What does PHI stand for?

Protected Health Information, abbreviated as PHI, refers specifically to any individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity or business associate in any form or media. This classification of information includes data that relates to a person's health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare services, and it is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The term emphasizes the importance of safeguarding health information to ensure the privacy and security of individuals’ medical data.

Understanding PHI is crucial for compliance professionals, as it encompasses specific identifiers that could connect an individual to their health information, making it essential to determine what constitutes PHI in a compliant healthcare environment. Recognizing this definition helps healthcare organizations implement appropriate safeguarding measures to protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access or disclosure.