What does the abbreviation PHI stand for?

The abbreviation PHI stands for Protected Health Information. This term is crucial in the context of healthcare and data privacy, particularly under regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. PHI refers to any information that relates to a person's health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to a specific individual.

This concept emphasizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive health information against unauthorized access and breaches, making it essential for healthcare providers, insurers, and related entities to comply with legal standards to protect patient privacy. Other choices, while they reference aspects of health information, do not convey the specific legal designation that PHI entails.