Words (Core Vocabulary)
- dental: exam / cleaning / hygienist / x-rays / filling / crown / root canal
- vision: optometrist / eye exam / prescription / frames / lenses / contacts
- allied health: physiotherapy / massage therapy (RMT) / chiropractic / occupational therapy / dietitian / speech therapy / acupuncture
- treatment plan / referral / session / follow-up
- benefits plan / direct billing / claim / receipt / itemized statement
- coverage limit / deductible / co-pay / pre-authorization
Phrases (Book → receive care → claim)
Booking
- I’d like to book a dental exam and cleaning—any evening appointments?
- Do you direct bill my benefits plan, or should I pay and submit?
During visit
- Could you explain the treatment plan and cost estimate?
- For physio, do I need a referral, or can I self-refer?
Receipts & claims
- Could I get an itemized receipt with procedure codes for insurance?
- Please include my diagnosis code if required for physio.
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Dental desk: Exam and cleaning, please; x-rays if due. Do you have direct billing?
- Optometry: I need an eye exam and a contact lens fitting—what’s the fee?
- Physio: Post-injury knee pain—twice weekly sessions for four weeks; please print the treatment plan.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Access & coverage
- confirm benefits coverage
- request direct billing
- ask for a cost estimate
- submit a claim
Care & planning
- book a cleaning / exam
- update a prescription
- follow a treatment plan
- schedule follow-ups
Documentation
- provide an itemized receipt
- include procedure/diagnosis codes
- retain records for reimbursement
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Dental and vision are often not covered by provincial plans for most adults; many use employer benefits.
- Some allied health providers direct bill; others require pay-then-claim.
- Referrals may or may not be required—ask the clinic.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Estimate: “Could you provide a written estimate for the crown before we proceed?”
- Billing: “Do you direct bill Sun Life, or should I pay and submit?”
- Receipt: “Please include procedure codes on the receipt for my claim.”