Teen Age Medical Service (TAMS)

What we do

Confidential. Respectful. Non-judgmental. These are just a few words that describe TAMS.

TAMS is a clinic where young people between the ages of 10 and 22 can get expert health care that is designed just for them. Located in an old house just north of the hospital, TAMS is a comfortable, welcoming clinic that helps young people with an array of issues including:

The staff at TAMS understands that teen health care includes being open to talking with teens about the many different things going on in their lives. TAMS works with both parents and teens to take care of all of your health care needs. Everybody is welcome at TAMS. TAMS accepts most insurance plans and has a sliding fee scale and other payment options for teens without insurance.

What happens when a teen comes to TAMS?

When a young person comes to TAMS, they are greeted by staff who enjoy working with teens. Patients are welcomed and registered by the staff at the front desk. Registration includes providing basic information, discussing health insurance or other payment options.

Patients at TAMS fill out forms about their health history. This is important so that the health care provider can give you the best care possible. Sometimes the questions seem personal, but it’s important to be honest. Remember, the staff at TAMS is here to help you, not judge you.

During the exam, teens usually meet with both a nurse and a health care provider like a doctor or a nurse practioner. The health care provider and the nurses are both important to making sure that teens get great care at TAMS. The kind of exam you have depends on your reason for coming to TAMS. TAMS staff is great at answering questions and anticipating concerns that teenagers have. We always work to make patients as comfortable as possible in our clinic.

Hours

9 a. m. – 5 p. m. Monday through Friday
9 a. m. – 9 p. m. most Wednesdays

Where We Are

TAMS is located in a comfortable old house that has been converted into a medical clinic. We are located a ½ block North of Children's – Minneapolis (Map):

TAMS - Teen Age Medical Service
2425 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone…(612) 813-6125
Fax….…(612) 813-6959

Are you curious about what Teen Age Medical Service at Children's can do for you or your teen? Take a video tour of TAMS with some of our peer educators.

Do parents have to come with their teen to TAMS?

That depends. Parents are always welcome at TAMS. However, if a patient is 18 or over, they may consent for their own care, and do not have to bring a parent along. Patients may also come on their own if they are coming for birth control, STI testing or pregnancy testing.

Patients under age 18 and coming for any other reason, like an illness, a physical or to get shots for school must have a parent come to their first appointment at TAMS. They will have to sign a form saying that it’s OK for TAMS to provide care. Parents will also be invited to meet with the health care provider for part of the visit.

A note to parents of teens

TAMS staff values parents as partners in caring for their child, and recognizes the important role that parents play in the lives teens. The move from a pediatric clinic to a teen clinic marks a milestone for you and your child. Your child is entering a new period of growth and change in their life. This is a time that can be both exciting and difficult. Our goal at TAMS is to provide both health care and support for young people.

As your child’s parent, you are the expert on your child’s health. Your child is reaching an age where they will gradually need to be more and more responsible for their own health care. At TAMS, we will encourage your child in this process. To this end, we may ask young people to fill out forms themselves or may invite them to have a private visit with the nurse or doctor. This may seem different than other clinics you’ve been too. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with any of the staff.

TAMS is a safe place where teens can access quality, confidential healthcare and information from trustworthy professionals. TAMS offers confidential services to teens, including birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy testing. We always encourage teens to communicate their decisions about sex with their parents and/or other trusted adults.

TAMS encourages parents to help young people make healthy and responsible decisions about sex by having positive communication with them. Even though your teen may not seem to be interested in what you have to say, they are listening. And, they do need to learn about your values and beliefs about sex and sexuality. They also need facts-based, developmentally appropriate information. Nobody can replace parents as the primary sexuality educators of their children. Check out our list of resources for parents if you want some help in starting these important conversations.

Staff Information

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