptionist: You’re welcome. We’ll see you tomorrow at 10:30. Take care!
Vocabulary & Phrases – Dialogue 1
| Expression / Word | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
| Make an appointment | Schedule a time to see a doctor |
| See a doctor | Visit a doctor for a medical reason |
| Under the weather | Feeling mildly sick |
| Get it checked out | Have a doctor examine a health issue |
| Pull up your file | Retrieve patient records |
| Opening | Available time slot |
| Go-to doctor | The doctor someone usually visits |
| Provider (insurance) | The company giving health coverage |
| Co-pay | Small fixed fee paid at the time of a medical visit |
| Health update form | Short form with your current medical info |
| Cancellation policy | Clinic rules about cancelling appointments |
| Show up | Arrive or be present for an appointment |
| Fill out | Complete a form or document |
| Reschedule | Change to a different time |
| Fatigue | Extreme tiredness |
| Run-down | Feeling weak, tired, or low on energy |
| Sore throat | Pain or irritation in the throat |
| Nagging cough | A persistent or ongoing cough |
| Body aches | Muscle/joint soreness often with illness |
Dialogue 2: Talking to the Doctor During a Check-Up
Doctor: Good morning! I’m Dr. Patel. What brings you in today?
Patient: Hi, Doctor. I haven’t been feeling like myself lately. I’ve been run-down, with some lingering fatigue and a sore throat that just won’t go away.
Doctor: I see. How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
Patient: It’s been about a week and a half. At first, I thought it was just a common cold, but it’s dragging on longer than usual.
Doctor: Got it. Any fever, body aches, or trouble breathing?
Patient: I had a low-grade fever a couple of nights ago and some mild body aches. No breathing issues, thankfully — just a stuffy nose and this annoying cough that’s hanging around.
Doctor: Have you had any changes in appetite or sleep?
Patient: Yeah, I’ve been off my food a bit. Nothing sounds good. And I’ve been tossing and turning at night — can’t seem to sleep through.
Doctor: That’s frustrating. Have you been under more stress than usual? Work, life, anything?
Patient: Yeah, actually. Work’s been hectic, and I’ve been burning the candle at both ends trying to meet a few deadlines.
Doctor: Sounds like your body’s telling you to slow down. Let me listen to your chest — deep breath in… and out. Again. Okay, no wheezing. That’s good.
Patient: That’s a relief. I was worried it might be something more serious, like bronchitis or worse.
Doctor: Well, it doesn’t sound like a chest infection, but I’ll keep an eye out. I’d like to check your throat and ears too. Say “ahh.”
Patient: Ahhh…
Doctor: A bit red, but nothing alarming. Have you taken anything for your symptoms?
Patient: Just some over-the-counter stuff — lozenges, decongestant, and the occasional ibuprofen when I feel achy.
Doctor: Good call. You’re managing it well. I think this might be viral — a case of post-viral fatigue or a mild upper respiratory infection. No antibiotics needed at this stage.
Patient: That’s a relief. So, just rest and fluids?
Doctor: Exactly. Stay hydrated, get some proper rest, and try to take it easy for a few days. A warm tea with honey might help soothe your throat too.
Patient: Will do. Should I come back if it doesn’t clear up?
Doctor: Yes, if things don’t improve in a week or so, or if symptoms get worse, definitely come back in. But right now, I’d say it just needs time.
Patient: Thanks, Doctor. I feel better just knowing what’s going on.
Doctor: You’re very welcome. Don’t hesitate to call if anything changes. Hope you’re back on your feet soon!
Vocabulary & Phrases – Dialogue 2
| Phrase / Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Run-down | Feeling tired, weak, or unwell |
| Under the weather | Not feeling well |
| Lingering fatigue | Tiredness that doesn’t go away easily |
| Sore throat | Pain or irritation in the throat |
| Low-grade fever | A mild fever (usually under 100.4°F / 38°C) |
| Body aches | General muscle or joint pain |
| Viral | Caused by a virus |
| Nagging cough | A persistent cough that won’t go away |
| Stuffy nose | Blocked or congested nose |
| Loss of appetite | Not feeling hungry |
| Tossing and turning | Having trouble sleeping; restlessness at night |
| Feel achy | Experience general body pain or discomfort |
| Check you out | Examine you to see what’s wrong |
| Drag on | Continue for longer than expected |
| Look out for | Watch carefully for signs or symptoms |
| Burning the candle at both ends | Overworking yourself without rest |
| Over-the-counter stuff | Medicine you can buy without a prescription |
| Lozenges | Small medicated candies for sore throats |
| Decongestant | Medicine that relieves nasal blockage |
| Stay hydrated | Drink enough water and fluids |
| Hectic | Very busy, chaotic, or stressful |
| Take it easy | Rest and avoid stress or overexertion |
| Get some proper rest | Sleep well and relax |
| Back on your feet | Healthy and active again after being sick |
| Go-to doctor | The doctor you usually trust and visit |
| Soothe | Ease or reduce discomfort or pain |
Dialogue 3: Describing Symptoms During the Appointment
Doctor: Good morning. What seems to be the trouble today?
