MINNEAPOLIS – It never hurts to have good advice.

That’s the thinking that officials at Ingenix, a Minneapolis-based health information technology firm, employed in deciding recently to acquire The Lewin Group. The Falls Church, Va.-based healthcare and human services consulting firm has more than 35 years of experience in the industry.

“Lewin brings a lot of ... depth of knowledge and intellectual experience around the public sector space,” said Ted Chien, Ingenix’s executive vice president, who noted that while Ingenix has focused on federal and state healthcare issues, Lewin’s focus is on association and foundation healthcare. “Public-sector healthcare is a bit different. It’s a big advantage to have them on our side.”

“We’re excited that they’ve joined our organization,” added Joan Schimml, the company’s director of external communications.

With more than 100 consultants on staff, The Lewin Group offers empirical research and data analysis, strategic and business planning, actuarial analysis and capitation rate-setting, program design options, surveys and public program/demonstration project evaluations.

“We believe this acquisition will enhance our strength in healthcare data methodologies, analytics, software and tools, and strengthen our ability to provide value-added solutions to all of our clients,” said Ingenix CEO Andy Slavitt.

“Clients of The Lewin Group will have access to Ingenix’s rich financial and clinical data resources, comprehensive health analytics and technology, and key learnings developed from their experience providing solutions to the largest set of clients in healthcare,” added Ron Johnson, The Lewin Group’s executive vice president.

Ingenix solutions help drive consumer healthcare decisions, improve claims transactions, detect and deter fraudulent claims, improve medical underwriting processes, drive disease prevention and avoidance programs and optimize revenue cycle management.

Chien said Ingenix wants to keep The Lewin Group operating as an independent entity and “ensure that they don’t lose a step.” He said Ingenix might even do a little “reverse integration,” offering resources and staff to Lewin to bolster Lewin’s business.

“We’re looking for transformative opportunities,” he said.