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How to Reschedule a Quest Diagnostics Appointment

The fastest way to reschedule is through your Quest account or by calling the lab directly

You can reschedule a Quest Diagnostics appointment online through your Quest account, by phone, or in person at the lab where your appointment is booked. The online method is usually quickest — you log in, find your upcoming appointment, and select a new date and time from available slots. If you don't have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, calling the lab directly gets you rescheduled in one conversation, and the staff can often tell you which time slots have the shortest wait times.

The phone number for your specific Quest location appears on your appointment confirmation email or text message. You can also find it by searching for your lab on the Quest website and clicking the location. Have your appointment confirmation number or date of birth ready when you call — it speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Rescheduling online through your Quest account takes a few minutes and shows you real-time availability at your chosen location.
  • Calling the lab directly is the fastest option if you need to reschedule the same day or if you're unsure which location you're booked at.
  • You can reschedule up until the day of your appointment, though availability may be limited closer to your original date.
  • If you need to change locations entirely, the phone method is more reliable than online, since the system sometimes limits location changes in the app.

Rescheduling through your online Quest account

Log into your Quest account on the Quest Diagnostics website or mobile app. Under "My Appointments" or a similar section, you'll see your upcoming tests listed with the date, time, and location. Click on the appointment you want to change.

Select "Reschedule" or "Change Appointment." The system will show you available dates and times at that same location for the next several weeks. Pick your new slot and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation email or text with your new appointment details. The entire process usually takes under five minutes.

If you don't have an online account, you can create one on the Quest website using your email address. You'll need your date of birth and the phone number or zip code associated with your appointment to look it up in their system.

Rescheduling by phone

Call the Quest location where your appointment is scheduled. The number is on your confirmation email, text message, or appointment card. Tell the staff member your name and date of birth, and they'll pull up your appointment.

Let them know what dates and times work better for you. They can tell you which slots are open and may mention which times typically have shorter waits — useful information if you're concerned about being in the lab for a long time. Once you've agreed on a new time, they'll confirm it over the phone and send you a new confirmation.

Calling is especially helpful if you need to reschedule same-day, if you're not sure which location your appointment is at, or if you want to move your appointment to a different Quest lab. The staff can often accommodate location changes more easily than the online system.

Rescheduling in person at the lab

If you're already at a Quest location, you can ask the front desk to reschedule your appointment while you're there. This works if you've just finished a test and want to book a follow-up, or if you're there for another reason and realize you need to change an upcoming appointment.

The staff will check availability and book you into a new slot on the spot. You'll get a new confirmation before you leave.

What happens if you miss your appointment without rescheduling

If you don't show up and don't reschedule, your appointment is simply cancelled. There's no penalty or fee. However, if your doctor ordered the test, they may follow up wondering why the results haven't come back. It's worth rescheduling rather than letting it lapse, especially if the test is for a condition your doctor is monitoring.

If you realize you've missed an appointment, you can reschedule a new one using any of the methods above — online, by phone, or in person. Quest doesn't require you to wait a certain amount of time before booking again.

Rescheduling when you need to change locations

If your original appointment is at one Quest location but you need to move it to a different one, calling the lab is more reliable than the online system. The app sometimes restricts location changes, but the staff can almost always move you to another Quest location in your area.

When you call, tell them the new location you prefer. They'll check availability there and book you in. If the location you want is very far away or in a different state, ask whether your test type is available at that location — some specialized tests are only offered at certain labs.

How far in advance you need to reschedule

You can reschedule up until the day of your appointment. If you reschedule the morning of your test, availability may be limited, but Quest usually has same-day slots open. If you know you can't make your appointment, rescheduling a few days ahead gives you more options.

Some tests require fasting or other preparation. If you reschedule, make sure you understand what preparation is needed for your new appointment time. For example, if you were fasting for a morning appointment and reschedule to the afternoon, you may no longer need to fast — but confirm with the lab or your doctor's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule online if I don't remember my password?

Yes. On the Quest login page, click "Forgot Password" and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. You'll receive a reset link, and then you can log in and reschedule. If you don't have an account, you can create one with your email and date of birth.

What if the time I need isn't available at my location?

Call the lab and ask about availability at nearby Quest locations. Staff can often move you to another lab in your area that has the time slot you need. You can also ask if they have earlier or later times the same day, or if they recommend coming very early to minimize wait time.

Do I need to tell my doctor if I reschedule?

Not usually. Your doctor ordered the test, and as long as you complete it, they'll receive the results. However, if the test is time-sensitive — for example, if it's meant to check your levels before starting a medication — mention the new date to your doctor's office to make sure the timing still works.

Can I reschedule if I'm rescheduling for the second or third time?

Yes. Quest doesn't limit how many times you can reschedule. However, if you find yourself repeatedly cancelling or rescheduling the same test, consider whether something is preventing you from going — cost, transportation, anxiety about the test — and whether your doctor's office can help address it.

What if I need to reschedule but the online system says no appointments are available?

Call the lab directly. The phone system sometimes shows different availability than the online portal, and staff may be able to book you into a slot that doesn't appear online. They can also tell you when the next batch of appointments opens up if the location is temporarily full.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Offices and providers set their own rules, so check the details with the one you’re seeing. See our Editorial Policy.