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 for its ChartMaxx® electronic patient record solution in an industry report published by KLAS Enterprises, LLC. KLAS is a healthcare information technology research and consulting firm that specializes in providing the industry with unbiased, factual information on healthcare information technology vendor performance.

The "Document Management and Imaging Report" (© 2005 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved) is released every two to three years and is intended to provide a snapshot of today's Document Management and Imaging vendors and compare their strengths and weaknesses against one another. Previously, MedPlus placed first in the February 2002 edition of the Document Management and Imaging Report.

MedPlus was also awarded a first place ranking for its ChartMaxx product by KLAS Enterprises in the 2004 "Top 20: Year-End Best in KLAS" and in the 2005 "Top 20: KLAS Mid-Year Report Card" earlier this year.

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. In the DMI Report, 89 percent of survey respondents said they purchased MedPlus' ChartMaxx solution due to its superior functionality over the competition.

There were 12 vendors included in the 2005 DMI Report and MedPlus received an overall score of 87.4 out of 100 compared to the average score of 77.9. 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.

"We're delighted our ChartMaxx solution placed first in the recent KLAS DMI report," said Richard Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics and MedPlus President. "Earning first place in the KLAS reports recognizes our commitment to delivering a best-in-breed enterprise-wide electronic patient record solution for our customers."

The KLAS DMI report includes favorable commentary from healthcare executives who highlight ChartMaxx's value. "We selected ChartMaxx because it incorporated the three departments we wanted," said a KLAS survey respondent. "It did everything for all of us and eliminated the need to buy a system for each department. It really was the most inclusive system in terms of registration, business office and medical records." Another survey respondent said, "MedPlus is a great company to do business with. They treat us extremely well, and they do a good job of listening to us. We also feel their pricing is quite fair."

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 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 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 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 www.medplus.com.

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 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 Incorporated

CONTACT: Quest Diagnostics: Laure Park (Investors): +1-201-393-5030, or
Jennifer Somers (Media): +1-201-393-5700

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