Which type of information is protected by HIPAA?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is the category of information safeguarded by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). PHI encompasses any individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in any form or medium, which includes data related to an individual’s past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions, the provision of health care to the individual, or the payment for such health care.

This includes a wide array of information, such as medical records, health histories, and details about treatment plans, as long as they can be used to identify a specific person. The primary objective of HIPAA is to ensure patient privacy and security, thereby imposing strict regulations on how this sensitive information can be shared and accessed.

Other types of information mentioned, such as employment history, educational records, and financial records, fall outside the scope of HIPAA regulations, which are specifically tailored to handle health-related data. Thus, understanding the specific parameters of HIPAA is crucial for anyone involved in the healthcare field or who manages health information.