Protected health information (PHI)
Protected Health Information (PHI) is a broad term that covers any individually identifiable health information that is created, received, or maintained by a covered entity in the healthcare industry. PHI includes personal information about an individual’s health condition, treatment, or payment for healthcare services. It encompasses a broad array of data, including medical records, lab results, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and demographic information such as name, address, and social security number, when combined with health-related data.
The protection of PHI is essential to maintain patient privacy and comply with healthcare regulations in many jurisdictions across the world. Covered entities, such as healthcare providers and health plans, are legally obligated to safeguard PHI and follow strict security and privacy standards. This includes implementing physical, technical, and administrative measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of PHI.