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Seasoned Healthcare Executive to Drive Health Dialog Market Development

Posted on: Monday, 10 January 2005, 09:00 CST

Former Care Wise, Inc. CEO Strengthens Leadership Team

Health Dialog Services Corporation today announced the appointment of Craig S. Russell, a 22-year veteran of the healthcare industry, to the company's senior management team. Russell joins Health Dialog as National Practice Leader.

Russell's hiring reinforces Health Dialog's commitment to providing superior product offerings. His primary responsibility will be to work directly with benefit consultants, employers, and health plans to develop and launch new products that reflect the needs of the care management marketplace.

"It's very exciting to see Health Dialog employ the skills and expertise of an individual such as Craig Russell," said Sue Willette, Principal and HPM Practice Leader for Mercer Human Resource Consulting. "Craig's tenure in the industry and broad health management perspective are what we need to see more of in the vendor landscape."

Russell has a strong record of success in leading business-to-business initiatives in healthcare. Prior to joining Health Dialog, he served as President and CEO of CareWise, Inc., which he grew from three to nine million members before its acquisition by SHPS. After joining SHPS as Executive Vice President, Russell successfully led the company's healthcare strategy, and additionally managed marketing and business development.

"Craig's impressive record of achievement enhances our leadership team as we continue to find ways to reinforce our already strong business model," said Health Dialog Chairman and CEO George Bennett.

In addition to CareWise, Russell led two other companies that were ultimately acquired. He co-founded Health Decisions International, a healthcare decision-support company that was later bought by WebMD, and was also the founding principal of the Traveler's Center for Corporate Health, now Optum, Inc. Earlier in his career, Russell held management positions with Xerox, where he developed health and productivity programs in the western region of the U.S.

"This is an exciting time in the healthcare industry and Health Dialog is uniquely positioned to bring further innovation to this rapidly expanding market," Russell said. "Health Dialog has the essential elements for continued success: veteran leadership, financial stability, strong scientific underpinnings, and a commitment to the customer."

About Health Dialog

Health Dialog is a leading provider of care management services, including disease management, and is one of the fastest growing privately held firms in the U.S. The firm helps health plans and self-insured employers improve healthcare quality for their members/employees while reducing overall costs. The firm's services include diagnostic analytic services and telephonic care management support for individuals. The support services help individuals become more actively engaged in their healthcare and have more effective relationships with their physicians. For more information about Health Dialog, please visit www.healthdialog.com.

Source: Business Wire

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