LYNDHURST, N.J., Sept 28, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced today that its MedPlus healthcare
information technology subsidiary has been recognized as the number one
Document Management and Imaging (DMI) vendor for its ChartMaxx(R) electronic
patient record solution in an industry report published by KLAS Enterprises,
LLC. KLAS is a healthcare information technology research and consulting firm
that specializes in providing the industry with unbiased, factual information
on healthcare information technology vendor performance.
The "Document Management and Imaging Report" (C) 2005 KLAS Enterprises,
LLC. All rights reserved) is released every two to three years and is
intended to provide a snapshot of today's Document Management and Imaging
vendors and compare their strengths and weaknesses against one another.
Previously, MedPlus placed first in the February 2002 edition of the Document
Management and Imaging Report.
MedPlus was also awarded a first place ranking for its ChartMaxx product
by KLAS Enterprises in the 2004 "Top 20: Year-End Best in KLAS" and in the
2005 "Top 20: KLAS Mid-Year Report Card" earlier this year.
KLAS defines DMI vendors as companies that scan, create, archive, workflow
and validate a variety of clinical and non-clinical (administrative/business)
paper and electronic documents. According to KLAS, DMI systems are emerging as
key solutions for hospitals to gain enterprise access to information while
integrating data from disparate systems. In the DMI Report, 89 percent of
survey respondents said they purchased MedPlus' ChartMaxx solution due to its
superior functionality over the competition.
There were 12 vendors included in the 2005 DMI Report and MedPlus received
an overall score of 87.4 out of 100 compared to the average score of 77.9.
KLAS rankings are based on interviews with healthcare executives,
professionals and clinicians at more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500 clinics
nationwide. The ratings are based on feedback received from current
customers.
"We're delighted our ChartMaxx solution placed first in the recent KLAS
DMI report," said Richard Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare Information
Solutions at Quest Diagnostics and MedPlus President. "Earning first place in
the KLAS reports recognizes our commitment to delivering a best-in-breed
enterprise-wide electronic patient record solution for our customers."
The KLAS DMI report includes favorable commentary from healthcare
executives who highlight ChartMaxx's value. "We selected ChartMaxx because it
incorporated the three departments we wanted," said a KLAS survey respondent.
"It did everything for all of us and eliminated the need to buy a system for
each department. It really was the most inclusive system in terms of
registration, business office and medical records." Another survey respondent
said, "MedPlus is a great company to do business with. They treat us
extremely well, and they do a good job of listening to us. We also feel their
pricing is quite fair."
Today, MedPlus has more than 100 ChartMaxx systems installed in hospitals
and clinics with 115,000 clinical and administrative users managing more than
250 million clinical and administrative documents for 11 million patients.
About KLAS Enterprises
KLAS, founded in 1996, is the only research and consulting firm that
specializes in providing the healthcare information technology (HIT) industry
with unbiased, factual information on HIT vendor performance. KLAS, teamed
with thousands of healthcare executives, CIOs, directors, managers and
clinicians, has created a dynamic database of information on the performance
of HIT vendors. The KLAS database represents the opinions of healthcare
executives, managers and clinicians from more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500
clinics on more than 500 different products. The information contained within
the database is current, as it is refreshed daily with new performance
evaluations and interviews. KLAS utilizes a two-step process to collect
candid performance data so KLAS clients are able to clearly see how a vendor
or product is truly performing. For further information, contact KLAS
Enterprises, LLC toll free at 866-268-9438 or visit the Web at
www.healthcomputing.com.
How to Obtain a Copy of the Report
If you have questions about the study or if you would like to purchase a
copy, call toll-free at 866-268-9438 or visit www.healthcomputing.com.
About ChartMaxx
ChartMaxx is an enterprise-wide electronic health record solution built on
a document management & imaging foundation that enables healthcare
organizations to enhance performance by improving patient care and maximizing
business results through the efficient collection, access and use of clinical,
financial and administrative information. Immediate, concurrent access to
information makes ChartMaxx a key component in efficient management of patient
records. The solution provides the tools hospitals need to accelerate
turnaround time for chart completion, introduce electronic patient
registration, utilize remote coding, automate release of information and
maximize electronic information access across the entire facility. ChartMaxx
has been implemented in more than 100 hospitals and clinics throughout the
United States and Canada. For more information visit www.medplus.com.
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.
Care360 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 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: 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 Incorporated
Quest Diagnostics:
Laure Park (Investors): 201-393-5030, or
Jennifer Somers (Media): 201-393-5700