Booking a doctor’s appointment in France used to be simple (ish): you’d pick up the phone, speak to a secretary, and walk away with a time and date scribbled into your diary. But, as with so many things, times are changing. Phone calls are becoming less common, online booking is booming, and now emails are sliding into the mix too.
So what’s going on? Why the change, and how do you make sure you actually end up sitting in front of the doctor or inside the MRI machine, rather than endlessly pressing “refresh” on Doctolib? Let’s break it down.
The Old School Way: The Phone Call
For decades, the trusty phone call was the main way to make a medical appointment. You called the cabinet, the secretary answered (after three or four rings… if you were lucky), and voilà — you had a date.
The problem?
- Long hold times (and hold music that could drive you slightly mad).
- Limited hours — miss that 9am–12pm window and you were out of luck.
- Misunderstandings if your French wasn’t quite up to speed.
Still, it worked. And for some practices, especially in smaller towns, it still does.
The Digital Revolution: Doctolib
Enter Doctolib. This online booking platform has swept across France and changed the way millions of people see their doctors — and even how they access imagerie médicale (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, mammograms, you name it).
Why it’s popular:
- Open 24/7 — you can book at midnight in your pyjamas.
- No awkward phone calls.
- You can compare availability across different doctors and imaging centres.
- Reminders ping straight to your email or phone (because who hasn’t forgotten an appointment once or twice?).
But of course, there are downsides:
- Slots for imaging can be weeks (or months) away, especially for MRIs.
- Not every centre is on Doctolib.
- You still need that referral from your doctor before you can book most types of imaging.
The New Kid on the Block: Email
Now we’re seeing another shift — emailing requests. This is especially true for hospital specialists and imaging departments. Instead of booking straight away, many centres ask you to:
- Email your referral prescription.
- Attach any recent test results or letters.
- Wait for them to review and assign you a slot.
Why?
Because imaging schedules need to be carefully prioritised — an emergency MRI gets bumped up, while a routine check might be slotted in weeks later. Doctors want to make sure urgent cases are seen quickly, and email helps them triage efficiently.
What this means for you:
- Always scan or photograph your referral and include it in your email.
- Be clear and polite (a short message in French goes a long way).
- Expect a delay while they review and reply with a proposed date.
- Keep any other appointments you have until the new one is fully confirmed.
Imaging Appointments: The Inside Scoop
Here’s what you should know when booking imagerie of every description:
- X-rays: Often available quickly — sometimes same day. Doctolib or a phone call usually works.
- Ultrasounds: Usually booked via Doctolib, though some clinics still prefer phone or email.
- CT scans (scanner): Typically require emailing your referral, so the radiologist can approve the scan and prioritise.
- MRIs: The trickiest of the bunch — waiting lists can be long, and most centres want referrals emailed before they’ll give a slot. Be prepared to wait, and don’t cancel a backup appointment too early.
- Mammograms: Routine ones can often be booked on Doctolib, but diagnostic mammograms may require an emailed request first.
In short: the more complex the imaging, the more likely email is involved.
So, What Should You Do?
Here are some practical steps to keep you on track:
- Check Doctolib first. It’s the fastest way to see what’s available for doctors and imaging.
- If you don’t see what you need, call. Smaller centres may still prefer the phone.
- If the secretary says “please send an email,” prepare your documents and attach everything in one go — the referral, test results, and any letters.
- Keep your current appointment until a new one is fully confirmed (never cancel too soon — especially with MRIs or specialist scans).
- Be flexible. Sometimes the sooner slot might mean driving further afield.
Why Is It Changing?
The healthcare system in France is under pressure — more patients, fewer doctors, and an overbooked imaging sector. Digital booking, email triage, and centralised platforms like Doctolib are meant to make things smoother, free up secretaries’ time, and help specialists prioritise urgent cases.
It’s not always perfect, but the aim is to stop people from slipping through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
Making an appointment in France can sometimes feel like playing a game of “Guess Who?” — Will it be Doctolib? Will it be a phone call? Or will you end up sending your life story via email and waiting for a mystery reply?
When it comes to imaging, think of it as a ladder: the more advanced the scan, the more steps (referral, email, approval, waitlist).
The key is: don’t panic, don’t cancel anything until you’re confirmed elsewhere, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Need a Hand?
At Hello Santé, we help English speakers navigate exactly these kinds of healthcare challenges — whether it’s booking a GP, chasing a specialist, or figuring out how to get that MRI appointment confirmed.
Got a question? Get in touch with us today — Mondays are our “Ask Us Anything” days.
Because while the French healthcare system can be brilliant, sometimes you just need a friendly guide to help you through it.