What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) encompasses any identifiable health information that relates to a person's physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare services. This definition includes information in any form—whether oral, written, or electronic. The focus on any identifiable health information ensures that individuals' privacy is protected, as even seemingly innocuous data can be used to identify a person when combined with other information.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of PHI. The notion of only physical health records is too narrow, as PHI includes not just physical health records but also mental health information and other health-related data. Identifying health information that is publicly available does not qualify as PHI, as it lacks the necessary component of being identifiable and protected under HIPAA guidelines. Lastly, limiting the definition to verbal health information is inadequate because PHI is not restricted to just one form of communication; it encompasses all identifiable health information. Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects the broad and inclusive definition of PHI under HIPAA regulations.