Industry's first national scheduling system provides convenient scheduling
options and reduced wait times for patients LYNDHURST, N.J., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, today announced the first national patient
appointment-scheduling system in the diagnostic testing service industry. The
new system gives patients the option to schedule appointments for diagnostic
testing at Quest Diagnostics' patient service centers 24-hours-a-day, seven-
days-a-week using a web-based appointment scheduler on the company's web site
at www.questdiagnostics.com or by calling a toll-free phone number.
The new appointment scheduling system is the latest in a series of
improvements implemented by Quest Diagnostics in recent years to enhance
patient service. Patients who use Quest Diagnostics' system will be seen at
their scheduled time. They also will be able to fit appointments for
diagnostic testing seamlessly into their daily schedule and align pre-test
requirements, such as fasting, with the time of their appointment. The system
also benefits employers and employees by limiting time away from work.
"One of our goals is to make the diagnostic testing experience as simple,
positive and comfortable as possible for the patient," said Joyce Schwartz,
M.D., vice president and chief laboratory officer, Quest Diagnostics.
"Patients don't want to anxiously wait at a patient service center to submit
their specimens for laboratory testing, especially when they're hungry and
thirsty after fasting for hours. Our appointment scheduling system gives our
patients an unprecedented level of control over the process of diagnostic
testing, which in turn can alleviate the anxiety some people feel about the
testing process. And in today's fast-paced society, appointment scheduling is
a wonderful convenience that lets patients get in and out of our centers
faster and on to their busy lives."
The appointment scheduling system, which is currently operational at most
centers, will be implemented at all Quest Diagnostics patient service centers
by the fall 2007. To access the appointment scheduling system, patients may
visit www.questdiagnostics.com/appointment or call toll-free (888) 277-8772.
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 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 2006 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT: Investors, Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030; or Media, Wendy H.
Bost, +1-201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/appointment