Patients and physicians have a new way to share diagnostic lab data online at the newly created Google Health, from Google, Mountain View, Calif. The Web site is publicly available to all users in the United States.
The site allows users to store, organize, and manage their medical records and personal health information online. The collaboration between Google and Quest Diagnostics Inc, Madison, NJ, helps the more than 100,000 physicians nationwide who use Quest’s Care360™ patient-centric physician portal to securely transfer—at a patient’s request—diagnostic data in a HIPAA-compliant format into the patient’s protected Google Health account, with a brief explanation of test results.
"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient’s health record and a key driver of the health care decisions physicians make on behalf of their patients," said Stephen C. Suffin, MD, interim chief lab officer and corporate medical director, clinical pathology for Quest. "As patients become better informed and proactive in managing their health care, they may be more likely to practice preventive care, adopt healthful behaviors, and practice other measures that promote improved medical outcomes."
The site includes an option for patients to schedule diagnostic testing online and access to a comprehensive health library, and may empower patients and physicians to collaborate more closely in making more well-informed health care decisions based on diagnostic information
The companies first publicized the collaboration in February 2008, when Google announced a pilot of Google Health with a large delivery system. Quest is the sole diagnostic testing company involved in the endeavor.
According to The Markle Foundation, two in three Americans (65%) would like to access all of their medical information electronically to ensure accuracy, improve doctor-patient communications, and help prevent medical errors. Two-thirds (68%) said having health and medical information accessible online gives them more control over their own health.
Quest is a leading provider nationwide of diagnostic testing, information and services, serving half of all physicians and hospitals, and analyzing test results for more than 500,000 patients daily. The company offers access to diagnostic testing services through its national network of labs and patient-service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its medical and scientific staff.
