How to See a Doctor or Visit a Pharmacy in English

When you travel or live abroad, there may come a time when you need to visit a doctor or go to a pharmacy. Health issues can be stressful, and they become even more challenging when you don’t know how to explain your symptoms or understand instructions in English. This guide will teach you useful vocabulary, expressions, and real-life conversations that will help you feel confident when seeking medical help in English-speaking situations.

1. Preparing for a Doctor’s Visit

Before you go to the doctor, it helps to prepare a few important details:

• Basic personal information: your name, age, nationality.

• Medical history: allergies, past surgeries, chronic conditions.

• Current symptoms: what you feel and how long you’ve felt it.

• Medications: names of any medicine you are taking.

Useful phrases:

• “I would like to see a doctor, please.”

• “I need to make an appointment.”

• “I don’t feel well. Can I see a doctor today?”

• “I have a medical emergency.”

If you are calling or speaking with a receptionist, be polite and clear:

• “Hello, I’d like to book an appointment with a doctor.”

• “Do you have any available time today or tomorrow?”

• “Is there a general practitioner available?”

2. At the Doctor’s Office

When you arrive, you will usually check in at the reception.

Reception conversation example:

• You: “Hello, I have an appointment at 10 a.m. with Dr. Smith.”

• Receptionist: “May I have your name, please?”

• You: “My name is Maria Lopez.”

• Receptionist: “Please have a seat. The doctor will see you soon.”

If you don’t have an appointment, you can say:

• “I don’t have an appointment, but I’d like to see a doctor today if possible.”

3. Explaining Your Symptoms

The most important part of visiting a doctor is describing your symptoms clearly. Doctors often ask:

• “What seems to be the problem?”

• “How long have you felt this way?”

• “Have you had this before?”

• “Do you have any allergies?”

Useful vocabulary for symptoms:

• Pain: headache, stomachache, sore throat, back pain.

• Fever: “I have a fever” / “I feel hot and cold.”

• Cough: dry cough, wet cough.

• Nausea: “I feel sick to my stomach.”

• Dizziness: “I feel dizzy.”

• Fatigue: “I’m very tired.”

Examples:

• “I have had a headache for three days.”

• “I feel pain in my chest when I breathe.”

• “I can’t sleep well because of my cough.”

4. Common Questions the Doctor May Ask

Doctors may ask you about lifestyle and history:

• “Do you smoke or drink alcohol?”

• “Are you taking any medication?”

• “Do you have any chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?”

• “Is there a history of illness in your family?”

How to answer:

• “I don’t smoke, but I drink occasionally.”

• “Yes, I take medicine for high blood pressure.”

• “No, there is no family history of heart disease.”

5. Understanding the Doctor’s Instructions

Doctors will give you advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some common expressions include:

• “You need to rest and drink plenty of fluids.”

• “I will prescribe some antibiotics.”

• “Please take this medicine twice a day after meals.”

• “You should come back in a week for a follow-up.”

• “If the pain gets worse, go to the emergency room.”

Always repeat the instructions to make sure you understood:

• “So I should take this pill twice a day with food, correct?”

• “You want me to come back next week, right?”

6. Visiting a Pharmacy

Pharmacies are where you can buy medicine, either with a prescription or over the counter.

Useful phrases:

• “I need to fill this prescription.”

• “Do you have medicine for a cold?”

• “Can you recommend something for a sore throat?”

• “I’m looking for painkillers.”

• “Is this available without a prescription?”

Conversation example:

• You: “Hello, I need to fill this prescription, please.”

• Pharmacist: “Sure. It will take about 10 minutes.”

• You: “Thank you. Also, can I buy something for a cough?”

• Pharmacist: “Yes, we have syrup and tablets. Do you want non-drowsy or nighttime?”

• You: “Non-drowsy, please.”

7. Common Pharmacy Vocabulary

• Prescription medicine: drugs you need a doctor’s approval to buy.

• Over-the-counter medicine (OTC): medicine you can buy without a prescription.

• Dosage: how much medicine to take.

• Side effects: possible problems from the medicine (drowsiness, nausea).

• Generic medicine: cheaper version of the same medicine.

Phrases:

• “What is the dosage for this medicine?”

• “Are there any side effects I should know about?”

• “Can I take this with food?”

• “Is there a cheaper generic version?”

8. Emergency Situations

If you need urgent help, use these phrases:

• “I need help immediately.”

• “Call an ambulance!”

• “I have severe chest pain.”

• “I cannot breathe.”

• “My friend has fainted.”

In hospitals, emergency rooms may ask:

• “What happened?”

• “When did the symptoms start?”

• “Is the patient conscious?”

Be ready to give short, clear answers.

