Quest Diagnostics –

A Patient’s Choice

Written by: Kimberly L. Kilmer

“One of the most important things for patients to know is that they have a choice in the facility they choose when a physician orders lab testing. They can request a referral to Quest Diagnostics,” says Laurie Jantz. Jantz, Quest Diagnostics’ account manager for the Eastern Shore, is quick to point out that Quest Diagnostics has two patient service centers in Salisbury conveniently located at 712 E. Main St. and a second location at 106 Milford St. in Suite 604. A third location to serve those on the Lower Shore will open in the near future at 1504 Market St. in Pocomoke, Md. According to Jantz, a firm opening date has yet to be set, but the patient service center is expected to be open this month. Hours for the Pocomoke facility are yet to be determined.
Each Quest Diagnostics patient service center employs a friendly and comforting staff. The well-trained staff is also equipped to assist in the testing of infants and children. Quest Diagnostics prides itself on a 20-minute patient in-and-out policy, but to accommodate those patients who would prefer to make a specific appointment time, appointments may be scheduled online at www.questdiagnostics.com/psc or by calling the toll-free appointment number at 866-277-8772.

In addition to the services located at the local patient service centers, Quest Diagnostics offers some personalized and cutting-edge online services that are available to patients free of charge. Patients can receive their lab results online through the Quest Diagnostics VIP program. VIP is the acronym for Very Informed Patient. The VIP program allows patients to individualize several online options for storing all of their medical information, accessing test results whenever they need them, and can provide them information via an interactive wellness program that is created just for them.

“Patients can ask their physician about the VIP service with Quest Diagnostics,” said Jantz. They can also inquire with their physician about the Quest Diagnostics Test Reminder Program. “The program is a timely reminder service that sends e-mails seven days in advance of test due dates,” Jantz added. This service is free of charge and applicable to any patients that may have standing lab orders.

“We care about the health of the patients in the community,” says Jantz when referring to a free patient health library located on the www.questdiagnostics.com menu. By referencing the information in the health library, patients have 24-hour access to health topics and information on illnesses, symptoms, wellness and first aid. A symptom checker and other interactive tools, quizzes and calculators are available so that patients can gather immediate information on general and personal health topics. There is also an alphabetized list of medical tests to enable the patient to understand the name and scope of any medical tests or laboratory procedures that might be ordered by their physician. Resources are available to each patient in order to help them better understand medications they may be taking as well. The library also incorporates a search resource for self help and support groups available in the local area as well as access to medical topics grouped by category. The health library is extensive and very simple to use. Quest Diagnostics has made a wealth of sometimes confusing information simple to locate, access and understand.

Both Salisbury patient service centers offer a full range of physician-ordered lab testing as well as drug testing often requested by employers. The two Salisbury locations currently offer patients a variety of open hours to suit most schedules. “We have recently adjusted our hours to better meet our patients’ needs including the addition of early morning and later afternoon availability,” noted Jantz. The Milford Street office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This location also has Saturday hours from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. to accommodate those who are not available on weekdays. The Main Street location is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Quest Diagnostics accepts most insurance plans to include all Medicare and Medicaid plans, Priority Partners/Amerigroup, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Tricare and Aetna.
Should the need arise for lab or drug testing, ask your physician or provider to recommend Quest Diagnostics.