MADISON, N.J., April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced it has begun an effort to assign a unique Patient Identifier – a secure 16 digit identification number – to every Quest Diagnostics patient.  In what is believed to be the largest effort of its kind in the area of assigning health IDs, the company has assigned unique identifiers to approximately 80 million Quest Diagnostics patients to date.

Surya N. Mohapatra, PhD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Quest Diagnostics, called on the healthcare industry to support the adoption of unique Patient IDs to speed and streamline access to critical patient records, which, for an individual patient, can often reside at several different physician offices, specialists, hospitals and insurance providers. With Patient IDs, providers would gain a comprehensive and current view of a patient's health history.

"Quest Diagnostics is committed to empowering patients and healthcare providers with secure and rapid access to the personal health information that is so critical to improving patient health," said Dr. Mohapatra.  "In today's digital world, patients are increasingly relying on smart phones and tablets to better manage every aspect of their lives. 

"Patients can use their unique Health ID to gain timely access to their personal laboratory test results, to help develop a picture of the most appropriate treatment options," said Dr. Mohapatra.

Quest Diagnostics patients who visit the company's website (www.QuestDiagnostics.com) to schedule an appointment or pay a bill, or who register for the Quest Diagnostics Gazelle® Secure Mobile Health App (www.gazelleapp.com), are automatically assigned a Quest Diagnostics Health ID.  Quest Diagnostics introduced the Gazelle Secure Mobile Health platform in October of 2010.  In just over a year, more than 200,000 patients have downloaded the Gazelle App, which allows patients to securely manage their personal health information and receive their Quest Diagnostics test results directly on their Apple® or Android®-based smartphones.

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

Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Wendy Bost (Media): 973-520-2800
Kathleen Valentine (Investors): 973-520-2900

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics