What type of data can research organizations receive for their studies?

Research organizations typically receive a limited data set that has been de-identified for their studies to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. This limited data set can include certain types of information, such as dates related to health care operations and some geographic details, but it does not include direct identifiers such as names, Social Security numbers, or full address information. This approach safeguards patient privacy while still allowing valuable data for research purposes.

This method facilitates the sharing of necessary data essential for research without compromising individual privacy, thereby adhering to HIPAA's fundamental goal of protecting personal health information. Receiving full medical histories or any data requested would not align with HIPAA's standards for privacy and security, as any identifiable health information must be handled with stringent safeguards to protect patients' privacy. Additionally, data from public records alone may not provide sufficient depth or breadth for many research questions, reinforcing the need for a controlled, de-identified data set.