What to say when you call or visit to schedule an appointment
When you call a doctor's office or clinic in Spanish, start with "Quisiera hacer una cita" (I would like to make an appointment). The person answering will ask you questions about why you need to see the doctor, when you are available, and your insurance information. Have your insurance card or patient ID number ready before you call.
If you are calling a hospital or large clinic, you may reach an automated system first. Listen for the option to press a number for Spanish-language service — this is usually marked as "Presione 2 para español" or similar. If you get stuck, say "Operador" (operator) to reach a live person who speaks Spanish.
Write down the appointment date, time, and location before you hang up. Ask the staff member to repeat it back to you, and ask what documents or insurance cards you need to bring. If you do not understand something, say "¿Puede repetir, por favor?" (Can you repeat that, please?) or "No entiendo" (I don't understand).
Key Takeaways
- Start with "Quisiera hacer una cita" when calling to schedule, and have your insurance information ready before you call.
- Many phone systems offer Spanish-language options — listen for "Presione 2 para español" or ask for an operator who speaks Spanish.
- Write down your appointment date, time, location, and what to bring, and ask the staff member to repeat the details back to you.
- Common medical appointment words in Spanish include "doctor" (doctor), "enfermera" (nurse), "farmacia" (pharmacy), and "receta" (prescription).
- If you do not understand, ask the staff member to repeat or speak more slowly — say "¿Puede repetir?" or "Más lentamente, por favor."
Words and phrases for describing your symptoms
When the doctor or nurse asks why you need an appointment, you will need to describe what is wrong. Start with "Me duele" (It hurts me) or "Tengo" (I have) followed by the symptom. For example: "Me duele la cabeza" (I have a headache), "Tengo fiebre" (I have a fever), or "Tengo tos" (I have a cough).
Other common symptoms to know: "Náusea" (nausea), "Vómito" (vomiting), "Diarrea" (diarrhea), "Estreñimiento" (constipation), "Mareo" (dizziness), "Fatiga" (fatigue), and "Dolor de garganta" (sore throat). If you have had the symptom for a while, say "Desde hace [number] días" — for example, "Desde hace tres días" means "for three days."
The doctor may ask "¿Cuándo empezó?" (When did it start?) or "¿Qué lo hace peor?" (What makes it worse?). You can answer with the day or time, or describe what activity or food made the symptom worse. If you need to say the pain is severe, use "Dolor fuerte" or "Muy grave" (very serious).
Insurance and payment questions at the appointment desk
When you arrive at the appointment, the front desk staff will ask for your insurance card and photo ID. Have both ready. They may ask "¿Cuál es su número de póliza?" (What is your policy number?) or "¿Tiene seguro?" (Do you have insurance?). If you do not have insurance, say "No tengo seguro" (I don't have insurance).
The staff may also ask about your medical history or whether anything has changed since your last visit. Common questions include "¿Toma algún medicamento?" (Do you take any medication?) and "¿Tiene alergias?" (Do you have allergies?). If you take medication, have the bottle or a list of the names and doses ready. If you have allergies, be clear about what you are allergic to — for example, "Soy alérgico a la penicilina" (I am allergic to penicillin).
Ask about cost if you are unsure: "¿Cuánto cuesta la visita?" (How much does the visit cost?) or "¿Cuál es mi copago?" (What is my copay?). Many clinics offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income, so ask if that is an option.
What to expect during the appointment itself
The nurse will take your vital signs — blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and weight. They may ask "¿Cuál es su peso?" (What is your weight?) or straightforward measure you. The doctor will then come in and ask about your symptoms in more detail. They may examine you and order tests like blood work or an X-ray.
If the doctor orders a test, they will explain what it is and why. Common tests include "análisis de sangre" (blood test), "radiografía" (X-ray), and "ultrasonido" (ultrasound). Ask where to go for the test and when you need to have it done. If you do not understand the doctor's explanation, ask "¿Puede explicar de otra manera?" (Can you explain it another way?).
At the end of the visit, the doctor may give you a prescription. This is called a "receta". Ask where to fill it and whether there are generic options that cost less. The doctor may also give you instructions about rest, diet, or follow-up care — write these down or ask for written instructions in Spanish if possible.
Scheduling a follow-up appointment and getting your records
Before you leave, ask if you need a follow-up appointment. Say "¿Necesito otra cita?" (Do I need another appointment?). If yes, the front desk will schedule it for you. Ask for a written confirmation with the date, time, and location.
You may also want copies of your medical records or test results. Ask "¿Puedo obtener una copia de mis resultados?" (Can I get a copy of my results?) or "¿Puedo obtener mis registros médicos?" (Can I get my medical records?). Some offices charge a small fee for copies, and it may take a few days to prepare them. Ask when they will be ready and how you can pick them up or have them sent to another doctor.
Using a medical interpreter or translation service
If you are not comfortable speaking Spanish during your appointment, you have the right to a medical interpreter. Many clinics and hospitals offer free interpretation services. When you call to schedule, say "Necesito un intérprete" (I need an interpreter) or "¿Tienen un intérprete en español?" (Do you have a Spanish-language interpreter?). Tell them you speak Spanish and ask if they can arrange one for your appointment.
Some offices use video or phone interpreters who join the appointment remotely. Others have staff interpreters on site. Either way, the interpreter is there to help you and the doctor understand each other — they are not there to judge or share your information. Everything you say is confidential.
If the office does not offer interpretation, you can bring a family member or friend to interpret for you. However, medical staff may prefer a professional interpreter for complex health information. Ask what the office recommends.
Common appointment-related words and phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Appointment | Cita |
| Doctor | Doctor / Médico |
| Nurse | Enfermera |
| Pharmacy | Farmacia |
| Prescription | Receta |
| Insurance | Seguro |
| Copay | Copago |
| Blood test | Análisis de sangre |
| X-ray | Radiografía |
| Follow-up | Seguimiento |
| Allergy | Alergia |
| Fever | Fiebre |
| Pain | Dolor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I don't understand what the doctor is saying?
Stop the doctor and ask them to repeat or explain in simpler words. Say "No entiendo" (I don't understand), "¿Puede repetir?" (Can you repeat?), or "Más lentamente, por favor" (More slowly, please). You can also ask for written instructions or diagrams. Do not pretend to understand if you do not — your health depends on clear communication.
Can I bring someone to interpret for me if the office doesn't have a Spanish-speaking staff member?
Yes, you can bring a family member or friend. However, medical offices may prefer a professional interpreter for accuracy, especially for complex health information. When you call to schedule, ask what the office recommends and whether they can arrange a professional interpreter at no cost to you.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Call the office as soon as possible and say "Necesito cancelar mi cita" (I need to cancel my appointment) or "Necesito cambiar mi cita" (I need to reschedule my appointment). Give them your name and the date of your appointment. Ask if there is a cancellation fee — many offices do not charge if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
How do I ask about the cost of my visit before I go?
Call the office and ask "¿Cuánto cuesta una visita?" (How much does a visit cost?) or "¿Cuál es mi copago?" (What is my copay?). If you do not have insurance, ask about payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Many community health centers offer reduced-cost care.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of any medications you take. If you have had recent test results or medical records from another doctor, bring those too. Write down your symptoms and when they started so you do not forget to mention them. Bring a pen and paper to write down the doctor's instructions.