What does the term "protected health information" (PHI) refer to?

The term "protected health information" (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health information. This encompasses a wide range of information that can be linked to an individual, including details about their physical and mental health, healthcare services they have received, payment for healthcare, and other personal details that can be used to identify them.

PHI is governed under regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes the privacy and security standards for handling health information. The broad definition of PHI allows for the protection of variables that combine personal identifiers (like names or social security numbers) with health-related data.

In contrast, focusing solely on physical health information, general health statistics, or only mental health disclosures does not encompass the full range of what is considered protected health information, which can include a variety of health-related details regardless of the type of care. Thus, understanding PHI as inclusive of all individually identifiable health information helps ensure comprehensive compliance with regulations and policies aimed at protecting patients' privacy and rights.