9. Tips for Clear Communication

1. Keep it simple: Use basic words like “pain,” “hurt,” “sick” if you forget advanced terms.

2. Use body language: Point to the part of your body that hurts.

3. Write it down: If it’s hard to pronounce, show it on paper.

4. Ask to repeat: “Could you please say that again slowly?”

5. Confirm instructions: Repeat the dosage and schedule to avoid mistakes.

10. Practice Dialogue

Doctor Visit Example:

• Doctor: “What brings you in today?”

• You: “I have had stomach pain since yesterday.”

• Doctor: “Have you eaten anything unusual?”

• You: “Yes, I ate street food two nights ago.”

• Doctor: “You may have food poisoning. I’ll prescribe medicine. Take it three times a day after meals.”

• You: “Okay, three times a day after meals. Thank you, doctor.”

Pharmacy Example:

• You: “Do you have anything for allergies?”

• Pharmacist: “Yes, we have antihistamine tablets. They may cause drowsiness.”

• You: “Is there a non-drowsy option?”

• Pharmacist: “Yes, this one. Take one tablet every 24 hours.”

• You: “Great, I’ll take it.”

Conclusion

Visiting a doctor or going to a pharmacy in English doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing your information, using clear phrases, and asking questions, you can make sure you get the right care. Remember to describe your symptoms simply, confirm instructions, and don’t be afraid to ask the doctor or pharmacist to repeat or explain slowly. Health is important, and being able to communicate in English will help you feel safer and more confident when you need medical help.

Medical disclaimer: The information below is for learning everyday English only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency, call your local emergency number and seek immediate care.

How can I book a doctor’s appointment in English?

Use a simple, polite script. For phone calls: “Hello, I’d like to make an appointment with a doctor. My name is ____. I have (headache/fever/stomach pain). Do you have any time today or tomorrow?” In person: “Good morning, I’d like to see a doctor, please. I don’t have an appointment. Is a walk-in possible?” Always confirm details: “So my appointment is on Tuesday at 10 a.m., with Dr. Lee, correct?”

What information should I prepare before my visit?

Prepare: your full name and date of birth; ID and insurance details (if any); allergies (e.g., “I’m allergic to penicillin”); current medications and dosages; medical history (diabetes, asthma, surgery dates). It helps to write a short symptom summary: when it started, how often it happens, what makes it better or worse, and any recent travel or new foods. Bring a list in English to save time and reduce stress.

What should I say at reception when I arrive?

Try this: “Hello, I have an appointment at 10 a.m. with Dr. Smith. Here is my ID and insurance card.” If you’re a walk-in: “Hi, I don’t have an appointment, but I feel unwell. Is there a doctor available today?” Ask about wait time and forms: “How long is the wait?” “Do I need to fill out any forms?” If you need help understanding a form: “Could you please explain this section?”

How do I describe symptoms clearly in English?

Use short, specific sentences and timelines. For example: “I’ve had a fever for two days (38.5°C). I have a dry cough and a sore throat. The pain is on the left side of my chest when I breathe deeply.” Share triggers and patterns: “The headache is worse in the morning.” If helpful, use a pain scale: “On a scale of 0 to 10, my pain is 7.” Point to the exact body part to clarify.

What questions will the doctor likely ask me?

Expect: “When did this start?” “Have you had this before?” “Any allergies?” “Are you taking medication?” “Do you smoke or drink alcohol?” “Recent travel?” Answer honestly but briefly. Examples: “It started three days ago,” “I’m allergic to shellfish,” “I take 5 mg of amlodipine daily,” “I don’t smoke and I rarely drink.” If you’re unsure, say, “I’m not sure,” rather than guessing.

How can I ask the doctor to slow down or repeat?

Use polite, direct requests: “Could you please speak more slowly?” “Would you mind repeating that?” “Could you explain that in simpler words?” “May I write this down to be sure I understand?” You can also summarize to confirm: “So I should take one tablet twice a day after meals, correct?” Doctors appreciate clarity and will usually adjust their pace.

What’s the difference between a clinic, urgent care, and the emergency room?

Clinic/GP (general practitioner): For non-urgent issues (colds, mild rashes, prescription refills). Urgent care: For problems that need same-day attention but are not life-threatening (stitches, sprains, moderate fever). Emergency room: For life-threatening symptoms (severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, stroke signs). If unsure, call ahead and describe your symptoms to get guidance.

How do I ask about costs and insurance coverage?

Useful lines: “How much will the consultation cost?” “Is this covered by my insurance?” “Are there any additional fees for tests or labs?” “Can you provide an itemized receipt?” If money is tight: “Is there a lower-cost option or a generic medication?” Always confirm before treatment: “Could you estimate the total cost today?”

How do I get and use a prescription?

After the doctor prescribes medication, you might receive a paper script or an electronic prescription sent to a pharmacy. At the pharmacy say: “I’d like to fill a prescription for (your name and date of birth).” When you receive the medicine, ask: “How many times a day should I take this?” “With or without food?” “For how many days?” “What are the common side effects?” Keep the label and follow the instructions carefully.

