What is “protected health information,” PHI?
Protected health information, or PHI, is any information that can identify you that is used or held by a health insurance organization or health care provider. PHI includes such information as: • Name • Address • Phone number • Birth date • E-mail address • Social Security number • Admission or discharge date PHI also includes medical data such as diagnoses and medications taken (if it identifies you). The HIPAA Privacy Rule has significantly changed how the General Board and the rest of the health care industry are allowed to deal with participants, spouses, family and others.
