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"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient's health record and akey driver of the health care decisions physicians make on behalf of theirpatients," said Stephen C. Suffin, M.D., interim chief laboratory officer andcorporate medical director, clinical pathology, Quest Diagnostics. "UsingGoogle Health, physicians will be able to more efficiently share importantdiagnostic data with their patients. As patients become better informed andproactive in managing their health care, they may be more likely to practicepreventive care, adopt healthful behaviors and practice other measures thatpromote improved medical outcomes."
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Google Health allows users to store, organize and manage their medicalrecords and personal health information online. The collaboration will enablephysicians who use Quest Diagnostics' Care360(TM) patient-centric physicianportal to securely transfer, at a patient's request, diagnostic data in aHIPAA-compliant format into the patient's protected Google Health Account.Using Google's secure technology platform, patients will be able to use theiraccount to access current and historical diagnostic laboratory records thatinclude brief electronic messages from their physicians about test results.
Quest Diagnostics and Google established their collaboration because thecompanies share the same vision of giving patients greater access to personalhealth information so they can make more informed decisions about their care.The companies first announced their collaboration in February 2008, whenGoogle announced a pilot of Google Health with a large delivery system. Theproduct is publicly available to all U.S. users starting today.
According to The Markle Foundation, two in three Americans (65 percent)would like to access all of their medical information electronically to ensureaccuracy, improve doctor-patient communications and help prevent medicalerrors. Two-thirds (68 percent) also said having health and medicalinformation accessible online gives them more control over their own health.
Google Health complements Quest Diagnostics' commitment to physician- andpatient-focused solutions. These include an option for patients to schedulediagnostic testing online and access to a comprehensive health library,available at www.questdiagnostics.com. In addition, its Care360 family ofconnectivity products allow physicians to access diagnostic test resultsonline, share clinically relevant information in a HIPAA-compliant manner andelectronically prescribe medications.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,information and services that patients and doctors need to make betterhealthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostictesting services through its national network of laboratories and patientservice centers, and
