What type of information is classified as protected health information?

Protected health information (PHI) includes any individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity, which primarily refers to healthcare providers and health plans that are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This designation applies to a wide range of data that identifies an individual and is related to their physical or mental health, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare services.

PHI covers various forms of data, including patient names, addresses, birth dates, medical records, and treatment histories, among others. By classifying any individually identifiable information in this context as protected, HIPAA aims to safeguard patient privacy and ensure that sensitive health information is handled appropriately.

In contrast, information that is publicly available does not count as protected health information since it is not individually identifiable and is accessible to anyone. Similarly, if the information is held by individuals who are not covered by health regulations, it falls outside the realm of PHI. Additionally, information that pertains only to physical health does not encompass the full spectrum of health information, which also includes mental health and healthcare services, all of which can be protected under the same standards.