Protected health information (PHI) refers to what type of information?

Protected Health Information (PHI) specifically pertains to any identifiable information that relates to a person's health condition, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare that can be linked to an individual. This includes a wide array of information, such as name, address, birthdate, Social Security number, medical records, and any other data that could lead to the identification of the person it relates to.

The definition emphasizes the critical nature of the information by including details that are directly associated with an individual's health status and care practices. PHI is safeguarded under privacy regulations to protect individuals' rights and maintain confidentiality. This is essential for fostering trust in healthcare systems and ensuring that personal medical details are not disclosed without consent.

In contrast, options that discuss withheld information, data collected purely for research, or general health statistics do not accurately capture the comprehensive and individual-sensitive nature of PHI. Instead, they refer to broader categories of data that may not necessarily include identifiable health-related information or adhere to the stringent privacy protections afforded to PHI.