Quest Diagnostics' MedPlus(R) Subsidiary Earns Top Ranking in KLAS Mid-Year Report For Its ChartMaxx(R) Electronic Patient Record Solution

LYNDHURST, N.J., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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 in the 2006 "Top 20: KLAS Mid-Year Report Card." ((C)2006 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved.) This top ranking position marks the fourth time the company's ChartMaxx(R) product, an enterprise-wide electronic health record solution, has placed first in the KLAS mid-year report.

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. ChartMaxx was ranked the tenth best solution out of 96 products for its ability to provide an immediate operational impact to hospitals. Additionally, 100 percent of MedPlus customer respondents indicated they would buy ChartMaxx again.

KLAS defines DMI products as those that provide the core capabilities of Scanning, Creating, Archiving, Workflow and validation of Electronically Stored Documents and Images (not clinical images).

"We're delighted our ChartMaxx solution achieved first place again in the KLAS report," said Richard Mahoney, Vice President, Healthcare Information Solutions at Quest Diagnostics and President of MedPlus. "The results demonstrate our commitment to listening to our customers and delivering a valuable solution that helps them improve patient care and maximize business performance."

Commentaries from healthcare executives collected by KLAS and viewable through KLAS Online or Platinum KLAS highlight ChartMaxx's value. "We have saved four times what we have invested to use the ChartMaxx system," said a KLAS survey respondent. Another survey respondent said, "The MedPlus support is superior. Whenever we call them we get an answer right away. That is wonderful from a vendor." Finally, another survey respondent said, "MedPlus is a very good company with which to do business. They listen to their end- users and try to provide the enhancements we request in a timely manner. They also do a good job of providing fair prices and reasonable charges for add-on modules and interfaces. The MedPlus executives are also accessible and responsive."

Today, MedPlus has more than 120 ChartMaxx systems installed in hospitals and clinics with 125,000 clinical and administrative users managing more than 400 million clinical and administrative documents for 15 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 http://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 http://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 120 hospitals and clinics throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit http://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 120 hospitals and clinics with more than 125,000 clinical and administrative users. Care360 is a patient-centric physician portal providing a network of more than 80,000 physicians and their staff with tools to improve patient care and overall office efficiency. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at http://www.medplus.com/.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. 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 the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and provides advanced information technology solutions to 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 2005 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.