Getting an earlier doctor's appointment in Portuguese

1. 1
   consulta/kõˈsuwtɐ/

   appointmentnoun

   A scheduled visit with a professional.
2. 2
   antecipar/ɐ̃tesiˈpa/

   bring forwardverb

   To move something to an earlier date.
3. 3
   vaga/ˈvaɡɐ/

   openingnoun

   A free place that someone can take.
4. 4

   desistênciagiving up

5. 5

   cancelamentocancellation

6. 6

   urgênciaurgency

7. 7

   cedoearly

8. 8

   agendarto schedule

9. 9

   disponívelavailable

10. 10

    convêniohealth plan

The sentences3 of 10

1. Eu queria ver se consigo uma consulta ainda esta semana.

   I was wondering if I can get an appointment this week.

2. Tem como antecipar minha consulta para os próximos dias?

   Is there any way to move my appointment up to the next few days?

3. Tem alguma vaga com a médica ainda nesta semana?

   Is there any opening with the doctor this week?

Pronunciation

• consulta/kõˈsuwtɐ/

  The l sounds like u: consuuta.

• antecipar/ɐ̃tesiˈpa/

  The an at the start is nasal, as in manta.

Good to know

convênio

Many people in Brazil have a convênio, a health plan, and the clinic usually asks which one right on the call. It's worth confirming that it accepts your plan at the time you want.

SUS

The SUS is the public health system and it is free. There, appointments usually go through the local health unit, and waits for specialists can be long.

lista de espera

When there is no opening soon, it's common to ask to join the waiting list. That way the clinic can call you if someone cancels.

consulta particular

With a private appointment you pay the clinic directly, without a plan. Times are often sooner, but the price varies a lot.

Questions

What does vaga mean at a clinic?

A vaga is a free spot you can take. In the collection you ask "Tem alguma vaga com a médica ainda nesta semana?".