Hi friends,
If you’re living in the U.S. and learning English, visiting the doctor might feel a little stressful. You might be wondering, “What if I don’t understand what the doctor says?” or “How do I explain what I’m feeling in English?”
Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you don’t need perfect English to take care of your health. In this post, I’ll walk you through simple and useful English phrases to help you speak confidently at the doctor’s office. I’ve also included real-life examples and common vocabulary. Let’s make your next doctor visit feel a little easier, together.
In the U.S., most doctor visits start with an appointment. You usually call the office or book online. Sometimes, if it’s urgent, you can go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room—but for everyday health problems, a regular appointment works best.
“Hi, I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Carter.”
“Do you have anything available this week?”
“I need to see a doctor—it’s not an emergency, but I’m not feeling well.”
“Can I come in tomorrow or the next day?”
Appointment – a time to meet with the doctor
Receptionist – the person who answers the phone at the doctor’s office
Urgent care – a walk-in clinic for minor emergencies
Available – open or free
You: Hi, I’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green.
Receptionist: Sure! What’s the reason for your visit?
You: I have a sore throat and a cough.
Receptionist: We have something open tomorrow at 10 a.m.
You: That works. Thank you!
➡️ Tip: Keep a short description of your symptoms ready before you call.
When you arrive at the doctor’s office, go to the front desk. Just say your name and appointment time. You might need to show your ID or health insurance card (if you have one). Sometimes they’ll ask you to fill out a short form with your name, address, and health history.
“Hi, I have an appointment with Dr. Lee at 2 p.m.”
“I’m here to see the doctor. My name is Maria Alvarez.”
“Do you need my ID or insurance card?”
➡️ Tip: If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to say, “Sorry, could you repeat that slowly, please?”
This part can feel tricky, but don’t worry—you don’t need big words. Just describe how you feel. Doctors are trained to listen and ask questions to help you explain.
“I have a pain in my back.”
“My stomach hurts.”
“I’ve had a headache since yesterday.”
“I’m feeling tired and dizzy.”
“I think I might have a fever.”
Ache – pain (headache, stomachache, backache)
Fever – body temperature is too high
Cough – you’re coughing a lot
Sore – painful (example: sore throat)
Doctor: What brings you in today?
You: I’ve had a sore throat and a mild fever for the past two days.
Doctor: Any cough or trouble breathing?
You: Yes, a little coughing, especially at night.
➡️ Tip: If you’re not sure about the word, just point to the body part and say, “It hurts here.”
Doctors in the U.S. usually speak clearly, but they might use some medical words. If you don’t understand something, it’s perfectly okay to ask them to repeat or explain.
“Sorry, could you explain that word?”
“I’m still learning English—can you say that more simply?”
“Can you please speak a little slower?”
“When did the symptoms start?”
“Have you taken any medication?”
“Are you allergic to any medicine?”
“Do you smoke or drink alcohol?”
➡️ Tip: Don’t feel embarrassed. Doctors see patients from all over the world, and they’re used to helping English learners.
If the doctor gives you a prescription, they’ll explain what to take and how often. Make sure to ask if anything is unclear.
“How many times a day should I take it?”
“Should I take this with food?”
“Are there any side effects?”
“Can I still go to work or school while taking this?”
Prescription – a note from the doctor for medicine
Pharmacy – the place where you get medicine
Dosage – how much medicine to take
Side effects – possible reactions (like feeling sleepy)
➡️ Tip: Ask the pharmacist (the person at the drugstore) to explain the label if you’re unsure how to take your medicine.
Before you leave, the doctor might give you:
Written instructions (called a “discharge summary” or “visit summary”)
A follow-up appointment
A referral to another doctor (like a specialist)
“Can I have a written summary, please?”
“Will you call me for the next appointment?”
“Do I need to come back again?”
➡️ Tip: Save your papers or take a photo of your visit summary so you don’t forget.
Here’s what a few learners like you shared with me:
💬 “I always bring a little notebook and write down my symptoms before I go. It helps me remember.” — Sofia, from Brazil
💬 “I downloaded a translation app just in case, but the nurse was really helpful and patient.” — Ahmed, from Egypt
💬 “I learned how to say ‘I have a headache’ from English with Janet, and it helped so much!” — Lin, from China
Your health is important, and language shouldn’t stand in the way of getting help. It’s okay to feel nervous, but remember: you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be clear. Doctors and nurses in the U.S. often work with people from different countries, and many are kind and patient.
Use the phrases and tips in this post to feel more confident next time you go to the doctor. And if you need help practicing medical English, I’ve got some resources and worksheets coming soon—so stay tuned!
You’ve got this 💪
Warm wishes,
Janet
Helping you feel confident in English, one conversation at a time
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