47Making dates and
appointments
Conversation A: Making an appointment
with a doctor
Receptionist: Drs. Manning and Sharp. How can I help you?
Lisa: Hello. My name is Lisa Peterson. I’d like to make an appointment to see
Dr. Sharp, hopefully sometime next week.
Receptionist: And what is it you want to see him about?
Lisa: I need a complete physical for a new job I’m about to take.
Receptionist: Do you have a form that has to be filled out?
Lisa: Yes, I do—and it looks like I’ll need a pretty thorough exam.
Receptionist: Can you fax it to me? That way I’ll know how much time to allot for
your appointment.
Lisa: Sure. Can you give me your fax number?
Receptionist: It’s 202-739-5906.
Lisa: Good. I’ll fax it to you right away. Will you call me back when you get it?
Receptionist: Right.Later:Receptionist: Hello, Lisa. This is Dr. Sharp’s office. I see you’re going to need an
hour-long appointment, and Dr. Sharp won’t be able to do that for at least another
month. I could give you an appointment with Dr. Manning next Thursday, though,
at 1 p.m. Would you like to take that?
Lisa: Um... yes, that sounds fine. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the
exam?
Receptionist: Yes. I know this will be difficult, but you mustn’t eat or drink anything
after midnight the night before. I wish I could give you an appointment earlier in the
day, but we don’t have any other openings.
Lisa: OK. But if there is a cancellation earlier in the day, please let me know. I’d much
rather come in early in the morning.
Receptionist: Of course.
Lisa: Thanks very much. Good-bye.· 5 ·