TAMS Teen Age Medical Services   2425 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 612/813-6125

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WHAT

 TAMS is a low cost medical care clinic, dealing primarily with patients between the ages of 14 and 23. Apart from providing basic medical care, supplies and information at low costs, TAMS is specialized in providing  "Special programs" which include Nutrition Services, Eating Disorders Program, Mental Health Services, and Health Education Outreach.

 We found the clinic to possess a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.  Because TAMS deals only with young adults, they are truly experts in approaching your question and concerns.

 Appointments are not needed but are taken (612/813-6125).  Feel free to just walk in .

LOCATION

Teen Age Medical Services
2425 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404

612/813-6125



TAMS is housed in a two-story renovated mansion in South Minneapolis. The first floor contains a waiting room, several exam rooms, a pharmacy/ supply room and an area  set aside for the doctors and nurses which is open to patients allowing easy access to the staff without having to wait or request their time.

SERVICES

General Medical Services

• colds, cough, sore throats
• injuries
• headaches, stomach aches, cramps
• asthma
• acne, skin problems
• immunizations
• physical exams for school, sports, work, camp
• birth control
• pregnancy testing and counseling
• STD testing and treatment
• HIV/AIDS assessment

Nutrition Services

• weight gain or loss
• sports nutrition
• low energy

Counseling Services

• parent and family
• relationships (boyfriend, girlfriend, friend)
• depression
• stress
• grief and loss
• general sadness and unhappiness
• chemical use assessment
• eating disorders

 TAMS will provide confidential treatment  and low cost medical services and supplies. There is no visit fee, but patients are encouraged to make a donation if they are able to do so.

 Prices are not set, and billing is done on a sliding scale. If you have no income and do not wish to depend on your
parents, services and supplies will be provided at no cost.  No one is ever turned away. You can use your insurance if you chose to do so, and the staff will let you know if the policy will reflect the specific expenses.

STAFF
 

• physicians
• nurses
• nurse practitioners
• social worker
• psychologist
• registered dietitian
• health educator
• laboratory technician
• administrative and support staff
 

OUR REVIEW

Imagine this-you walk up to a beautiful old mansion on a nice urban street.  You open the door, walk in and are greeted warmly and seated in a comfortable living room with lots to read and look at: posters, books, pamphlets and baskets of condoms grace the friendly place. Whoa, what? Baskets of condoms? What kind of grandma's house is this anyway?  Have no fear-TAMS is here! Yes, it's true.  There is a teen clinic out there that is not like a clinic at all.  It is a friendly, comfortable and confidential place, with  minimal or nonexistent fees.  It is truly an incredible establishment.

 The waiting room is just like a parlor, with lots of chairs and a homey feel.  There's all kinds of info on the walls, ranging from nutrition to jobs, all relating to teen issues.  The receptionist is quiet and reassuring, though the wait can be a bit long.  Appointments are not required but it is on a first come, first served basis.  The examining rooms themselves are far from intimidating.  There is a basket of free condoms available, and the rooms are small and unimposing.  As for the doctors themselves, no one could ask for more caring proffessionals.  For the first part, they are there because the love and care about adolescents and the issues that they face.  It's not like your run-of-the-mill pediatrician who'd much rather be giving flu shots to screaming infants.  You truly feel like they are there to talk to you, about what you are concerned with and how to help.  There's mental health proffessionals on staff to serve psychological needs, and they also have a pharmacy right on site to dole out whatever is needed.
 
Overall, the place receives a high rating.  The atmosphere is relaxing and safe, the doctors and nurse practitioners are helpful and concerned and everything you need is right there!  It couldn't get any better.  Best of all, unlike other clinics, TAMS is all about holistic health.  It's not as if it is a solely reproductive health clinic where everyone in the waiting room knows that you have an embarrassing problem.  Anyone with a health concern can go to TAMS and get cured or treated.  Not even kidding-this is a great place.

Soon to come:  Information on costs and some pictures!

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