What is Protected Health Information & What are Examples?

 Healthcare organizations largely rely on electronic medical record platforms to manage patient information, making securing protected health information more complex than ever. A major aspect of ensuring the confidentiality and security of PHI is understanding what kind of information this is and where it is stored . 

Protected health information, commonly known as PHI, refers to any information that relates to an individual’s health status, medical history, or treatment. This sensitive and confidential data includes records of doctors’ visits, prescription medication details, laboratory test results, insurance information and other personally identifiable information. Protecting PHI plays a critical role in patient care and healthcare operation

What Does PHI Stand For in Healthcare? 

    The PHI acronym stands for protected health information, also known as HIPAA data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act mandates that PHI in healthcare must be safeguarded. As such healthcare organizations must be aware of what is considered PHI

 What is PHI? 

   PHI meaning refers to HIPAA protected health information also called HIPAA data, which encompasses any information within an individual’s medical record that can personally identify them and was generated, utilized, or shared during diagnosis or treatment. This definition extends to various identifiers and diverse information documented throughout routine care and billing processes. Proper safeguards must be implemented when collecting PHI as it is an essential aspect of the healthcare se  

Examples of PHI :

1.Name 

2.Address (including subdivisions smaller than state such as street address, city, county, or zip code)

3.Any dates (except years) that are directly related to an individual, including birthday, date of admission or discharge, date of death, or the exact age of individuals older than 89

4.Telephone number  

5.Fax number

6.Email address

7.Social Security number 

8.Medical record number

9.Health plan beneficiary number

10.Account number

11.Certificate/license number