MADISON, NJ, and TORRINGTON, CT – Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, has signed a definitive agreement to manage the clinical testing laboratory at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, a general acute care hospital in Torrington, Connecticut. 

The relationship will provide a number of benefits for patients, physicians, the hospital and health plans, including continuing the highest level of quality service, expanded information connectivity options, and reduced laboratory testing costs.  Quest will manage all laboratory testing for outpatient services, while Charlotte Hungerford will continue to bill patients for laboratory tests and services completed at the hospital. 

The two organizations view this relationship as the beginning of a long-term collaboration to work together on many different fronts to provide the healthcare community in Northwest Connecticut with the highest quality diagnostic testing through the lowest cost delivery model. 

“We are excited about this very creative project because we believe Quest Diagnostics offers great innovation, enhancing our ability to drive financial value in the increasingly cost-pressured healthcare landscape,” said Daniel J. McIntyre, President and CEO, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.  “Tapping into the scientific capabilities and high-quality, patient-centered services of Quest Diagnostics will allow us to provide more affordable healthcare to counter increased reimbursement and utilization pressures.”

“Community hospital systems are under pressure to reduce the costs of medical services,” said Steve Rusckowski, President and CEO, Quest Diagnostics.  “By working with Quest, Charlotte Hungerford will reduce its laboratory spending so it can focus on what it does best – provide great patient care.”

A growing number of hospitals are seeking better ways to manage their cost structures and delivering high-quality solutions while dealing with concerns about bundled payment models.  Quest’s professional lab services business for hospitals was launched in 2012 to address these concerns, with the goal of helping hospitals and health systems run their laboratory businesses more effectively.  Quest’s services include lab management and outsourcing and can include outreach laboratory acquisitions and joint ventures.  Last year, Quest acquired the lab outreach business of Dignity Health, and more recently, completed four new professional lab services agreements.

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 provide 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 www.QuestDiagnostics.com or follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX. 

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109 bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut. CHH offers personalized attention from an expert team of caregivers and physicians that utilize advanced technology and clinical partnerships in a convenient, safe and comfortable patient environment. One Thousand Caregivers, One Job, Your Health. Visit www.charlottehungertford.org for information.       

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CONTACTS: 

Tim LeBouthillier - Charlotte Hungerford Hospital - Director of Community Relations & Development  (Media) 860-496-6544

Wendy H. Bost – Quest Diagnostics - Director, Media Relations (Media) 973-520-2850

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics