Calling the Clinic About Test Results

Scene: Maria had blood work done last week. She is calling the clinic because she hasn’t heard back yet. Nurse Patel answers.

Conversation

Maria dials the clinic number and waits through the automated menu.

NURSE PATEL: Hello, this is Nurse Patel. How can I help you?

MARIA: Hi, my name is Maria Santos. I had blood work done last Thursday, and I’m calling to check my results.

NURSE PATEL: Hello, Ms. Santos. Let me look that up for you. Can I have your date of birth to verify your identity?

MARIA: Of course. It’s July 2nd, 1990.

NURSE PATEL: Thank you. I can see your lab results here. They came in yesterday afternoon.

MARIA: Oh good. I was getting worried because nobody called me.

NURSE PATEL: I understand. We usually call within three to five business days, so you’re right on time.

MARIA: So… is everything normal?

NURSE PATEL: Mostly, yes. Your cholesterol is a little high, but the rest of your results look fine.

MARIA: What does that mean exactly? Is it serious?

NURSE PATEL: It’s not an emergency, but Dr. Adams would like you to watch your diet and get more exercise. She’ll discuss it with you at your follow-up visit.

MARIA: I don’t have a follow-up visit scheduled. Should I make one?

NURSE PATEL: Yes, please. I recommend coming in within the next month so the doctor can go over everything with you.

MARIA: Okay, I’ll schedule that today. Do I need to do anything before then?

NURSE PATEL: Try to cut back on fried foods and sugary drinks. Also, a thirty-minute walk a few times a week would help a lot.

MARIA: I can do that. Will I need another blood test?

NURSE PATEL: Probably in about three months, so we can check whether the numbers are improving.

MARIA: That makes sense. Can you also send a copy of the results to me?

NURSE PATEL: Absolutely. I can mail them to you, or you can view them in our online patient portal.

MARIA: The online portal sounds easier. How do I sign up?

NURSE PATEL: I’ll send an invitation link to the email we have on file. You’ll create a password, and then you can see all your records.

MARIA: Wonderful. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly, Nurse Patel.

NURSE PATEL: You’re very welcome, Ms. Santos. Don’t hesitate to call if you have more questions.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Blood work /blʌd wɜːrk/ (n.) a medical test in which blood is taken and examined. Example: I had blood work done last Thursday.
Lab results /læb rɪˈzʌlts/ (n.) the findings from a medical laboratory test. Example: I’m calling to check my lab results.
Verify /ˈverəfaɪ/ (v.) to check that something is true or correct. Example: Can I have your date of birth to verify your identity?
Cholesterol /kəˈlestərɔːl/ (n.) a substance in the blood; too much can be unhealthy. Example: Your cholesterol is a little high.
Follow-up visit /ˈfɑːloʊ ʌp ˈvɪzɪt/ (n.) a later appointment to check on a medical issue. Example: She’ll discuss it at your follow-up visit.
Cut back on /kʌt bæk ɑːn/ (phr.) to use or eat less of something. Example: Try to cut back on fried foods.
Portal /ˈpɔːrtəl/ (n.) a website where you can see private information. Example: You can view them in our online patient portal.
On file /ɑːn faɪl/ (phr.) recorded in someone’s records. Example: I’ll send it to the email we have on file.
Reassuring /ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/ (adj.) making someone feel less worried. Example: The nurse was calm and reassuring.
Hesitate /ˈhezɪteɪt/ (v.) to pause before doing something, often from uncertainty. Example: Don’t hesitate to call if you have questions.

Calling the Clinic About Test Results

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Vocabulary List