What does protected health information (PHI) include?

Protected health information (PHI) refers specifically to any individually identifiable health information held by a covered entity that relates to an individual's health condition, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare. This includes a wide range of information, such as medical records, treatment plans, demographic data, and payment histories.

The correct answer encompasses not only a patient’s health conditions, which can include past and present medical issues but also their payment information, which is essential for billing and reimbursement purposes. This comprehensive definition underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality surrounding a patient’s healthcare journey and financial details, aligning with regulations such as HIPAA, which is designed to protect patient information.

In contrast, other choices do not fit the definition of PHI. Focusing solely on past health conditions limits the scope of what constitutes PHI, as it also includes current health issues and various relevant data. General health statistics about a population lack the individual identification aspect central to PHI. Lastly, data unrelated to healthcare is by definition not considered protected health information, as it does not pertain to an individual’s health or associated records.