MADISON, N.J., May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) announced today that it will enable patients and
their physicians to share diagnostic laboratory test results, using Microsoft
HealthVault(TM). The connection will enable physicians who use Quest
Diagnostics' Care360(TM) patient-centric physician portal to securely
transfer, at a patient's request, diagnostic laboratory test results in a
HIPAA-compliant format into the patient's protected account. Patients will be
able to use their account to access current and historical diagnostic
laboratory records from their physicians.
More than 140,000 physicians in the U.S. use Quest Diagnostics' Care360
network to order lab tests and view results, electronically prescribe drugs,
upload clinical data and securely share information with other healthcare
providers. Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic
testing, information and services, serving half of all physicians and
hospitals in the U.S. and analyzing test results for more than 500,000
patients every day. Microsoft HealthVault allows users to store, organize and
manage their medical records and personal health information online.
"Consumers need to be able to access and take control of their health
information, in order to best manage their health and the health of their
families," said David Cerino, general manager of consumer health, Microsoft
Health Solutions Group. "Lab results are one piece of the puzzle necessary to
give people a complete picture of their health, which we are now able to
deliver securely through the connection between Quest Diagnostics and
HealthVault."
According to The Markle Foundation, two in three Americans (65 percent)
would like to access all of their medical information electronically to ensure
accuracy, improve doctor-patient communications and help prevent medical
errors. Two-thirds (68 percent) also said having health and medical
information accessible online gives them more control over their own
health.(1)
Microsoft HealthVault complements Quest Diagnostics' commitment to
physician- and patient-focused solutions. This includes an option for patients
to schedule diagnostic testing online and access a comprehensive health
library, available at www.questdiagnostics.com.
"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient's health record and
informs approximately 70 percent of health care decisions physicians make on
behalf of their patients," said Jon R. Cohen, senior vice president and chief
medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. "We are excited to work with Microsoft to
enable patients to manage their Quest Diagnostics laboratory data using
HealthVault. Patients are starting to take control of their health by managing
their personal health information, which we believe will enhance
doctor-patient interactions and improve medical outcomes."
For more information on the Quest Diagnostics Care360 Physician Portal,
visit www.care360.com.
(1)
http://www.markle.org/news/press_releases/2006/press_release_12062006.php
About Microsoft HealthVault
Microsoft HealthVault is a personal health application platform designed
to put consumers in control of their health information. HealthVault provides
a security-enhanced foundation on which a broad ecosystem of providers can
build innovative health and wellness solutions such as personal health
records, disease management, fitness, weight loss and other Web applications.
HealthVault can be used to collect and store health information that would
otherwise reside in disparate systems and transfer the information between a
variety of providers' health services and systems. It enables the reuse and
free flow of interoperable and transportable personal health information.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's 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 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.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
CONTACT: Barb Short (Media), +1-973-520-2800, or Laure Park (Investors),
+1-973-520-2900, both of Quest Diagnostics
Web Site: http://www.QuestDiagnostics.com
(DGX)