- Technology by Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary, MedPlus, Enables
Electronic Prescribing and Patient Recordkeeping -
LYNDHURST, N.J., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
(NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information
and services, announced that its Care360 physician portal is one of the
preferred electronic health tools for physicians participating in the
Southeast Michigan E-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI), a physician incentive
program forged by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler with
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Henry Ford Health System, Health Alliance
Plan and Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
The program provides incentives for physicians in southeast Michigan to
prescribe medications electronically using a personal computer or wireless
device which send the prescription information directly to a pharmacy, giving
physicians real-time access to important formulary and insurance coverage
information when making prescribing decisions. SEMI was initiated to address
the growing problem of medication errors and the subsequent effect on
healthcare quality and costs. RxHub, LLC and SureScripts are providing the
technology infrastructure that supports the secure, bi-directional exchange of
patient-specific prescribing information between physicians and pharmacy
benefit managers and the transmission of electronic prescriptions to the
pharmacy.
Quest Diagnostics' Care360 physician portal enables physicians to order
diagnostic tests and review laboratory results online; prescribe medication at
the point of care; view clinical and administrative information from multiple
sources; file documents received electronically or in hard copy into a health
record; and share confidential patient information with medical colleagues in
a manner that is consistent with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) privacy and security requirements. The Care360 physician
portal was developed by MedPlus, the healthcare information technology
subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.
"Quest Diagnostics is excited to offer participating SEMI physicians a
tool that allows them to prescribe electronically and manage their patients'
information in a secure environment," said Richard A. Mahoney, Vice President,
Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. "Today more than 50,000
physicians rely on Care360 to make better health decisions for patients."
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced information technology solutions
that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available
at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com.
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2004 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
-0- 06/29/2005
/CONTACT: Laure Park (Investors): +1-201-393-5030, or Jennifer Somers
(Media): +1-201-729-8386, both of Quest Diagnostics/
/Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com /
(DGX)