Patient: Hi, Doctor. I’ve been feeling pretty lousy lately — kind of run-down and achy all over. It started with a tickle in my throat and now it’s turned into a persistent cough.
Doctor: How long has it been going on?
Patient: About four days now. I’ve also had chills on and off, plus I’ve been burning up at night. I’m constantly sweating, but then I feel cold again.
Doctor: Sounds like a possible viral infection. Have you taken your temperature?
Patient: Yeah — it was hovering around 100.8°F yesterday evening. I’ve also been super congested, and I can’t seem to shake this sinus pressure. My head feels foggy.
Doctor: Have you experienced any nausea, loss of appetite, or digestive issues?
Patient: My stomach’s been a bit off. I’ve had some queasiness, and I’ve barely eaten the last couple of days. Just nibbling here and there.
Doctor: I see. Any shortness of breath or tightness in your chest?
Patient: Not really shortness of breath, but I do feel winded faster than usual. Even walking up a flight of stairs leaves me a little breathless.
Doctor: Okay. Are you currently taking any medication or supplements?
Patient: Just some over-the-counter stuff — cough syrup, lozenges, and I’ve been sipping warm lemon water and ginger tea nonstop.
Doctor: That’s good for soothing the throat. Do you smoke or have any known allergies?
Patient: Nope, I’m a non-smoker and no known allergies. But my nose won’t stop running, and my voice keeps cracking — I sound awful.
Doctor: Your symptoms suggest it could be a viral upper respiratory infection, possibly a seasonal flu or a bad cold. I’ll run a quick rapid flu test and check your oxygen saturation. I’d also like to listen to your chest and sinuses.
Patient: Sounds good. I just don’t want it to drag on — I’ve got work piling up and can’t afford to be out all week.
Doctor: I totally understand. Let’s nip this in the bud. I’ll prescribe something to help break up the mucus, and recommend rest and fluids. If it doesn’t improve in 2–3 days, or you spike a higher fever, come back in for a follow-up.
Patient: Thanks, I appreciate that. Can I get a note for my employer, just in case?
Doctor: Of course. I’ll print one out for you. And if your symptoms take a turn for the worse, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Patient: Will do. Thanks for being so thorough, Doctor.
Doctor: My pleasure — feel better soon!
Vocabulary & Phrases – Dialogue 3
| Phrase / Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Feeling lousy | Feeling unwell or sick |
| Run-down | Physically or mentally exhausted |
| Tickled throat | Slight irritation in the throat (early sign of illness) |
| Persistent cough | A cough that continues and doesn’t go away |
| On and off | Happening occasionally, not constantly |
| Burning up | Feeling very hot due to fever |
| Viral infection | Illness caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu |
| Chills | Feeling cold or shivering (often with fever) |
| Congested | Blocked nose; difficulty breathing through nose |
| Sinus pressure | Pain or heaviness in the facial sinuses |
| Head feels foggy | Difficulty thinking clearly; groggy |
| My stomach’s been a bit off | Informal way to say your stomach feels unwell |
| Queasiness | Feeling of slight nausea |
| Nibbling | Eating small amounts; not a full appetite |
| Winded | Out of breath |
| OTC / Over-the-counter meds | Medicine available without a prescription |
| Lozenges | Medicated tablets for sore throat |
| Soothe the throat | Make the throat feel more comfortable |
| Drag on | Last longer than expected |
| Nip (something) in the bud | Stop something early before it gets worse |
| Prescribe | Officially recommend medication or treatment |
| Break up mucus | Thin out mucus to make coughing it up easier |
| Take a turn for the worse | Suddenly get worse |
| Be thorough | Do something carefully and completely |
| Experience nausea | Feeling like you might vomit |
