Caritas Christi Health Care and Quest Diagnostics announce strategic alliance

8/18/2009

Caritas Christi Health Care and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic alliance, under which Quest Diagnostics has acquired Caritas Medical Laboratories, LLC, the physician office laboratory outreach business of Caritas Christi Health Care. Additionally, this alliance will facilitate an innovative information exchange between Quest Diagnostics, Caritas hospitals and network physicians, as well as affiliated physicians.  The collaboration allows physicians and patients expanded access to the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, which will enhance Caritas Christi’s strong community presence.

“We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the delivery of medical services to our patients in the communities in which they live,” said Dr. Ralph de la Torre, President and CEO of the Caritas Christi Health Care system. “We are pleased to partner with Quest Diagnostics. Their breadth and extensive capabilities in diagnostic testing and information services will enable us to better serve our physicians and their patients.”

”We are excited about our new relationship with Caritas Christi which will result in the creation of a unique information exchange and provide outstanding service to physicians and patients in these communities,” said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Quest Diagnostics. “This will complement and add to our combined ability to provide quality health care services in New England.”

Physician offices in the Caritas network, which includes St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, and Norwood Hospital, will be linked directly to Quest Diagnostics’ information systems.  This type of IT-enabled reporting enhances the quality, safety and efficiency of patient care, and is consistent with Caritas Christi’s overall goal of offering comprehensive electronic medical patient records across the system. 

About Caritas Christi Health Care

With over 13,000 employees serving over 600,000 patients annually in 85 communities, Caritas Christi is the largest community based health care system in New England and the 10th largest employer in Massachusetts. 
Further information is available at www.CaritasChristi.org.

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.

Caritas Christi Health Care contact:
Teresa Prego 617-562-5393

Quest Diagnostics contact:
Wendy Bost: 973-520-2800