What is the definition of Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA?

The definition of Protected Health Information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) specifically refers to individually identifiable health information. This encompasses any information that can be linked to a specific individual, including demographic details, medical histories, test results, treatment information, and other components that relate to the individual's health status.

This definition is fundamental to HIPAA because it emphasizes the protection of individual privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings. The law mandates strict guidelines for how PHI must be handled, stored, and shared, ensuring that individuals’ sensitive health information remains secure from unauthorized access and breaches.

In contrast, records related solely to healthcare costs do not capture the broader scope of identifiable health information, which goes beyond just financial aspects. General health information that does not require security does not adequately protect patient identity and could lead to misuse of information. Lastly, limiting availability of information strictly to healthcare professionals fails to recognize that PHI must be protected irrespective of who accesses it, making it a broader concern than just professional access.