Press Release Details

LYNDHURST, N.J., Jan 13, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that its MedPlus healthcare information technology subsidiary was recognized among healthcare IT executives, as the number one Document Management and Imaging (DMI) vendor in the 2005 "Top 20: Year-End Best in KLAS" award ((C) 2005 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved). MedPlus' ChartMaxx(R), an enterprise-wide electronic health record solution for hospitals, placed first in this prestigious study for the third time-previously winning the award in 2002, 2004 and mid-year 2005.

ChartMaxx scored highest in a variety of areas including "worth the effort," "ease of implementation" and "works as promoted." In addition, 100 percent of respondents indicated they would buy ChartMaxx again. KLAS rankings are based on interviews with healthcare executives, professionals, and clinicians at more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500 clinics nationwide on more than 500 different products.

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.

"We are honored to earn first place again in the 2005 "Top 20: Year-End Best in KLAS" award in the Document Management and Imaging category for our ChartMaxx product," said Richard Mahoney, President, MedPlus and Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. "This award reflects our commitment to transforming the delivery of healthcare services through electronic health record solutions that reduce costs and improve the quality and safety of patient care."

The KLAS report includes favorable commentary from healthcare executives who highlight ChartMaxx's value. "The support we receive is excellent," said a KLAS survey respondent. "We reach qualified people at MedPlus who resolve our issues quickly, even extremely complex problems, in a very proficient manner."

About KLAS Enterprises

KLAS, founded in 1996, is the only research 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, so KLAS clients are able to clearly see how a vendor or product is truly performing. For further information, visit http://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 800-920-4109 or visit http://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 http://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 more than 115,000 clinical and administrative users. Care360 is a patient-centric physician portal providing a network of more than 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 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

Investors - Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030, or Media - Jennifer Somers, +1-201-729-8386, both of Quest Diagnostics