Altarum Institute Looks to Drive Change in the Health System With its New Center for Studying Health Spending

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(Business Wire)--
Altarum Institute President and CEO Lincoln Smith today announced the formation
of the Altarum Institute Center for Studying Health Spending. The center will be
a part of Altarum`s internal Systems Research and Initiatives (SRI) group and
will focus on the macro-economics of health spending, health workforce,
government outlays, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

"The Center for Studying Heath Spending is a part of our ongoing efforts to
investigate cost growth trends, key drivers, and potential policy strategies as
the U.S. moves into a new post-health reform era," said Smith in making the
announcement.

Dr. Charles Roehrig, who has led much of the economic research work at Altarum
for many years, will be the center`s director. Dr. Thomas Walke, also of
Altarum, will serve as his deputy. Other Altarum researchers joining the
center`s staff include Dr. George Miller, Paul Hughes-Cromwick, and Ani Turner.

Altarum researchers have published significant works on health economics and
spending in recent years, receiving attention from major national publications
like Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and ABC News. Research has included a
first-of-its-kind study by Charles Roehrig of spending by individual medical
condition, which showed that mental disorders and heart conditions are the two
most expensive medical conditions in the United States. George Miller also
published a ground-breaking study demonstrating that the share of U.S. national
health expenditures on prevention is higher than commonly estimated.

"This center`s team has already tackled unique modeling challenges and achieved
significant recognition for its work," said Smith. "A formal organizational unit
is a visible commitment by Altarum to continue our work to understand the
economics of the health policy environment - and to use that knowledge to drive
health systems change."

To see all recent Altarum research and publications, visit www.altarum.org.

Altarum Institute (www.altarum.org) integrates objective research and
client-centered consulting skills to deliver comprehensive, systems-based
solutions that improve health and health care.A nonprofit serving clients in the
public and private sectors, Altarum employs more than 350 individuals and is
headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. with additional offices in the Washington,
D.C. area; Atlanta, Ga.; Portland, Maine; and San Antonio, Texas.

Altarum Institute
Jonathan Orr, 703-575-1215
jonathan.orr@altarum.org

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