Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What association does protected health information (PHI) typically reflect?

1. Insurance claims and individuals

2. A diagnosis and an individual

3. Health provider and treatment records

4. Billing information and patients

The correct answer is: A diagnosis and an individual

Protected health information (PHI) primarily reflects a diagnosis and an individual because PHI encompasses any information that can identify a patient and relates to their past, present, or future health condition. This includes the details of medical diagnoses, treatment, and care for that individual. The essence of PHI is its direct connection to an individual's health status and the specific conditions they are diagnosed with, which is why choice B accurately captures the core association of PHI. Diagnoses are critical components of medical records, and protecting this information is essential for preserving patient privacy and confidentiality under HIPAA regulations. The other options, while related to healthcare, do not directly encompass the primary characteristic of PHI as it primarily pertains to health and diagnosis specifically. For instance, insurance claims, health provider records, or billing information, while important in the healthcare context, may contain PHI but do not inherently represent the core of what constitutes protected health information: the health condition of the individual.