SECAUCUS, N.J., May 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest
Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of
diagnostic information services, today unveiled several new
enhancements to its COVID-19 testing services, with the goal to
help combat COVID-19 while empowering more individuals and families
to resume "back to life" activities with greater safety this
spring, summer and beyond.
Starting today, adults can request access to the company's
$0 out-of-pocket COVID-19 test option
for themselves and children 4 years of age and older through
QuestDirect™, the company's online consumer-initiated test
platform. Eligibility for $0
out-of-pocket COVID-19 testing includes adults and minors
regardless of symptoms or suspected exposure, consistent with
updated government guidance on insurance coverage for COVID-19
testing.
For more information, visit QuestCovid19.com
An individual simply fills out a form online, which is quickly
reviewed by an independent physician. If deemed eligible by the
physician, the individual may then schedule an appointment for an
observed self-collection at one of 500 Walmart Neighborhood Market
locations and other sites. Same-day appointments may be available,
with test results typically provided the next day.* QuestDirect is
not available in Alaska,
Arizona and Hawaii. The $0
out-of-pocket COVID-19 test option through QuestDirect is not
available for asymptomatic individuals without known or suspected
exposure for public health surveillance or employment purposes.
Quest is believed to be the first national laboratory provider
to enable a patient to request access to COVID-19 diagnostic
testing, regardless of symptoms or exposure, through a
consumer-initiated testing site with broadly accessible observed
self-collection at no cost to individuals. The test will be billed
to commercial health plans and government payors. The expanded
test option comes as governments and organizations seek ways to
utilize testing to resume safer in-person customer
interactions.
"As a leader in the nation's COVID-19 testing response, Quest
Diagnostics is continually spearheading new innovations to broaden
access to quality COVID-19 diagnostic insights," said Cathy Doherty, Senior Vice President and Group
Executive – Clinical Franchise Solutions and Marketing, Quest
Diagnostics. "As more people are vaccinated and the economy
opens, greater flexibility and affordability in COVID-19 testing
will help keep us all safer. We believe this option for COVID-19
testing will enable individuals and families to return to normal
activities more safely and responsibly."
The $0 out-of-pocket option
applies to molecular laboratory (PCR/NAAT) and rapid antigen
testing, where available. While the vast majority of testing
provided by Quest is molecular laboratory testing, the company has
also begun to offer rapid antigen tests at approximately 30 patient
service centers in New York, with
plans to extend the capability to other states over time.
Quest has capacity to provide 300,000 COVID-19 molecular
diagnostic tests a day from approximately two dozen laboratories
across the United States. Since
launching its services in early March
2020, the company has performed more than 40 million
COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tests. Quest reports the vast
majority of test results within a day.*
About Our Commitment to Empowering Consumer Health
Quest Diagnostics has long been at the forefront of the movement
for consumer empowerment in healthcare. Our QuestDirect
consumer-initiated test platform provides dozens of tests for
conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted
diseases. We were among the first diagnostic information services
providers to offer free access to test results online and other
channels. Our mobile app and patient portal,
called MyQuest, provides millions of people a way to
securely access and track their test results and other health
data.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers
people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the
world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic
insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire
healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest
annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the
physicians and hospitals in the United
States. Our 50,000 employees understand that, in the right
hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can
inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com.
*Capacity depends on access to sufficient supplies and
equipment as well as positivity rates. Turnaround time refers to
the expected number of days required to collect, transport, perform
testing on and report results for a specimen. Turnaround time can
fluctuate with demand, supplies and other factors, and vary by
region. For more information, please refer to:
newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/COVIDTestingUpdates
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics