By Richard Cohan – Since the 1960s, medical prior authorizations have established a system of checks and balances that help control the costs of medication, services, and procedures. While much has changed since those days, many challenges—such as cumbersome manual processes for payers and providers and delays in care for patients—have remained the same.

Supporting the adoption of health IT and the promotion of nationwide health information exchange to improve health care, here is what is happening at the ONC, including launching the PHIT Workforce Development Program, new data brief on EHRs and Patient Access, and helping the ONC define Health Interoperability Outcome for the next decade.

The American Medical Association approved policy intended to help close the digital divide in access to telehealth services. The new policy will help ensure that minority communities, individuals residing in underserved rural and urban areas, older adults, and individuals with disabilities can reap the benefits and promise of telehealth.

By Kristen Ballantine – The date is August 21, 1996. The Macarena is at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The medical drama ER, in its second year running, is the number one rated television show in the U.S. Bill Clinton has nearly secured a second term in the White House. One of the most influential pieces of U.S. healthcare legislation is signed into law.