Inquiring About Pre-Appointment Instructions
Asking the receptionist if there are any specific preparations needed before the appointment, such as fasting, bringing medical records, or what to bring.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
confirm
To confirm means to make sure something is true or correct, often by checking with someone. Use it when verifying appointments or plans, like 'I need to confirm my reservation.'
appointment
An appointment is a planned meeting at a specific time, such as with a doctor or vet. It's common in service situations: 'I have a dentist appointment tomorrow.'
fast
In this context, to fast means to not eat food for a period of time, often before medical tests. For pets or people: 'The dog needs to fast before the exam.'
blood work
Blood work refers to medical tests done on a sample of blood to check health. Useful in doctor or vet visits: 'The vet ordered blood work for the cat.'
medical records
Medical records are documents with a patient's health history, like treatments or tests. Bring them to new appointments: 'Please bring your medical records.'
vaccination
A vaccination is a shot given to prevent diseases, common for pets and people. Certificates prove it: 'The puppy needs its vaccination records.'
leash
A leash is a strap or chain to control a pet, like a dog, during walks. Essential for safety: 'Keep your dog on a leash in public.'
carrier
A carrier is a portable box or bag for transporting small pets safely. Use it for cats or small dogs: 'Put the cat in the carrier for the trip.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi, I'm calling to confirm Buster's check-up appointment for tomorrow at 10 AM.
This is a polite way to start a phone call for verification. Use 'I'm calling to' for stating the purpose. It's useful for confirming schedules; the structure includes time and details for clarity.
I just wanted to double-check if there's anything special we need to do to prepare.
'Double-check' means to verify again. This sentence asks for preparation instructions politely with 'if there's anything... to do.' Great for service calls; it shows caution and uses infinitive 'to prepare' after 'need.'
For a routine check-up, we generally recommend that Buster fasts for 8-12 hours before the appointment.
This gives advice using 'recommend that + subject + verb' for suggestions. 'Routine check-up' is common for regular health visits. Useful in medical contexts to explain preparations; 'generally' softens the advice.
Okay, got it. So no food after 10 PM tonight.
'Got it' is informal for understanding, like 'I understand.' This summarizes instructions. Use it in conversations to confirm; the 'so' connects to rephrase, helpful for clarity in instructions.
Should I bring his medical records, or do you have those on file?
This is a yes/no question with 'should I' for advice-seeking, and 'or' for alternatives. 'On file' means stored in records. Practical for appointments; teaches alternative questions to avoid assumptions.
We should have his past records here. However, if you have any recent vaccination certificates, it would be helpful to bring those along.
Uses 'should have' for expectation and 'however' for contrast. Conditional 'if you have... it would be helpful' politely suggests. Useful for giving options; shows polite language in service responses.
Just himself, on a leash or in a carrier, please.
'Just' emphasizes simplicity, with 'or' for choices. This instructs what to bring. Common in pet contexts; the 'please' adds politeness, teaching how to give clear, courteous directions.
Thanks so much for the clarification. See you tomorrow!
'Thanks so much' expresses strong gratitude, 'clarification' means making something clear. 'See you tomorrow' is a casual goodbye for future meetings. Ideal for ending calls; reinforces polite closings.