More than 100 healthcare providers, insurance companies, consumer advocates and others will meet this week to discuss the future direction of a statewide health information exchange in Pennsylvania.

“This meeting marks a fresh start to the commonwealth’s efforts to establish a statewide network for sharing electronic health information,” said State Health Information Technology Coordinator Robert Torres. “By giving stakeholders greater input into the scope, requirements and design of the project, we can achieve better outcomes for all involved, most importantly patients.”

The meeting will be held July 26 and 27 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The first day will include updates on various regional, state,and federal activities and initiatives impacting the effort to expand health information exchange in Pennsylvania. The second day will feature interactive discussions that will help guide the commonwealth’s next steps. Attendance is by invitation only.

Following the two-day session, information will be available online at www.pahealthinfoexchange.com to provide transparency and to facilitate additional discussion at future work sessions.

Health information exchanges allow healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics and physicians to share patient information from multiple sources, including other hospital systems, labs and pharmacies. By providing fast, comprehensive and secure access to data, health information exchanges can improve patient safety, reduce redundant tests and procedures, and improve public health monitoring.

Pennsylvania was awarded $17 million under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to help establish the exchange. ARRA also provides incentives to doctors and hospitals to adopt electronic health records.