Opelousas General Health System Earns
Accreditation in Mammography
Opelousas, LA, 07/31/2025 – 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.
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About the American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), founded in 1924, is a 42,000-member medical association that
advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research
and education. www.acr.org
About Opelousas General Health System
Since 1957 , Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare through
its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS’s commitment to excellence is the
presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel
who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region’s referral medical center,
OGHS is a 171-bed, full service medical center, and the area’s most comprehensive community healthcare
facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at
www.opelousasgeneral.com .
