Quest Diagnostics Launches Patient-Initiated Testing

Diagnostic information services provider Quest Diagnostics has launched QuestDirect, a new patient-initiated testing service which will aim to empower consumers who live in Colorado and Missouri to manage their health by ordering certain lab tests directly without a physician's order.

The pilot program is now available, officials of the Madison, NJ.-based Quest said in a press release. All tests are available via an online ordering form that can be downloaded from Quest Diagnostics' website.

"In today's consumer-driven healthcare environment, people want to play a more active role in managing their own health and wellness, and our patient-initiated testing service is another resource for individuals to empower better health," Steve Rusckowski, Quest Diagnostics president and CEO, said in a statement. "Consumers expect the most accurate and up-to-date diagnostic information to proactively manage their health so that they can make educated decisions, and we are pleased to begin offering this service to residents of Colorado and Missouri."

Customers will be able to access the results through MyQuest by Care360, used by more than three million people to see, store and share their results and health information using a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. Prices for each test bundle are provided on the order form, officials said.

“We are pleased to offer consumers a responsible menu of tests that will give them the insight about their health and well-being," Cathy Doherty, senior vice president and group executive, clinical franchise solutions, Quest Diagnostics, added in a statement. "We believe that consumer engagement in personal health is critical and we aim to ensure consumers are connected to high quality medical care—when and where they need it."