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Payment and Scheduling Follow-up

Paying the bill for the veterinary services and, if necessary, scheduling a follow-up appointment or next check-up.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Veterinary Assistant (Female)
Hi Mr. Thompson, Dr. Lee says Luna's check-up went great! She's all set. Are you ready to check out?
2
Pet Owner (Male)
That's wonderful news! Yes, I am. What's the total for today?
3
Veterinary Assistant (Female)
Okay, let me pull that up for you. For the check-up and her annual vaccinations, the total is $125. Would you like to pay with card or cash?
4
Pet Owner (Male)
I'll pay with card, please. And what about her next check-up? When should we bring her in again?
5
Veterinary Assistant (Female)
Alright. For her general wellness, we recommend an annual check-up, so roughly the same time next year. I can set up a reminder for you, or we can schedule it now if you prefer.
6
Pet Owner (Male)
A reminder would be great, thank you. I'm not sure what my schedule looks like that far out. Also, is there anything special I need to do for her in the next few days after the vaccines?
7
Veterinary Assistant (Female)
Just keep an eye on her for any mild lethargy or soreness at the injection site, but usually, they're fine. If anything seems really off, don't hesitate to call us. Here's your receipt.
8
Pet Owner (Male)
Got it. Thanks so much for everything, and please tell Dr. Lee we appreciate it. Have a great day!
9
Veterinary Assistant (Female)
You're very welcome, Mr. Thompson! You too. See you next time!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

check-up

A routine medical examination to ensure good health, often used for pets or people. In this dialogue, it refers to Luna's veterinary visit.

vaccinations

Injections given to prevent diseases. For pets, annual vaccinations protect against common illnesses like rabies.

total

The complete amount or sum, especially for a bill. Here, it's the final cost of services: 'the total is $125.'

annual

Happening once a year. In pet care, an annual check-up means visiting the vet every year for wellness.

reminder

Something that helps you remember an event, like a phone alert or email. Useful for scheduling future appointments.

lethargy

A feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. In the dialogue, it's a possible mild side effect after vaccinations.

soreness

Mild pain or tenderness, often at an injury or injection site. Pets might show this after getting a shot.

receipt

A document proving payment for services or goods. Always keep it for records, like after paying a vet bill.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Are you ready to check out?

This polite question means 'Are you ready to pay the bill and leave?' It's useful at the end of services like doctor or vet visits. The phrase 'check out' is common in American English for completing a transaction.

What's the total for today?

A direct way to ask for the final bill amount. Use this when paying for services. 'Total' refers to the sum, and 'for today' specifies the current visit, making it clear and practical.

Would you like to pay with card or cash?

This offers payment choices politely using 'would you like' for courtesy. It's a common question in stores or clinics. Grammar note: It's a yes/no question with alternatives, helpful for service interactions.

When should we bring her in again?

Asks about the timing for a follow-up visit. 'Bring her in' means to take the pet to the vet. Useful for scheduling; 'we' includes the family, showing politeness in pet care contexts.

I can set up a reminder for you, or we can schedule it now if you prefer.

Offers options for future planning. 'Set up' means to arrange, and 'if you prefer' shows flexibility. This sentence demonstrates conditional choices, great for customer service or appointments.

Keep an eye on her for any mild lethargy or soreness at the injection site.

Gives advice to monitor symptoms after treatment. 'Keep an eye on' is an idiom meaning 'watch carefully.' Useful for post-care instructions; 'mild' softens the concern, common in medical advice.

If anything seems really off, don't hesitate to call us.

Encourages contacting if problems arise. 'Seems off' means appears wrong, informal and reassuring. 'Don't hesitate' urges action without delay. Practical for health scenarios to build trust.

Thanks so much for everything, and please tell Dr. Lee we appreciate it.

A polite way to express gratitude at the end of a service. 'Thanks so much' emphasizes thanks, and 'we appreciate it' shows group appreciation. Use this to end interactions warmly.