Fresh off the fifth anniversary of the opening of its innovative micro-hospital, Valley Baptist Health System is once again expanding options for healthcare in the Mid-Valley with its new Outpatient Imaging Center.
Opening to patients in May, the Valley Baptist Outpatient Imaging Center in Weslaco offers local residents another option to easily and efficiently receive important imaging tests and screenings, said Tony Pinedo, Director of Imaging Services at Valley Baptist-Harlingen and the new imaging center.
“At the Weslaco Imaging Center, we currently offer screening mammograms, including the recommended gold-standard 3D mammography. In addition, we provide a wide range of orthopedic imaging services, such as knee, shoulder, and foot exams, as well as comprehensive neurological imaging for spine and brain workups,” he said. “We currently offer non-contrast MRI exams, and we are actively working toward expanding our services to include contrast-enhanced MRI exams in the near future.”
Providing additional healthcare locations is vital for the community, as it can be challenging for local residents to travel long distances for care, said Pinedo.
“We’re excited to offer these added services as part of the continued growth and expansion of our micro-hospital,” he said. “By providing more comprehensive care locally, we’re able to better serve our patients, helping them avoid unnecessary travel to Harlingen whenever possible.”
While the facility is new to residents of the Mid-Valley, it provides the same award-winning, compassionate healthcare that local residents have come to expect from Valley Baptist Health System for more than a century.
“We have assembled an exceptional team to manage the Weslaco Imaging Center and care for our patients. Irene Beltran, with 25 years of experience in radiology and over 10 years specializing in MRI, is a key member of our staff. She is highly motivated, hardworking, and has a remarkable ability to connect with patients,” he said. “Her extensive experience will be invaluable in providing the highest level of care to our patients. Alma Mata brings 24 years of experience in radiology and nearly 5 years of specialized experience in mammography. She not only excels in patient care but also has a deep understanding of the unique needs of our mammography patients. With both Irene and Alma leading the team at the Weslaco Imaging Center, our patients can be confident that they are in excellent hands.”
The addition of outpatient imaging services in Weslaco enhances the comprehensive level of care that Valley Baptist can provide to Mid-Valley residents, said Ronda Lewis, Valley Baptist-Micro Hospital – Weslaco administrator. By continuing to expand services, local residents can count on the level of care they have come to expect from Valley Baptist Health System.
“Many patients have expressed that they have always relied on the compassionate high-level care that Valley Baptist has provided over the years in the lower Valley, and for the last five years they’ve had that same level of service available to them right here in Weslaco,” she said. “Not having to travel to Harlingen has made it much easier to get the care that they need, while still receiving Valley Baptist’s high-quality care.”
Receiving such care close to home can help alleviate burdens on a patient’s family and support system and can often aid in the recovery process, Lewis said.
“Having the Valley Baptist Micro-Hospital – Weslaco, and now the Outpatient Imaging Center, close to home can decrease the financial and emotional burden that families often face when traveling for healthcare,” she said. “It also allows patients to have the support needed when it comes to making decisions during their treatment. Many times, this can contribute to a faster recovery.”
Location:
1121 West Interstate 2, Ste. F
Weslaco, TX 78569 (between Westgate and Texas)
Hours:
Mon. – Fri. | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Services offered include:
- MRI*
- Mammography*
- 3D digital screening
- 2D digital screening
*Walk-ins are welcome for mammograms and MRIs, but MRIs require insurance authorization.
