Healthcare English — Medical Receptionist Vocabulary 1 AE

The vocabulary of the medical front desk — appointments, referrals, triage, and the administrative language of a healthcare setting.

Reception vocabulary in healthcare

Medical receptionists are often the first point of contact for patients, and they need to navigate both administrative and clinical vocabulary simultaneously. From booking appointments to triaging urgent calls, this exercise covers the key terms that healthcare receptionists use every day.

Ready to practice! Let's go!

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the list:

copay
deductible
follow-up
no-show
out-of-network
prior authorization
referral
triage
urgent care
waitlist

1. The patient would like to schedule a appointment after her hospital discharge.

2. He's been placed on the for a non-urgent dermatology appointment — estimated wait is six weeks.

3. Your for today's visit is $30 — do you have your insurance card with you?

4. The provider requires a before approving the MRI — I'll submit the request today.

5. That specialist is with your insurance, so there may be higher out-of-pocket costs.

6. You'll need a from your primary care provider before we can book the cardiology appointment.

7. The patient was a for the third time — I've added a note to her file.

8. You've not yet met your for the year, so you'll be responsible for the full cost of today's visit.

9. For non-emergency situations, may be more convenient and cost-effective than the emergency room.

10. The nurse will your call to determine the urgency before the doctor calls you back.