Which of the following is an example of protected health information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is any information that can identify an individual and relates to their physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare. A patient’s medical history falls squarely within this definition as it includes specific details about the patient’s past and present medical conditions, treatments, medications, and care received. This information is both identifying and sensitive, which is why it is protected under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

In contrast, general health statistics and public health data tend to present information in aggregate form without identifying individual patients, thus not qualifying as PHI. Similarly, anonymous patient surveys do not include identifiable information about individuals; therefore, they do not meet the criteria for PHI. They may provide insights into health trends or population health but do not contain specifics that could be traced back to a particular person.