Diagnostic information services provider Quest Diagnostics has partnered with Sentara Health Plans to extend lab access in parts of the Southeast region in the US.
The collaboration aims to enhance access to affordable lab testing for Sentara members.
Sentara Health Plans is the health plan business of Sentara Health, a health care delivery system.
Under the agreement, Quest Diagnostics will be the exclusive independent laboratory provider for Sentara Health Plans, starting 1 January 2025. This includes clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services.
The agreement covers members in Florida and Virginia, including those in Sentara’s AvMed business.
The financial and other terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
Sentara Health Plans and Quest Diagnostics will work together to expand the latter’s patient service centre network. This will improve access for patients in certain areas.
Both partners will also explore ways to educate Sentara members and providers about the benefits of using Quest for testing instead of higher-cost, out-of-network options.
Sentara Health Plans president and Sentara executive vice president Colin Drozdowski said: “Sentara Health Plans’ strategic relationship with Quest promises to provide our Florida and Virginia members with innovative and comprehensive laboratory services.
“Sentara Health Plans and Quest share a common goal to deliver quality and affordable care to our plan members.”
Sentara Health serves the US Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. The organisation has 30,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and the Sentara Health Plans division.
Sentara Health Plans provides a range of commercial products. This includes employee-owned and employer-sponsored plans, Individual & Family Health Plans, and Employee Assistance Programs.
They also offer plans for Dual-Eligible, Medicare, and Medicaid members.
Quest Diagnostics health plans senior vice president Leah Timmerman said: “Health plans like Sentara value Quest as a strategic collaborator that can help them reduce healthcare costs while simultaneously enhancing access, innovation, and quality.
“We look forward to helping Sentara Health Plans improve access and affordability for its members as we extend into parts of the southeastern US, particularly Virginia, where our presence has been limited.”
