What constitutes PHI?

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity, such as healthcare providers, insurers, or clearinghouses, in any form—whether electronic, paper, or oral. This includes details like patient names, addresses, dates of birth, medical records, treatment information, and payment details. PHI is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the confidentiality and security of individuals' health information. Disclosures of PHI without patient consent are generally prohibited unless specific exceptions apply.