Which item is listed as an example of protected health information (PHI)?

Which item is listed as an example of protected health information (PHI)?

• A. Email address
• B. Favorite color
• C. Shoe size
• D. Hair color

Answer: (A)

PHI includes information that identifies a patient and relates to their health care or health status. An email address qualifies because it is identifying contact information that can be linked to a patient’s health information or used in health care communications (like appointment reminders or patient portals). When tied to health care, that email becomes part of the patient’s health information and must be protected. The other items don’t fit as PHI because they are not related to health care or health status on their own. They’re just general attributes (color or size) that don’t indicate health information unless they’re specifically linked to a health record.

PHI includes information that identifies a patient and relates to their health care or health status. An email address qualifies because it is identifying contact information that can be linked to a patient’s health information or used in health care communications (like appointment reminders or patient portals). When tied to health care, that email becomes part of the patient’s health information and must be protected.

The other items don’t fit as PHI because they are not related to health care or health status on their own. They’re just general attributes (color or size) that don’t indicate health information unless they’re specifically linked to a health record.