Protected Health Information (PHI)

Sensitive healthcare data that requires special protection

Overview

Protected Health Information (PHI) is any health-related data that can identify a specific person. This includes medical records, test results, and any other health information that needs special protection.

What Counts as PHI?

Health information combined with identifiers like:

  • Names and addresses
  • Dates (birth, admission, etc.)
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Medical record numbers
  • Insurance details
  • Photos
  • Biometric data

Protection Requirements

  • Secure storage
  • Controlled access
  • Encryption
  • Audit trails
  • Regular monitoring
  • Incident response plans

Common Challenges

  • Maintaining privacy
  • Ensuring access control
  • Managing data sharing
  • Training staff
  • Following regulations
  • Handling breaches

Best Practices

  • Regular security reviews
  • Staff training
  • Access monitoring
  • Data encryption
  • Clear policies
  • Incident planning