Tamara Small, MD is a Family Medicine Physician practicing at our Spring, TX clinic and dedicated to providing comprehensive Family Medicine care to all ages. She is a trusted local provider on staging1.kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Family Medicine Physicians are primary care doctors (MD or DO) serving as the first point of contact for patients of all ages, providing comprehensive care from preventive check-ups and acute illness treatment to managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists, ensuring continuous healthcare for the entire family. Dr. Small is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M Health Science Center, earning her degree from American College Of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and joined our team in 2012. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and is married with two children. Dr. Small enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Tamara Small provides consultations primarily in English. She is currently welcoming new patients; please call (281) 292-1191 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Small is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Small's patient-centered approach to family medicine emphasizes comprehensive care for patients of all ages. She prioritizes clear communication, proactive preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to address both acute and chronic health concerns. Dr. Small actively collaborates with specialists when necessary, ensuring seamless coordination of care and a holistic approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Small can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Houston Area HMO-Standard
- Humana
- Humana Health Plan of Texas
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Small offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Animal Allergies: Animal allergies are reactions to substances found in animals like pet dander, saliva, or urine, and your family doctor can help diagnose and manage these allergies with allergy testing and treatment plans.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: If you have a sudden cough, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, your family physician can determine if it's an acute lower respiratory infection and recommend appropriate care.
- Hypothyroidism: Experiencing fatigue, weight gain, or cold sensitivity? These could be signs of hypothyroidism, which your family doctor can diagnose and help you manage through medication and lifestyle advice.
- Diabetes Type 2: Family doctors play a vital role in diagnosing and treating type 2 diabetes, a disease where your body struggles to regulate blood sugar, providing care and guidance to help you live a healthier life.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is when you have too much fat in your blood, and your family doctor can help manage it with lifestyle changes and medication.
- Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the cushions surrounding your joints, leading to pain and limited movement; a family doctor can diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and your family doctor can help manage your symptoms with medication, therapy, and lifestyle advice.
- Overweight: Family doctors play a key role in managing weight-related health concerns, offering advice, support, and potentially referring you to specialists if needed.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): If you have frequent heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest, you might have GERD, a condition your family doctor can diagnose and treat.
- Administrative Physical: During an administrative physical, your physician checks your vital signs, discusses your lifestyle, and may order tests to ensure you're healthy.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Experiencing eye redness, itching, and tearing from allergies? Your family physician can assess if it's allergic conjunctivitis and recommend appropriate treatment plans to alleviate symptoms.
- Rosacea: Your family doctor is a great resource for managing rosacea; they can prescribe treatments to reduce redness and inflammation and help you prevent flare-ups.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Small offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This screening checks for signs of dementia and depression, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment if needed.
- Hepatitis Screening: Regular hepatitis screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of serious liver problems.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This planning process lets you decide who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, preserving your autonomy.
- Thyroid Screening: If you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, a thyroid screening can help determine if your thyroid is the cause.
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: To prepare you for surgery, your family doctor will do a pre-operative evaluation to assess your health and ensure a safe procedure.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): During an EKG, you'll lie still while sensors measure your heart's electrical signals; it's painless and takes only a few minutes.
- STD Screening: A doctor can perform several tests during an STD screening to detect various infections, allowing for prompt medical intervention.
- Psychological Evaluation: If you're struggling emotionally or mentally, a psychological evaluation can help determine the nature and severity of your challenges.
- Geriatric Assessment: This assessment helps doctors understand the overall health of older patients, focusing on things like physical function, cognitive abilities, and social well-being.
- Lyme Disease Evaluation: This service focuses on diagnosing Lyme disease through a physical exam, discussion of your symptoms, and potentially blood tests to detect the bacteria.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): The prostate exam is a screening test, typically part of a routine checkup, to detect possible prostate problems such as cancer.
- Pregnancy Test: You can get a pregnancy test to find out if you are pregnant early on.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Small is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their allergy symptoms, allowing them to enjoy time with their beloved pets without discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the patient felt substantial improvement within a week, successfully managing their acute lower respiratory infection. They were able to return to their normal activities and felt significantly better.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their hypothyroidism, leading to increased energy levels and a healthier lifestyle.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
8000 Research Forest Dr Ste 360, Spring, TX, 77382
Phone: (281) 292-1191
View on Map
- AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (Medical School)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Family Medicine care with Dr. Small:
- What is the difference between a Family Medicine doctor and an Internal Medicine doctor?
- Family medicine physicians, like Dr. Small, are trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. In contrast, internists typically focus on adult care. Dr. Small is a versatile choice for all-ages family care.
- How often should I get a physical or wellness check-up?
- For most healthy adults, an annual physical is a good rule of thumb for preventive care. However, the right frequency depends on your age, health history, and risk factors. Dr. Small will help you create a personalized schedule.
- Can you remove a mole, skin tag, or wart in your office?
- Yes, we can often remove moles, skin tags, and warts in the office using methods like cryotherapy or excision. However, for any suspicious-looking moles, we will perform a thorough evaluation and may refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
- Should I see my family doctor for a cold, the flu, or a sore throat?
- Yes, Dr. Small is the perfect first point of contact for colds, the flu, and sore throats. They can diagnose the issue, rule out more serious conditions, and provide treatment advice, including prescriptions, to help you recover. They can also advise when rest at home is the best course of action.
- How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
- Dr. Small acts as your healthcare quarterback, monitoring your chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure through regular check-ups. They manage your prescriptions, order necessary lab tests, and coordinate with specialists like endocrinologists or cardiologists to ensure comprehensive care.
- What kind of vaccinations can I get at your office?
- Dr. Small's office provides routine immunizations, including annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and shingles vaccines for older adults. We will keep track of your vaccination history and recommend what's needed based on CDC guidelines.
- Can my family doctor help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?
- Yes, Dr. Small can help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. Family doctors are often the first point of contact for these issues, providing initial diagnosis, managing medications for common conditions, and referring patients to specialists when needed.
- What kind of routine health screenings do you perform in the office?
- Dr. Small uses routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings (like Pap smears and referrals for mammograms and colonoscopies) as essential tools to catch health problems early.
8000 Research Forest Dr Ste 360
Spring TX 77382
Phone: (281) 292-1191
Tamara Small, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1760618920
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by staging1.kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Tamara Small are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.
