MADISON, NJ – Through a joint effort by Quest Diagnostics and Microsoft HealthVault, patients and physicians can now share diagnostic laboratory test results online.

Physicians who use Care360, a patient-centric portal from Madison N.J.-based Quest Diagnostics, can transfer test results in a HIPAA-compliant format to a protected account per patient request. Patients will be able to use this account to view past and present diagnostic laboratory records from their physicians.

"Consumers need to be able to access and take control of their health information, in order to best manage their health and the health of their families," said David Cerino, general manager of consumer health, Microsoft Health Solutions Group. "Lab results are one piece of the puzzle necessary to give people a complete picture of their health, which we are now able to deliver securely through the connection between Quest Diagnostics and HealthVault."

According to  Quest Diagnostics officials, more than 140,000 physicians nation-wide use the Care360 network to order lab test and results, e-prescribe drugs and upload clinical data. Microsoft HealthVault gives users a online location to store, organize and manage their personal health information.

"Diagnostic testing is the foundation of a patient's health record and informs approximately 70 percent of healthcare decisions physicians make on behalf of their patients," said Jon R. Cohen, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. "Patients are starting to take control of their health by managing their personal health information, which we believe will enhance doctor-patient interactions and improve medical outcomes."

Statistics from The Markle Foundation suggest that the majority of Americans would like to have more control over their medical information. A majority also implied that having medical records accessible in an online platform provides that control. The full report can be found at The Markle Foundation website.