Which type of information is considered PHI under HIPAA?

The option that refers to patient identification linked with a diagnosis is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA because it includes specific identifiers that can be used to recognize an individual patient, along with their health condition. HIPAA defines PHI as any individually identifiable health information that is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, employer, or health care clearinghouse. This encompasses a wide range of data, including name, address, birth date, Social Security number, and any health information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health of that individual.

When patient identification is linked with a diagnosis, it specifically relates to that person’s health information, making it sensitive and confidential. This combination of identifiable information with health-related data illustrates why this type of information is protected under HIPAA regulations, ensuring the privacy and security of individuals’ health information is maintained.

Other options, such as general health advice, do not contain personally identifiable information and therefore would not meet the criteria for PHI. Public health statistics are typically aggregated data that do not relate to identifiable individuals and thus fall outside the scope of PHI. Medical research findings may or may not contain identifying information, but without specific identifiers tied to a patient