An uncertain appointment purpose

Setting: A first specialist visit

The referral requests assessment only. The patient arrived expecting treatment today and has arranged unpaid leave for recovery.

Task

Explore the concern behind this opening: I thought you were doing the treatment today. Why else would I be sent here?
Clarify the patient perspective using an appropriate follow-up, such as: What did the appointment letter lead you to expect?
Explain the supplied information and its limits in manageable sections.
Explore practical barriers and agree a workable next step from the supplied options.
Check the patient understanding and identify any unresolved question.

An uncertain appointment purpose supplied information

The referral requests assessment only. The patient arrived expecting treatment today and has arranged unpaid leave for recovery.
Today's supplied appointment is an assessment to discuss the problem and possible next steps. It is not a booked treatment session, and assessment helps establish what should be offered.
I cannot promise that a particular treatment will be recommended or performed today. Attending this visit is not consent to an unspecified procedure.
We can explain today's purpose clearly, record the work constraint and ask the coordinator to make the purpose of any later booking explicit.
Before you leave, we will confirm what was decided and whether another appointment has been requested or actually booked.

Fictional scenario information supplied for exam communication practice only; not medical guidance for real patients.