Name Change Vexes Altria Healthcare

Altria Healthcare Corp., a privately held medical billing firm, said it is concerned about Philip Morris Cos.’ proposed name change to Altria Group Inc.

Altria is a coined word that comes from “altus”--the Latin word for “high.”

“It is obviously of great concern to a health-care business to have a big tobacco and alcohol company wish to adopt an identical name,” Altria Healthcare President Warren Smedley. said. “We have contacted Phillip Morris ... and hope that they will do the right thing.”

Philip Morris defended its new name choice.

“We conducted all relevant searches and analyses relating to our ability to use the name ‘Altria Group’ for this purpose, and are confident that our intended use of it is appropriate, and will not conflict with other companies’ businesses or create confusion among consumers,” New York-based Philip Morris said.