Opelousas General Health System Earns Accreditation in Mammography

Opelousas General Health System has been awarded a three-year gold seal accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by American College of Radiology®

(ACR®). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

 The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provide the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

 “We have exceeded expectations for a long time,” said Rachael Tate, M.D., OGHS Chief Medical Officer. “The community is better educated about the importance of mammograms, and we are seeing greater volumes. “We have helped more patients with positive outcomes. I am extremely proud of our imaging team and their dedication to quality patient care,” she added.

 Opelousas General achieved its initial accreditation in 1993, after offering mammography technology for four years. We are very proud to have maintained continuous accreditation in mammography since that time. In 2022, OGHS acquired MAMMOMAT Revelation mammography, an innovative system designed to overcome barriers to breast cancer detection and compliance. The wide-angle technology makes it easier to find smaller lesions earlier and with greater accuracy, while providing more comfort to patients.

 The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammography beginning at age 40. Earlier screening may be warranted in women with certain risk factors such as family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, increasing age, obesity, tobacco use and other risk factors.

 Through the Paint the Town Pink initiative, OGHS offers free mammograms and breast ultrasounds to anyone in the state of Louisiana who meets financial and other qualifications. For more information about the free mammogram program, call 337-407-4432.  To schedule a mammogram, call 337-943-7107.

 Pictured from left: Jacquelin Aymond, Carla Ledoux, Taylor Charlie, Dr. Ashley Arnaud, Radiologist, Melinda Myers, Posner Breast Center Supervisor and Derrick Armand, Medical Imaging Manager.