Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced today that its MedPlus healthcare information technology subsidiary has been recognized as the number one Document Management and Imaging (DMI) vendor in the 2005 "Top 20: KLAS Mid-Year Report Card." (© 2005 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved.) This top ranking marks the third time the company's ChartMaxx® product, an enterprise-wide electronic patient record solution, has placed first in the KLAS mid-year report.

KLAS rankings are based on interviews with healthcare executives, professionals and clinicians at more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500 clinics nationwide. The ratings are based on feedback received from current customers. In this same report MedPlus' ChartMaxx was ranked the tenth best solution out of 79 products for its ability to provide an immediate operational impact to hospitals. Additionally, 100 percent of respondents indicated they would buy ChartMaxx again and recommend it to their peers.

KLAS defines DMI vendors as companies that scan, create, archive, workflow and validate a variety of clinical and non-clinical (administrative/business) paper and electronic documents. According to KLAS, DMI systems are emerging as key solutions for hospitals to gain enterprise access to information while integrating data from disparate systems.

"We're delighted our ChartMaxx solution achieved first place again in the KLAS report," said Richard Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics and MedPlus President. "The results demonstrate our commitment to listening to our customers and delivering a valuable solution that helps them improve patient care and maximize business performance."

The KLAS report includes favorable commentary from healthcare executives who highlight ChartMaxx's value. "We have seen a lot of benefits from ChartMaxx," said a KLAS survey respondent. "Our financial area has improved their processes because of the new correspondence workflow. Our medical record coders have transitioned to work at home, and we are essentially a paperless environment at this time." Another survey respondent said, "ChartMaxx has exceeded our expectations. It is easy for our physicians to complete their charts and sign off electronically, and they are all very complimentary about this system. Physicians are able to access the system from their home office and they think it is the best product we have."

Today, MedPlus has more than 100 ChartMaxx systems installed in hospitals and clinics with 115,000 clinical and administrative users managing more than 250 million clinical and administrative documents for 11 million patients.

About KLAS Enterprises

KLAS, founded in 1996, is the only research and consulting firm that specializes in providing the healthcare information technology (HIT) industry with unbiased, factual information on HIT vendor performance. KLAS, teamed with thousands of healthcare executives, CIOs, directors, managers and clinicians, has created a dynamic database of information on the performance of HIT vendors. The KLAS database represents the opinions of healthcare executives, managers and clinicians from more than 4,500 hospitals and 2,500 clinics on more than 500 different products. The information contained within the database is current, as it is refreshed daily with new performance evaluations and interviews. KLAS utilizes a two-step process to collect candid performance data so KLAS clients are able to clearly see how a vendor or product is truly performing. For further information, contact KLAS Enterprises, LLC toll free at 866-268-9438 or visit the Web at http://www.healthcomputing.com/.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Report

If you have questions about the study or if you would like to purchase a copy, call toll-free at 866-268-9438 or visit http://www.healthcomputing.com/.

About ChartMaxx

ChartMaxx is an enterprise-wide electronic health record solution built on a document management & imaging foundation that enables healthcare organizations to enhance performance by improving patient care and maximizing business results through the efficient collection, access and use of clinical, financial and administrative information. Immediate, concurrent access to information makes ChartMaxx a key component in efficient management of patient records. The solution provides the tools hospitals need to accelerate turnaround time for chart completion, introduce electronic patient registration, utilize remote coding, automate release of information and maximize electronic information access across the entire facility. ChartMaxx has been implemented in more than 100 hospitals and clinics throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit http://www.medplus.com/.

About MedPlus

MedPlus, the healthcare information technology subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, is a leading developer and integrator of clinical connectivity and healthcare data management solutions that foster better patient care and improve business performance for healthcare institutions, physicians and patients. The company's ChartMaxx and Care360 solutions efficiently and securely collect, store, manage and integrate clinical information within an organization, enterprise, practice or community. ChartMaxx, the award- winning electronic patient record solution, has been implemented in more than 100 hospitals and clinics with over 115,000 clinical and administrative users. Care360 is a patient-centric physician portal providing a network of over 50,000 physicians and their staff with tools to improve patient care and overall office efficiency. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at http://www.medplus.com/.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. 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 the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and provides advanced information technology solutions to improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/.

The statements in this press release which 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 2004 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

CONTACT: Laure Park, Investors, +1-201-393-5030, Jennifer Somers, Media,
+1-201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics

Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/
http://www.medplus.com/