MADISON, N.J., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Patients and physicians have a new way to share diagnostic laboratory data online, thanks to Quest Diagnostics and Google Health, a product launched today by Google. More than 100,000 physicians in the U.S. who use Quest Diagnostics' family of Care360(TM) connectivity products will be able to securely provide diagnostic data with a brief explanation of test results to a patient's Google Health Account, where a patient can maintain medical records and personal health information online. The new product is expected to empower patients and physicians to collaborate more closely in making more well-informed health care decisions based on diagnostic information. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) is the nation'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. Quest Diagnostics is the only diagnostic testing company collaborating with Google to launch Google Health.
"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient's health record and a key driver of the health care decisions physicians make on behalf of their patients," said Stephen C. Suffin, M.D., interim chief laboratory officer and corporate medical director, clinical pathology, Quest Diagnostics. "Using Google Health, physicians will be able to more efficiently share important diagnostic data with their patients. As patients become better informed and proactive in managing their health care, they may be more likely to practice preventive care, adopt healthful behaviors and practice other measures that promote improved medical outcomes."
Google Health allows users to store, organize and manage their medical records and personal health information online. The collaboration will enable physicians who use Quest Diagnostics' Care360(TM) patient-centric physician portal to securely transfer, at a patient's request, diagnostic data in a HIPAA-compliant format into the patient's protected Google Health Account. Using Google's secure technology platform, patients will be able to use their account to access current and historical diagnostic laboratory records that include brief electronic messages from their physicians about test results.
Quest Diagnostics and Google established their collaboration because the companies share the same vision of giving patients greater access to personal health information so they can make more informed decisions about their care. The companies first announced their collaboration in February 2008, when Google announced a pilot of Google Health with a large delivery system. The product is publicly available to all U.S. users starting today.
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.
Google Health complements Quest Diagnostics' commitment to physician- and patient-focused solutions. These include an option for patients to schedule diagnostic testing online and access to a comprehensive health library, available at www.questdiagnostics.com. In addition, its Care360 family of connectivity products allow physicians to access diagnostic test results online, share clinically relevant information in a HIPAA-compliant manner and electronically prescribe medications.
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 2007 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.
Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Laure Park (Investors): 973-520-2900
Wendy Bost (Media): 973-520-2800
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
CONTACT: Laure Park, Investors, +1-973-520-2900,
or Wendy Bost, Media, +1-973-520-2800,
both of Quest Diagnostics/
/Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com /
(DGX)
