Reading Skills for Today's Adults

There are many reasons why people may need to call a doctor. Oftentimes people call to schedule an appointment. They may also call because they have questions about a medical issue or about a medication. All of these are good reasons to call a clinic or doctor’s office. 

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Most people have a regular doctor to call when they need medical help. If that is not the case, a nearby doctor can be found in the phone book, on the internet, or by contacting one’s health insurance company.

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Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, a clinic doctor should be called. It is important to call a doctor’s office to make an appointment, as opposed to simply showing up at the clinic. If a patient needs to be seen right away, a same-day appointment is a possibility. A typical call to the doctor may sound something like this:

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Receptionist: “Good Morning, Healthy Body Medical Center. My name is 

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Ann. How may I help you?

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Caller: “I think my daughter needs to see a doctor.”

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Ann: “Okay. What are the concerns you have about your child?”

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Caller: “She has had a sore throat and temperature for the last two days.”

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Ann: “Who is your daughter’s regular doctor?” 

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Caller: “Doctor Bryn.”

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Ann: “What is your daughter’s first and last name and date of birth?”

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Caller: “Kate Turk. She was born on May 8th, 1996.”

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Ann: “Thank you. Doctor Bryn could see Kate today at 2:00 p.m.”

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Caller: “That will work. See you at 2:00 p.m. Thank you.”

In some cases, a recorded message is the first thing a person hears when calling a medical clinic. You may be asked to make a numeric selection based on your reason for calling. Listen carefully so you know which number to press. When in doubt of whom to speak with, it is best to choose a receptionist. The receptionist can often schedule appointments and route calls to nurses and doctors.