MADISON, N.J., Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, accepted a 2012 CIO 100 award from International Data Group's (IDG) CIO magazine for its Gazelle® mobile health application. The 25th annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology. The Gazelle mobile application for Blackberry, iPhone and Android smartphones enables patients to take control of their health by providing their health information and the tools to manage their condition.

"For 25 years now, the CIO 100 awards have honored the innovative use of technology to deliver genuine business value," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & events. "Our 2012 winners are an outstanding example of the transformative power of IT to drive everything from revenue growth to competitive advantage."

"Quest Diagnostics is honored to receive a CIO 100 award in recognition of our Gazelle mobile health app," said David Evans, Vice President of Information Technology for Quest Diagnostics, who accepted the award at the CIO 100 Symposium & Awards Ceremony. "In today's digital world, patients are increasingly relying on smartphones and tablets to better manage every aspect of their lives, including their health." 

Gazelle has delivered more than 220,000 laboratory results directly to patients to help in the management of their health. Where state regulations allow, patients can receive many of their laboratory test results on their smartphones. Currently, 38 states allow patients to have access to their lab data. Rhode Island and Arizona recently granted patients this access and currently the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a proposed rule that would empower patients by allowing direct access to their laboratory test results, via proposed amendments to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), to create a uniform, national standard.

"Seven percent of patients never receive notification of abnormal results, and nine percent of lab tests are repeated because the results are not available to patients or their current physician," said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "At Quest Diagnostics, we believe that increased transparency by providing lab results directly to patients after they have been received by the ordering physician can further help patients understand and engage in managing their healthcare. Gazelle is but one example of our commitment to patient empowerment."

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 diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.

About Gazelle
Launched in 2010, the secure Gazelle mobile health app helps patients to make meaningful improvements to their health. Patients can see, store and share their Quest Diagnostics laboratory test results as well as manage physician names, specialties, and contact information; hospital and pharmacy numbers; even insurance plan, group, and policy numbers. Gazelle is an easy way to capture and manage personal health information, including vital statistics, medical history and conditions, food and medication allergies, travel history and immunizations, and medication names, doses, frequency, and start/end dates. Where state regulations allow patients can receive lab test results directly from Quest Diagnostics. In states where direct delivery to patients does not exist, patients can have results sent to them from their medical practitioner that uses the Care360. To help patients understand their results, Gazelle includes a brief explanation of the normal and abnormal values for the most common lab tests. For more information about Gazelle's features visit www.MyGazelleApp.com.  

About the CIO 100
The recipients of this year's CIO 100 award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of judges reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' recommendations and voted on the final 100.

Complete coverage of the 2012 CIO 100 awards will be online at www.cio.com on August 1, 2012 and in the August 1st issue of CIO magazine.


Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Media: Caitlin McHugh, 973-520-2800
Investors: Kathleen Valentine, 973-520-2900

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated