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Quest Diagnostics Launches National Patient Appointment Scheduling

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 July 2007, 09:04 CDT

LYNDHURST, N.J., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced the first national patient appointment-scheduling system in the diagnostic testing service industry. The new system gives patients the option to schedule appointments for diagnostic testing at Quest Diagnostics' patient service centers 24-hours-a-day, seven- days-a-week using a web-based appointment scheduler on the company's web site at http://www.questdiagnostics.com/ or by calling a toll-free phone number.

The new appointment scheduling system is the latest in a series of improvements implemented by Quest Diagnostics in recent years to enhance patient service. Patients who use Quest Diagnostics' system will be seen at their scheduled time. They also will be able to fit appointments for diagnostic testing seamlessly into their daily schedule and align pre-test requirements, such as fasting, with the time of their appointment. The system also benefits employers and employees by limiting time away from work.

"One of our goals is to make the diagnostic testing experience as simple, positive and comfortable as possible for the patient," said Joyce Schwartz, M.D., vice president and chief laboratory officer, Quest Diagnostics. "Patients don't want to anxiously wait at a patient service center to submit their specimens for laboratory testing, especially when they're hungry and thirsty after fasting for hours. Our appointment scheduling system gives our patients an unprecedented level of control over the process of diagnostic testing, which in turn can alleviate the anxiety some people feel about the testing process. And in today's fast-paced society, appointment scheduling is a wonderful convenience that lets patients get in and out of our centers faster and on to their busy lives."

The appointment scheduling system, which is currently operational at most centers, will be implemented at all Quest Diagnostics patient service centers by the fall 2007. To access the appointment scheduling system, patients may visit http://www.questdiagnostics.com/appointment or call toll-free (888) 277-8772.

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: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/.

The statements in this press release that 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 2006 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

CONTACT: Investors, Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030; or Media, Wendy H.Bost, +1-201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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