When life is too busy, Rapides Outpatient Center makes it easy to get the healthcare you need. We are dedicated to providing greater convenience for patients needing diagnostic tests involving laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy and/or cardiology services.

We offer walk-in procedures and scheduled procedures.

We are located in the Outpatient Plaza at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Our hours are 7:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. All scheduled exams, X-rays and EKG will be offered during those hours. Laboratory services will be offered from 7:00am to 4:30pm

For more information call (318) 769-3777.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory tests may include a blood sample, urine sample or sample tissue. Once the samples are analyzed in the lab, results are sent to your physician who will tell you if those samples fall within normal ranges.

Normal ranges may fluctuate depending on your sex, age, race, current medications being taken and diet. Tests such as these help your physician diagnose specific medical conditions and general health.

Computed tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging test used to obtain images of internal organs, bones and tissue. This imaging can be used to detect cancer and diagnose internal injuries in an outpatient, ER or trauma setting.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the body's internal organs and soft tissues. Radiation is not used and there are no known side effects.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is used to get better pictures of the inside of the breast. This is usually used when trying to diagnose lumps following a screening mammogram or exam.

Mammography (breast imaging)

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to detect cancer. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Medical Association (AMA) recommend annual mammograms for women over 40. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests women with a family history (or personal history) of the disease discuss screening with their physician.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body. This test can be used to check for tumors and diseases related to other organs.

Diagnostic X-ray

X-ray uses a very small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the body's internal structures.

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material, a special camera and a computer to create images from inside your body. Nuclear medicine procedures can also show molecular activity in the body, which can help identify diseases early.

Bone densitometry (DEXA, DXA)

Bone densitometry, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA, uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the spine and hips to measure a patient's risk of osteoporosis.

Vascular ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to help identify blockages in arteries and veins and detect blood clots.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Electrocardiograms record the electrical activity of the heart. A cardiologist looks at that electrical activity and is able to determine if the patient's heart is beating in a normal rhythm.

Echocardiogram (ECG)

Echocardiograms use sound waves to produce images of the heart. This test lets the physician see how your heart beats and how it is pumping blood. With this information, your physician can identify heart disease if it is present.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram is a test that detects problems in your brain's electrical activity.

Stress tests

Stress testing examines your heart's function and efficiency during physical stress.

Pulmonary function tests (PFT)

Pulmonary function tests are examinations that show how your lungs are working. These tests measure your lung volume, lung capacity and flow rates. The information from this test helps your physician diagnose and treat specific lung issues.

Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level of the blood.

What does it mean to be Accredited?

What should I know about radiation safety?

Before you imagine procedure, be sure to ask your physician the following question:

  • Why is the test needed?
  • How will having the test improve my care?
  • Are there alternatives that do not use radiation and deliver similar results?
  • Is the facility accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR)?
  • Are pediatric and adult tests delivered using the appropriate radiation doses?

Why should I have my imaging exam done at an accredited facility?

When you see gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. Look for the ACR Gold Seals of Accreditation.

To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation our facility’s personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications. It’s important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.

What does ACR accreditation mean?

  • Our facility has voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
  • Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification to perform medical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
  • Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.

What does the gold seal mean?

When you see the ACR gold seal, you can rest assured that your prescribed imaging test will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety. The facility and its personnel have gone through a comprehensive review to earn accreditation status by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest and oldest imagining accrediting body in the U.S. and a professional organization of 34,000 physicians.