Walmart and Quest Diagnostics partner for online testing portal
by January 31, 2022 1:43 pm 1,572 views
Walmart and Quest Diagnostics are partnering on a consumer-oriented testing website that can provide shoppers with more than 50 diagnostic tests from COVID-19, allergy, women’s health and heart disease to sexually transmitted diseases through a website portal.
Consumers can visit the Walmart website and select their own lab tests. Each purchase is reviewed, and if needed, ordered by a licensed physician. Depending on the test, people will be prompted to schedule an appointment at one of Quest’s patient service centers, including locations at select Walmart stores.
Quest said the new solution allows people to take control of their health care and purchase the same high-quality laboratory tests ordered by healthcare providers via the website.
“Now more than ever, people seek healthcare that is convenient, individualized and meets them where they are,” said Steve Rusckowski, Quest Diagnostics chairman and CEO.
Quest reports that 60% of U.S. adults admitted skipping or delaying some in-personal medical treatments or appointments during the pandemic. By allowing people to purchase their laboratory testing 24 hours a day from any connected computer or mobile device, they can access high quality healthcare at their convenience, according to the company.
“Walmart is committed to providing its customers broad access to healthcare services,” said Julie Barber, senior vice president of health & wellness merchandising at Walmart. “This new testing solution from Quest Diagnostics, allows us to build upon this commitment by empowering customers with a new way to take control of their own health and obtain high-quality lab services with the click of the mouse.”
Walmart said consumers can shop discreetly online for the tests they need. Depending on the test, people will be prompted to schedule an appointment at one of Quest’s 2,220 U.S. Patient Service Centers, including locations at some Walmart stores. Appointments are often available that same day, depending on location. The at-home collection kits with detailed sample collection instructions will be sent to people for certain tests.
Quest said the test results are typically available within days and can be accessed through MyQuest, a free secure patient portal that can be accessed via smartphone, tablet, or desktop, where consumers can also choose to share their results with their doctor. Access to a healthcare professional for an explanation of test results and prescription treatments, if appropriate, are also included as part of the service.
Tests ordered through QuestDirect via Walmart.com are typically considered eligible expenses for flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA), so customers considering ways to use funds can take advantage of the eligibility. The service is not available in Arizona, Hawaii or Alaska.