Medical Advice

Receptionist: Dr. Carter’s Office.

Ronald: Yes, I’d like to make an appointment to see Dr. Carter, please.

Receptionist: Is this your first visit?

Ronald: Yes it is.

Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your name please?

Ronald: Yes. My name is Ronald Schuller.

Receptionist: And may I ask who referred you to our office?

Ronald: Uh, I drove past your office yesterday.

Receptionist: Okay. How about the day after tomorrow on Wednesday at 4:00 O’clock?

Ronald: Uh. Do you happen to have an opening in the morning? I usually pick up my kids from school around that time.

Receptionist: Okay. Um . . . how about Tuesday at 8:00 A.M. or Thursday at 8:15 A.M.?

Ronald: Uh, do you have anything earlier, like 7:30?

Receptionist: No. I’m sorry.

Ronald: Well, in that case, Thursday would be fine.

Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your phone number please?

Ronald: It’s 643-0547.

Receptionist: Alright. And what’s the nature of your visit?

Ronald: Uh . . .

Receptionist: Yes sir.

Ronald: Well, to tell the truth, I fell from a ladder two days ago while painting my house, and I sprained my ankle when my foot landed in a paint can. I suffered a few scratches on my hands and knees, but I’m most concerned that the swelling in my ankle hasn’t gone down yet.

Receptionist: Well, did you put ice on it immediately after this happened?

Ronald: Well yeah. I just filled the paint can with ice and . . .

Receptionist: And so after you removed the paint can . . . Sir, sir, Mr. Schuller, are you still there?

Ronald: Well that’s part of the problem. Uh, the paint can is still on my foot.

Receptionist: Look, Mr. Schuller. Please come in today. I don’t think your case can wait.