Safeway Expanding In-store Diagnostic Testing
Safeway and diagnostic information services provider Quest Diagnostics are teaming up to offer diagnostic testing in 12 Safeway locations, adding to the two locations currently operating in Arizona through Quest’s Sonora Quest Laboratories joint venture with Banner Health.
Quest Diagnostics will provide diagnostic testing services offered in company-branded patient services centers (PSCs) in 12 Safeway stores in California, Colorado, Texas, Virginia and Maryland. Customers will enjoy convenient lab testing services and access to accurate diagnostic capabilities.
The PSCs in Safeway will be adjacent to the chain's in-store pharmacies. The 400- to 500-square-foot PSCs will feature interior designs built to facilitate patient interaction in a secure and private environment, as well as a waiting room that comfortably seats patients and a dedicated restroom with a sample pass-through.
"We are proud to expand our relationship with Safeway," said Steve Rusckowski, Quest Diagnostics president and CEO. "We're building on what we learned in Arizona, which is that by providing laboratory testing services where patients also shop, we will make it easier for them to get the quality diagnostic insights they need in convenient locations. Our partnership with Safeway, combined with the technology investments we are making in our PSCs throughout the company and the commitment of our 44,000 dedicated employees to everyday excellence, are helping to create a first-class patient experience."
Madison, N.J.-based Quest also plans to provide patients with remote-contact devices that allow them to shop during wait times, providing a more convenient patient experience. Additionally, Quest and Safeway will launch co-branded initiatives to reward customers, such as purchase incentives and coupons.
"Our collaboration with Quest Diagnostics represents Safeway's commitment to becoming a health and wellness destination for our customers, giving patients convenient access to quality laboratory testing and a unique shopping experience," said Mark Panzer, SVP of pharmacy, health and wellness at Safeway. "This is a natural extension of the robust health and wellness offerings found throughout our stores. We're excited that our customers will have access to healthy foods, pharmacy services and diagnostic testing under one roof."
Based in Pleasanton, Calif., Safeway is a banner of the Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos., one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. Albertsons operates stores across 35 states and the Washington, D.C., area under 19 banners, including Safeway, and serves more than 2,200 communities.