Lesson 7: Healthcare & Pharmacy

Describe symptoms, make appointments, understand insurance, and pick up prescriptions.

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Goal: Communicate clearly with clinics and pharmacies; use common terms for symptoms, medications, refills, and insurance.

Symptoms & Appointments

  • “I’ve had a fever and a cough for two days.”
  • “I feel dizzy when I stand up quickly.”
  • “Is there a same-day appointment?”
  • “Is this covered by my insurance?”

Pharmacy & Insurance

  • “I’m here to pick up a prescription for [Name].”
  • “Can I get a refill?”
  • “Generic is fine.” (cheaper version)
  • “What’s my copay?”

Model Dialogue (Clinic & Pharmacy)

You:
Hi, I’d like to make a same-day appointment. I’ve had a fever and cough since Monday.
Receptionist:
We can see you at 3:15 p.m. Does that work?
You:
Yes, thank you. Is it covered by my insurance?
Receptionist:
There’s a $25 copay. Please bring your ID and insurance card.
— Later at the Pharmacy —
Hi, I’m picking up a prescription for Abel Kassa. Date of birth 02/15/1994.
Pharmacist:
We have amoxicillin ready. Would you like the generic?
You:
Yes, generic is fine. How often should I take it?
Pharmacist:
One pill, three times a day for seven days. Take with food. Any questions?

Audio coming when backend is ready.

Pronunciation Tips

“Prescription” /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/

Stress the second syllable: pre-SCRIP-tion.

“Pharmacy” /ˈfɑːrməsi/

American “r” in far-ma-see.

Dosage Rhythm

“Three times a day” → stress three and day for clarity.

Message: Appointment Request

Hello, I’d like a same-day appointment if possible. I’ve had a fever (101°F) and a cough since Monday. My insurance is BlueBird PPO. Thank you.

Refill Request

Hi, I’d like to request a refill for [Medication Name]. Pharmacy on file is FineRx on Main Street. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Micro-Practice

  1. Describe two symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
  2. Ask a pharmacist how to take your medication and if it has side effects.
  3. Call to request a refill; include your name, DOB, and pharmacy.

Quick Quiz

1) A “copay” is…




2) Natural phrase at pharmacy pickup:




3) “Generic is fine” means…




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