Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of Protected Health Information (PHI)?

1. Patient's salary

2. Patient's social media accounts

3. Patient's medical records

4. Patient's home address

The correct answer is: Patient's medical records

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any health information that can be linked to an individual and is protected under regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This includes information about an individual's health condition, healthcare treatment, and healthcare payment history that can identify the individual, either on its own or when combined with other identifying information. Medical records contain detailed information about a patient's medical history, treatment plans, medication history, and any other healthcare-related information. As a result, medical records are a prime example of PHI, as they encompass sensitive health information that must be safeguarded to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy. While other options may contain personal information, they do not specifically pertain to health information or related treatment details, which is a defining characteristic of PHI. Understanding this distinction is crucial for medical assistants and others in the healthcare field to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and to protect patient privacy effectively.