Words (Core Vocabulary)
- family doctor / GP / primary care provider (PCP) / nurse practitioner (NP)
- walk-in clinic / same-day clinic / urgent care / emergency department (ER)
- telehealth / virtual visit / phone consult / video appointment
- health card (provincial; e.g., BC Services Card) / coverage
- intake form / consent / privacy / ID
- time slot / availability / waitlist / callback window
- reason for visit / concern / symptoms / follow-up
- referral (to specialist) / requisition (for lab or imaging)
- no-show / late-cancellation policy
- pharmacy on file (for e-prescriptions)
Phrases (Book → attend → follow up)
Booking
- Hi, I’d like to book an appointment for [brief reason] this week.
- Is there a same-day or next-day time slot available?
- A phone or video visit works—what do you recommend?
Before the visit
- What ID do I need and is my health card required?
- Do I need a referral for this issue, or can primary care handle it?
During/after
- My main concern is [brief, specific]. It started on [date].
- Could you please send any prescriptions to [pharmacy name]?
- How will I get results and when should I follow up?
Changes
- Something came up—could we reschedule for a later time?
- I need to cancel—what’s your cancellation policy?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Booking call: Hi, I’d like to book a virtual visit for a cough that started Saturday. Any openings tomorrow?
- At check-in: I’ve brought my health card and ID; do you need an intake form?
- After visit: Thanks—please fax the lab requisition and send the prescription to Main Street Pharmacy.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Access & logistics
- book a same-day appointment
- join a waitlist
- confirm coverage
- bring your health card/ID
- complete the intake form
Clinical flow
- state the reason for visit
- describe symptoms briefly
- request a referral
- receive a requisition
- follow up on results
Changes
- reschedule with notice
- cancel to avoid a no-show fee
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Primary care is usually covered with a provincial health card; bring it to visits.
- Telehealth is common for non-emergencies; ER is for urgent or life-threatening issues.
- Many clinics e-send prescriptions to your pharmacy on file.
Emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Reason + timing: “My main concern is ear pain since Sunday; no fever.”
- Results plan: “How will I get results and when should I follow up if I don’t hear back?”
- Reschedule: “Could we move my appointment to tomorrow afternoon?”