MADISON, N.J., May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) announced today that it will enable patients and their physicians to share diagnostic laboratory test results, using Microsoft HealthVault™. The connection will enable physicians who use Quest Diagnostics' Care360™ patient-centric physician portal to securely transfer, at a patient's request, diagnostic laboratory test results in a HIPAA-compliant format into the patient's protected account. Patients will be able to use their account to access current and historical diagnostic laboratory records from their physicians.

More than 140,000 physicians in the U.S. use Quest Diagnostics' Care360 network to order lab tests and view results, electronically prescribe drugs, upload clinical data and securely share information with other healthcare providers. Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, serving half of all physicians and hospitals in the U.S. and analyzing test results for more than 500,000 patients every day. Microsoft HealthVault allows users to store, organize and manage their medical records and personal health information online.

"Consumers need to be able to access and take control of their health information, in order to best manage their health and the health of their families," said David Cerino, general manager of consumer health, Microsoft Health Solutions Group. "Lab results are one piece of the puzzle necessary to give people a complete picture of their health, which we are now able to deliver securely through the connection between Quest Diagnostics and HealthVault."

According to The Markle Foundation, two in three Americans (65 percent) would like to access all of their medical information electronically to ensure accuracy, improve doctor-patient communications and help prevent medical errors. Two-thirds (68 percent) also said having health and medical information accessible online gives them more control over their own health.(1)

Microsoft HealthVault complements Quest Diagnostics' commitment to physician- and patient-focused solutions. This includes an option for patients to schedule diagnostic testing online and access a comprehensive health library, available at www.questdiagnostics.com.

"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient's health record and informs approximately 70 percent of health care decisions physicians make on behalf of their patients," said Jon R. Cohen, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. "We are excited to work with Microsoft to enable patients to manage their Quest Diagnostics laboratory data using HealthVault. Patients are starting to take control of their health by managing their personal health information, which we believe will enhance doctor-patient interactions and improve medical outcomes."

For more information on the Quest Diagnostics Care360 Physician Portal, visit www.care360.com.

(1) http://www.markle.org/news/press_releases/2006/press_release_12062006.php

About Microsoft HealthVault

Microsoft HealthVault is a personal health application platform designed to put consumers in control of their health information. HealthVault provides a security-enhanced foundation on which a broad ecosystem of providers can build innovative health and wellness solutions such as personal health records, disease management, fitness, weight loss and other Web applications. HealthVault can be used to collect and store health information that would otherwise reside in disparate systems and transfer the information between a variety of providers' health services and systems. It enables the reuse and free flow of interoperable and transportable personal health information.

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 new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

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