~ Foundation provides incentives for physicians to adopt electronic prescribing technology ~LYNDHURST, N.J., Nov 22, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Quest Diagnostics
(NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic laboratory testing,
information and services announced today that its Care360(TM) Physician Portal
is one of the preferred electronic health tools for Pennsylvania physicians
who receive funding from the Highmark eHealth Collaborative, a physician
incentive program funded by Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Association.
The Pittsburgh Foundation, via the Highmark eHealth Collaborative, is
distributing more than $26.5 million to Pennsylvania physician offices for
them to implement information technology in their practices, including
ePrescribing, to improve the quality of patient care and expand the use of
more cost-effective drugs. The collaborative will reach all Pennsylvania-
licensed physicians in 49 counties in Western and Central Pennsylvania and the
Lehigh Valley.
The Care360 product suite offers information technology solutions to
physicians which enable them to efficiently access, use and share clinical
information at the point of care. The Care360 Physician Portal is designed to
enable physicians to order diagnostic tests and review laboratory results
online; prescribe medications; 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.
Care360 was developed by MedPlus, the healthcare information technology
subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.
"Providing physicians and their office staff with point-of-care
information technology such as our Care360 Physician Portal offers significant
opportunities for improvements in quality and office efficiency -- leading to
more time for patient care," said Richard Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare
Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. "We are excited to see
organizations like the Highmark eHealth Collaborative assist physician offices
and we are looking forward to helping them and their staff implement valuable
technology."
For information about Care360 contact MedPlus at 1-800-444-6235 or for the
Highmark eHealth Collaborative, visit http://www.highmarkehealth.org.
About MedPlus
MedPlus, the healthcare information technology subsidiary of Quest
Diagnostics, is a leading developer and integrator of clinical connectivity
and healthcare data management solutions that foster better patient care and
improve business performance for healthcare institutions, physicians and
patients. The company's ChartMaxx and Care360 solutions efficiently and
securely collect, store, manage and integrate clinical information within an
organization, enterprise, practice or community. ChartMaxx, the award-winning
electronic patient record solution, has been implemented in more than 100
hospitals and clinics with over 115,000 clinical and administrative users. The
Care360 product suite offers information technology solutions to physicians
and health plans which enable them to efficiently access, use and share
clinical information necessary for informed decision making. The Care360
Physician Portal is a patient-centric physician portal providing a network of
over 50,000 physicians and their staff with tools to improve patient care and
overall office efficiency. For more information, visit the Company's Web site
at http://www.medplus.com.
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 healthcare 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
Laure Park, Investors,
+1-201-393-5030, or
Jennifer Somers, Media,
+1-201-729-8386,
both of Quest Diagnostics