Quest Diagnostics , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced that its Care360 physician portal is one of the preferred electronic health tools for physicians participating in the Southeast Michigan E-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI), a physician incentive program forged by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Henry Ford Health System, Health Alliance Plan and Medco Health Solutions, Inc.

The program provides incentives for physicians in southeast Michigan to prescribe medications electronically using a personal computer or wireless device which send the prescription information directly to a pharmacy, giving physicians real-time access to important formulary and insurance coverage information when making prescribing decisions. SEMI was initiated to address the growing problem of medication errors and the subsequent effect on healthcare quality and costs. RxHub, LLC and SureScripts are providing the technology infrastructure that supports the secure, bi-directional exchange of patient-specific prescribing information between physicians and pharmacy benefit managers and the transmission of electronic prescriptions to the pharmacy.

Quest Diagnostics' Care360 physician portal enables physicians to order diagnostic tests and review laboratory results online; prescribe medication at the point of care; view clinical and administrative information from multiple sources; file documents received electronically or in hard copy into a health record; and share confidential patient information with medical colleagues in a manner that is consistent with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy and security requirements. The Care360 physician portal was developed by MedPlus, the healthcare information technology subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.

"Quest Diagnostics is excited to offer participating SEMI physicians a tool that allows them to prescribe electronically and manage their patients' information in a secure environment," said Richard A. Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. "Today more than 50,000 physicians rely on Care360 to make better health decisions for patients."

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 information technology solutions that help 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, or Jennifer Somers
(Media): +1-201-729-8386, both of Quest Diagnostics

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