Press Release Details

MedPlus' ChartMaxx(R) Earns Top Ranking in the '2006 Top 20 Year-End Best in KLAS' Report for Third Consecutive Year

02/22/2007

LYNDHURST, N.J., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedPlus' ChartMaxx(R), an enterprise-wide electronic health record solution for hospitals, Integrated Delivery Networks and healthcare communities, placed first in Document Management and Imaging (DMI) in the "2006 Top 20: Year-End Best in KLAS" report issued by KLAS Enterprises. ((C) 2006 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved). This marks the third consecutive year and fourth time in five years that ChartMaxx has placed first in the DMI category. MedPlus is the healthcare information technology subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services.

According the survey, ChartMaxx was recognized by healthcare information technology executives as the number one DMI vendor in 2006. ChartMaxx previously won the award in 2002, 2004 and 2005. The solution scored highest in a variety of areas including "helps your job performance" and "works as promoted." One hundred percent of respondents indicated they would buy ChartMaxx again and recommend it to others -- the only DMI vendor that had a perfect score in both areas. ChartMaxx also held the seventh highest position in the "overall" rankings out of all healthcare IT vendors measured in the study.

"I am pleased that we attained the number one ranking for the third consecutive year and continue to earn higher performance metrics on all dimensions of the study," said Richard Mahoney, President, MedPlus and Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. "The KLAS award is a true testament to our team's ability to deliver on our promise of better care and better business."

The KLAS report includes healthcare executives' favorable commentary that highlights ChartMaxx' value. According to one KLAS survey respondent, "ChartMaxx is an excellent tool for our physicians because the solution allows them to access the patient record through a Web link so that they can see all the patient data." In addition, "we receive excellent service and responsiveness from MedPlus." Other survey respondents commented: "This is a solid EMR system that meets our needs. It is easy to populate ChartMaxx with interfaces and other foreign systems. Our end-users are very satisfied with this system, and have found it easy to use" and "we would highly recommend this ChartMaxx product to anybody. Our physicians and staff consistently comment that it is our best product."

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 750+ 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.

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 750+ 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.

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 120 hospitals and clinics throughout the United States and Canada. Additional ChartMaxx product information is available at: 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(TM) solutions efficiently and securely collect, store, manage and integrate clinical information within an organization, enterprise, practice or community. ChartMaxx, the award-winning electronic health record solution, has been implemented in more than 120 hospitals and clinics with more than 125,000 clinical and administrative users. Care360 is a patient-centric physician portal providing a network of more than 100,000 physicians and their staff with tools to improve patient care and overall office efficiency. Additional company information is available 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: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/.

The statements in this press release that 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's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

CONTACT: Laure Park, Investors, +1-201-393-5030, or Jennifer Somers,
Media, +1-201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics
Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
http://www.healthcomputing.com
http://www.medplus.com
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