How to Schedule an Appointment with Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics lets you book lab appointments online, by phone, or in person at any of their thousands of locations

Quest Diagnostics operates one of the largest networks of patient service centers in the United States. You can schedule a lab appointment through their website, their mobile app, by calling their customer service line, or by walking into a local center. Most appointments can be booked for the same day or within a few days, depending on your location and the type of test ordered.

The method you choose depends on what works best for your schedule. Online and app booking are fastest if you already know what test your doctor ordered. Phone booking works if you need help finding a location or have questions about what to bring. Walk-in appointments are available at most centers, though wait times vary by time of day and location.

Key Takeaways

• You can book Quest appointments online at questdiagnostics.com, through the Quest mobile app, by phone at 1-800-222-0446, or by walking into any patient service center.
• Have your doctor's order, insurance card, and photo ID ready before you book, whether online or by phone.
• Most locations offer same-day or next-day appointments, but arrival time and wait time depend on how busy your local center is.
• If you do not have a doctor's order yet, Quest can still schedule you, but you will need to arrange the order before your appointment date.

Booking online through the Quest website

Go to questdiagnostics.com and click the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the home page. Enter your zip code to find nearby patient service centers. The website will show you available appointment times for each location, usually in 15-minute or 30-minute slots. Select the date and time that works for you.

You will need to enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. The website will ask whether you have an existing Quest account or need to create one. If you have insurance, enter your insurance information at this point. If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket, you can still book — Quest will show you the cost of your test before you confirm.

After you complete the booking, Quest will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details, a list of what to bring, and directions to your local center. Print this confirmation or save it on your phone to show when you arrive.

Using the Quest mobile app

read the Quest Diagnostics mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with your Quest account, or create a new one if you do not have one yet. Tap "Schedule an Appointment" and enter your zip code.

The app works the same way as the website — you select a location, choose an available time slot, and enter your personal and insurance information. The app stores your confirmation in your account, so you can pull it up on your phone at the appointment without printing anything. You can also use the app to check in when you arrive at the center.

Scheduling by phone

Call Quest customer service at 1-800-222-0446. A representative will ask for your zip code and help you find a nearby location. They will tell you what appointment times are available and book the one you choose. This method is useful if you are not sure what test you need, if you have questions about fasting or preparation, or if you want to confirm your insurance coverage before your appointment.

Have your insurance card and photo ID ready when you call. If your doctor has already sent your order to Quest, the representative can confirm it is on file. If not, they will let you know what information your doctor needs to send and when you should call back to reschedule if the order has not arrived by your appointment date.

Walking in without an appointment

Most Quest patient service centers accept walk-in appointments during their regular hours. You do not need to call ahead or book online. When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you are a walk-in. They will ask for your name, date of birth, insurance card, and photo ID.

Wait times for walk-ins vary widely depending on the time of day and how busy your local center is. Early morning appointments, especially on weekdays, usually have shorter waits. Late afternoon and Saturday mornings tend to be busier. If you are concerned about wait time, call the center directly before you go, and they can tell you how busy they are.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a photo ID and your insurance card. If you have a paper copy of your doctor's order, bring that too, though Quest usually has it on file already. If you are fasting for your test (your doctor or the appointment confirmation will tell you if you need to), do not eat or drink anything except water for the time period specified — usually 8 to 12 hours before your appointment.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily. This makes it faster and easier for the phlebotomist to draw blood. If you have a history of fainting or difficulty with blood draws, let the staff know when you check in so they can have you sit or lie down during the draw.

If your doctor's order is not on file yet

You can still schedule an appointment before your doctor sends the order to Quest. When you book online or by phone, you will see an option to proceed without an order on file. Complete your appointment booking, then contact your doctor's office and ask them to send the order to Quest. Provide them with your appointment date and time so they know when you need it.

Quest can hold your appointment slot for a few days while you wait for the order to arrive. If the order does not come through by your appointment date, call Quest at 1-800-222-0446 to reschedule. Do not show up for an appointment without an order — the center will not be able to process your test.

Canceling or rescheduling an appointment

If you need to cancel or change your appointment time, log into your Quest account on the website or app and select your appointment. You will see options to reschedule or cancel. You can also call 1-800-222-0446 and a representative will make the change for you.

Cancel or reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment. This frees up the time slot for other patients and prevents you from being charged a no-show fee if your insurance or payment plan includes one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment if I do not have a doctor's order yet?

Yes. You can book an appointment and provide the order later, as long as it arrives before your appointment date. When you book online or by phone, select the option to proceed without an order on file. Contact your doctor's office right away and ask them to send the order to Quest with your appointment information.

How long does a typical lab appointment take?

Most appointments last 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to when you leave. The actual blood draw or test takes only a few minutes. The rest of the time is spent checking in, answering health history questions, and waiting if the center is busy. Walk-in wait times can be longer depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Do I need to fast before my appointment?

It depends on what test your doctor ordered. Some tests require fasting (usually 8 to 12 hours with no food or drink except water), while others do not. Your appointment confirmation email will tell you if fasting is required. If you are not sure, call Quest at 1-800-222-0446 before your appointment.

What if I cannot find an appointment time that works for me?

Call 1-800-222-0446 and ask about locations near you that might have more availability. Some centers have longer hours or more appointment slots than others. You can also ask about walk-in times at your preferred location, which may have shorter waits than scheduled appointments.

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

Yes, but that person will need to be present at the appointment with their own photo ID and insurance card. When you book online or by phone, enter their name and date of birth. Some locations may ask to verify that the person being tested has authorized the appointment.