How to Book and Prepare for an AIIMS Appointment

How to book an appointment at AIIMS

AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) operates a centralized online appointment system for most of its campuses across India. You book through the AIIMS portal rather than calling individual departments — the system lets you choose your campus, specialty, and preferred date in one process.

Start by visiting the official AIIMS website for your campus (AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Mumbai, AIIMS Bangalore, and others each have their own portal). Look for the "OPD Appointment" or "Book Appointment" link on the homepage. You'll need to enter basic information: your name, age, gender, phone number, and email address. The system will then show you available specialties and time slots.

Select your specialty (cardiology, orthopedics, general medicine, and so on), then choose a date and time from what's available. Some campuses let you pick a specific doctor; others assign one based on availability. After confirming your selection, you'll receive a confirmation number via email or SMS. Save this number — you'll need it when you arrive at the hospital.

Key Takeaways

• AIIMS appointments are booked online through the official portal for your specific campus, not by phone or in person.
• You will need your phone number and email address to complete the booking, and you'll receive a confirmation number that you must bring with you.
• Appointment slots fill quickly during peak hours, so booking early in the morning or on weekdays often gives you more options.
• If you cannot attend your booked slot, cancel through the portal at least 24 hours in advance so the slot opens for someone else.
• Walk-in patients are seen after booked appointments, so arriving early does not may provide you'll be seen sooner.

What documents and information to bring

Bring your confirmation number, a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or driver's license), and your health insurance card if you have one. AIIMS accepts most major insurance plans, but coverage varies by campus and policy — calling your insurer beforehand prevents surprises at the billing counter.

If you have previous medical records, imaging reports, or test results from other hospitals, bring those as well. The doctor will want to see them, and having them on hand speeds up your consultation. If you're seeing a specialist, bring any referral letter from your primary care doctor, though it's not always required.

Bring a list of any medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Write down the names, doses, and how often you take them — this matters more than you might think, because drug interactions and allergies are common reasons appointments take longer than expected.

Timing, wait times, and what to expect on arrival

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment time. AIIMS campuses are large, and finding the right outpatient department (OPD) can take time, especially if you're visiting for the first time. The main reception desk can direct you, or ask any staff member you see.

When you arrive at the OPD, check in at the registration counter with your confirmation number and ID. You'll be given a token or added to the queue. Wait times vary widely depending on the specialty and time of day — some departments see patients within 30 minutes of their slot, while others run 45 minutes to an hour behind. Orthopedics and cardiology tend to have longer waits than general medicine.

The doctor will call your token number when it's your turn. Consultations usually last 10 to 15 minutes for a routine visit. If the doctor needs to order tests or imaging, they'll give you a requisition form and direct you to the relevant department (lab, X-ray, ultrasound). You can often get these done the same day, though you may need to wait or come back another time depending on demand.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Log back into the AIIMS portal using your confirmation number and registered phone number or email. You can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel, the slot becomes available for other patients. If you reschedule, you'll be offered alternative dates and times in the same way as your original booking.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be blocked from booking for a set period (this varies by campus, typically 7 to 30 days). If you're running late, call the OPD directly as soon as you know — some departments will hold your slot for 15 to 30 minutes, but this is not may provide.

What happens after your consultation

The doctor will either treat you in the OPD, prescribe medication, or refer you for further tests or specialist care. If you need follow-up tests, you'll receive a form showing where to go and what to do. If you need to see the same doctor again, ask at the OPD counter about booking your next appointment before you leave — this is faster than going back to the main portal.

Prescriptions are written on paper and you take them to an outside pharmacy — AIIMS OPDs do not dispense most medications. Some campuses have a pharmacy on-site, but prices are often higher than local chemists. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if a cheaper generic version of your medication is available.

If the doctor orders blood tests or imaging, results are usually ready within 2 to 7 days depending on the test. You can collect them from the relevant department or, at some campuses, request them by email or through the portal. Ask for a printed copy to keep for your records.

Fees and payment

AIIMS is a government hospital, so consultation fees are low — typically 100 to 500 rupees depending on the specialty and campus. Tests, imaging, and procedures cost more, but remain significantly cheaper than private hospitals. Exact prices vary by campus and procedure.

Payment is usually cash at the billing counter, though some campuses now accept card or digital payment. If you have health insurance, tell the registration counter before you see the doctor so they can process your claim correctly. You'll need to pay upfront and submit receipts to your insurer for reimbursement, or the hospital may bill your insurer directly depending on your policy.

Common reasons appointments are delayed or cancelled

AIIMS sometimes cancels or reschedules appointments due to doctor unavailability, emergency cases, or campus-wide issues. You'll receive an SMS or email notification if this happens. Rebook through the portal as soon as you see the notification, because slots fill quickly.

Appointments may also be delayed if a doctor is called away for an emergency or if the previous patient's consultation ran long. This is normal in a teaching hospital where doctors also supervise residents and medical students. Bring something to read or do, because wait times are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else, like a family member?

Yes, you can book using their details, but they will need to bring their own ID and confirmation number to the appointment. Some campuses require the person being treated to be present at registration, so check your campus's policy beforehand.

What if the online portal is not working or I don't have internet access?

Visit the OPD in person and ask the registration desk to book your appointment manually. They can do this on a computer at the counter. Some campuses also have a phone line for appointments, though it's often busy — the in-person route is usually faster.

Do I need a referral from my regular doctor to see a specialist at AIIMS?

No, you can book directly with any specialty. A referral letter helps the specialist understand your history, but it's not required. Bring one if you have it.

Can I get a second opinion from a different doctor at AIIMS?

Yes. Book a new appointment through the portal and request a different doctor in the same specialty if the system allows it, or accept whoever is assigned. You'll pay the consultation fee again, but your previous records will be available to the new doctor.

What if I need an urgent appointment and the next available slot is weeks away?

Visit the OPD in person and explain your situation to the registration desk. They can sometimes fit urgent cases into the same-day walk-in queue. Alternatively, ask your regular doctor for an emergency referral, which may prioritize you. If it's a true emergency, go to the emergency department instead of the OPD.