Under HIPAA, what term is used for health information that is protected?

The term used under HIPAA for health information that is protected is "Protected Health Information (PHI)." PHI refers specifically to any individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associates in any form, whether electronic, paper, or oral. This includes a wide range of information such as medical records, conversations about a patient’s care, billing information, and any other data that can identify an individual and relates to their health condition or payment for health care services.

Understanding the distinction of PHI is crucial within the context of HIPAA, as it directly informs the privacy and security measures that need to be in place to safeguard such sensitive information. Other terms, like "Health information," "Confidential Patient Data," and "Private Health Records," do not carry the same specific legal definition or implications under HIPAA, which could lead to confusion about what constitutes protected information and what measures must be implemented to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.