<img class="size-full wp-image-187728 alignright" src="https://opedge.dev/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AndreaS-2017.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="255" /> As we approach the end of 2016, we pause to reflect on what for many has been a tumultuous year. As a nation, we have experienced a presidential election cycle that has been, perhaps, the most divisive in anyone's memory-certainly in my adult life. For the O&P sector, the results have left us with more questions than answers as players in key healthcare positions are still to be determined and it's unclear to what extent policymakers may make proposed changes to existing law. Regardless of one's own political views, it is my firm hope, and indeed belief, that those within the O&P profession will come together to continue advocating for access and quality patient care for the men and women who depend upon their services daily to live full, active lives. This issue of <em>The O&P EDGE</em> examines some of the broader healthcare trends that may also impact the O&P profession. In our digital age with electronic medical records becoming the standard in all aspects of healthcare, "<a href="https://opedge.com/Articles/ViewArticle/2016-11-23/articles/2016-12_01.asp">The Increasing Threat of Ransomware in Healthcare</a>" examines how cybercriminals are virtually kidnapping this valuable data. The experts in this feature discuss the implications of a ransomware attack within the healthcare realm as well as offer tips to help prevent your practice from becoming a victim. The value of data in healthcare is explored from another perspective in "<a href="https://opedge.com/Articles/ViewArticle/2016-11-23/articles/2016-12_02.asp">Risk Prediction Equations for Lower-limb Amputation: The Changing Face of Healthcare</a>." This article reveals how large datasets can be used to justify the value of healthcare services and how similar data analysis could potentially be used to leverage the worth of specific types of O&P interventions. In our third feature, Peter Thomas, JD, general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics, provides an analysis of the election results and possible implications for O&P and healthcare policy in "<a href="https://opedge.com/Articles/ViewArticle/2016-11-23/articles/2016-12_03.asp">2016 Election Synopsis and Impact on O&P</a>." Thomas also stresses, however, that policy changes are in a development stage. We will continue to work with the O&P industry associations to report on them as they occur. As I close this last column of the year, I thank you all for your loyal readership and wish you joyous season's greetings and a happy, healthy new year.
