Being new to Spain, every hospital visit can feel like a challenge, especially when you walk out with a follow-up appointment slip full of Spanish. What do the time, location, and department mean? I just got back from the hospital and decided to break down my brand-new appointment slip. I’m sharing this guide for anyone facing the same confusion, hoping it helps.
Decoding Your Follow-up Appointment Slip
Usually, the most important information on this paper is concentrated in a few key areas. First is Fecha y Hora (Date and Time)—this is the most critical part, so don’t get it wrong! For example, 15/10/2024 and 10:30 mean October 15th at 10:30 AM. Spain uses a day/month/year format, so be careful not to read it incorrectly.
Next is Lugar or Centro (Place or Center), which specifies the hospital or health center. Pay close attention to the Consulta (Consultation Room) or Sala (Room) number, such as Consulta Nº 5 for Consultation Room 5. Sometimes, the floor is also indicated, like Planta Baja for the ground floor and Primera Planta for the first floor. Just find the correct room and wait for your name to be called.
Common Medical Department Vocabulary
Understanding which department to go to is also crucial to avoid getting lost. In addition to information on waiting times for specialists in Spain and hospital visiting hours, I’ve compiled a list of common department names you can save. Knowing these will generally prevent you from ending up on the wrong floor.
| Spanish | English | Notes |
|---|
| Medicina de Familia | Family Medicine | Most common in local health centers |
| Pediatría | Pediatrics | Essential for visits with children |
| Ginecología | Gynecology | Good for women to know |
| Traumatología | Traumatology | For sprains, fractures, and injuries |
| Dermatología | Dermatology | Skin problem specialist |
| Oftalmología | Ophthalmology | Go here for eye discomfort |
| Cardiología | Cardiology | For heart-related issues |
Finally, a quick reminder: many appointment slips include a note like, “Si no puede acudir a la cita, por favor anúlela con antelación.” This means if you cannot make the appointment—and you might want to check the Spanish hospital opening hours—please cancel it in advance. This is basic social etiquette and frees up medical resources for those who need them more. You can usually cancel by phone or through the hospital’s app. Hope everyone stays healthy and has little need for this slip!
