What kind of information is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?

The correct choice identifies any data that can identify an individual related to health as Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI encompasses a broad range of information that is used in the healthcare context, including but not limited to names, dates of birth, health records, insurance information, and any details that could lead to the identification of an individual in relation to their health status or payment for health care services.

This definition emphasizes that PHI is not limited to written documents or contents stored only in medical records, but instead includes any medium that contains identifiable health information – such as electronic records, spoken communication, or even photographs. Thus, the focus is on the data itself and its ability to reveal personal health information rather than the format in which it is stored or shared.

The other options do not capture the entirety of what constitutes PHI. For instance, limiting PHI to only written information or information kept solely in medical records overlooks the various formats in which such information can exist and be shared. Similarly, stating that all information regardless of its source is PHI is inaccurate because PHI must specifically relate to health information identifiable to an individual, distinguishing it from non-health-related information.