ARMS, or AIDS-Related Medical Services, is a program of clinical care and research for children who are HIV-infected or HIV-exposed. A multidisciplinary team of specialists, including physicians on the medical staff and other professionals, provide state-of-the-art care for this rapidly changing disease. The ARMS Clinic is a participating site for numerous federal- and industry-sponsored HIV clinical trials. A spectrum of support services for HIV-impacted children and families is coordinated with community-based social service agencies with appropriate confidentiality. Clinical staff also provide community education and emphasize prevention efforts.

Procedures performed or problems diagnosed and treated:

HIV testing and counseling
Primary care medical services for HIV-infected or HIV-exposed children
Multidisciplinary support services, including child life therapy, nutritional counseling, social services, and bilingual client advocacy
Immunizations
Developmental testing
Case management

Information for referral sources:

Appointments are available for the following:
Children with HIV infection
Children younger than 18 months old who have a parent with HIV
Children referred for HIV testing and counseling
Relevant medical records, test results and radiographs are requested prior to the appointment.
Services are provided in close cooperation with the patient’s referring physician, if Children’s is not the primary care provider.
Diagnosis, evaluation and recommended treatment information is provided promptly to the referring physician, if Children’s is not the primary care provider.

Please provide the following when calling to schedule a patient for a diagnostic examination:

Patient name, date of birth, address and phone
Physician clinical findings or symptoms which caused the patient to visit physician
Risk exposure

Other locations:

ARMS personnel work closely with obstetrical services throughout the community to identify HIV-positive pregnant women and refer them for appropriate follow-up health care and access to social services.

Important Note: The risk of HIV transmission to the infant of an HIV-positive pregnant woman can be decreased by appropriate use of anti-HIV medicines during pregnancy and delivery and given to the newborn. Community physicians are encouraged to consult with ARMS staff at any time regarding risk of HIV for infants. HIV-exposed infants can be referred to the ARMS clinic for testing and/or primary care.

Why Children's Medical Center?

ARMS is the only clinic in North Texas dedicated exclusively to providing primary care to children exposed to and infected with HIV.
ARMS Clinic has provided state-of-the-art care for HIV since 1987 and is involved in national HIV clinical trials.
ARMS Clinic providers have many years of experience treating pediatric HIV patients.
ARMS Clinic is closely linked to area resources via the Family AIDS Network (FAN) of Dallas. This federally funded program coordinates a comprehensive family-centered, culturally competent and cost-effective model of care.