What is “over-the-counter” (OTC) medicine?

OTC medicines do not require a prescription (e.g., pain relievers, cough syrups, antihistamines). Ask the pharmacist: “Could you recommend something over the counter for a sore throat?” “Is this non-drowsy?” “Is it safe with my current medication?” If you have a health condition (like high blood pressure), confirm suitability: “Is this safe for someone with hypertension?”

How do I request a generic or cheaper alternative?

Pharmacists can often provide a lower-cost generic equivalent. Ask: “Is there a generic version of this medication?” “What’s the price difference?” “Is the dosage the same?” Generics contain the same active ingredient and dose but may have different brand names or packaging. If cost is still high, ask about discount programs or smaller quantities until your next appointment.

What should I do if I’m worried about side effects or interactions?

Ask before you leave: “What side effects are common?” “When should I stop the medicine and call a doctor?” “Can I take this with ibuprofen/coffee/alcohol?” If side effects appear, use clear language: “I feel very dizzy after taking the capsule,” “I developed a rash on my arms.” For severe reactions (trouble breathing, swelling of face/lips), seek emergency care immediately.

How can I get a refill or continue long-term medication?

Say: “I need a refill of my prescription.” Provide the medication name, dose, and pharmacy. If your prescription expired: “My prescription has no refills. Can the doctor renew it?” For chronic conditions, schedule regular checkups and bring your medication list. If you’re traveling, ask for an extended supply: “Could I have a 90-day supply for travel?”

How do I ask for a medical certificate or sick note?

Use straightforward wording: “Could you please provide a medical certificate/sick note for my employer/school?” Confirm dates and restrictions: “Please include that I should rest for two days,” or “I should avoid heavy lifting for one week.” Before leaving, check that your name, dates, and recommendations are correct.

What if I need an interpreter or language support?

Ask in advance if possible: “Do you have an interpreter available for my appointment?” At reception: “Could someone help translate? I speak (Japanese/Spanish/etc.).” If no interpreter is available, request plain language: “Could you please use simple terms?” Bring a short bilingual list of symptoms and allergies, and consider translation apps for non-sensitive information.

How do I explain pain, frequency, and duration clearly?

Use patterns and numbers: “Sharp pain,” “dull ache,” “burning sensation.” Frequency: “It happens three to four times a day,” “It wakes me up at night.” Duration: “It started last Friday,” “It lasts 20–30 minutes each time.” Triggers/relief: “Worse after eating spicy food,” “Better with rest.” These details help doctors decide on tests and treatment.

What should I bring to the pharmacy if I lost my prescription?

Bring your ID and the medication details (name, dose, doctor’s name, clinic). Say: “I lost my prescription. Is it possible to contact my doctor for confirmation?” Some places can call your clinic to verify or may require a new appointment. Keep a digital photo of your prescriptions and medication labels for future reference.

How can I safely take multiple medicines?

Show the pharmacist your complete list: prescription drugs, OTC items, vitamins, and herbal products. Ask: “Are there interactions between these?” “Should I separate doses?” Use one pharmacy when possible so they can check for conflicts. Create a schedule: morning, noon, evening, bedtime. If you miss a dose, ask: “Should I take it now or wait for the next dose?”

What phrases help in true emergencies?

Use direct, urgent language: “I need help now.” “Please call an ambulance.” “Severe chest pain,” “I can’t breathe,” “My child is having a seizure,” “Uncontrolled bleeding.” Provide essentials: allergies, medications, and time of onset (“It started 10 minutes ago”). If alone, show emergency ID or a medical alert on your phone lock screen.

How do I politely end the visit and confirm next steps?

Summarize actions: “So I will take one tablet twice a day for seven days, drink plenty of water, and return next Monday for a follow-up. Is that correct?” Ask for written instructions and a receipt: “Could you write the dosage and precautions?” “May I have an itemized invoice?” Thank the staff: “Thank you for your help today.”

What practical communication tips reduce mistakes?

Speak slowly, use simple words, and avoid slang. Bring a written list and photos (rashes, swollen areas) if appropriate. Repeat instructions back to the doctor or pharmacist. Ask for measurements in units you understand (mg, ml, teaspoons). Keep medication labels; don’t mix pills in unlabeled containers. When in doubt, ask again—clear understanding is part of safe care.

Can you give a short sample script for the pharmacy?

You: “Hello, I’d like to fill a prescription for Maria Lopez, date of birth May 2, 1994.”
Pharmacist: “Please wait 10 minutes.”
You: “Could you explain the dosage and side effects? Is there a generic option?”
Pharmacist: “Take one capsule every 12 hours after food. Common side effects include mild nausea.”
You: “Thank you. If I feel dizzy, should I stop and call my doctor?”
Pharmacist: “Yes, call your doctor if dizziness is severe or persistent.”

Remember: Clear, simple English, polite questions, and careful confirmation will help you get the care and medicine you need safely.

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