Which term encompasses any information about healthcare that can be linked to an individual?

The term that encompasses any information about healthcare that can be linked to an individual is Protected Health Information (PHI). This designation includes a wide range of identifiers, such as names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers, along with any health information that could potentially identify a person. PHI is a critical concept in the realm of healthcare and is heavily regulated by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the privacy and security of individuals’ health information.

In contrast, personal health records pertain specifically to the individual records maintained by a patient, often used for personal management of health information, but do not necessarily encompass all elements of PHI. Confidential medical data is a broader term that implies a high level of privacy, yet lacks the formal recognition and specific legal protections afforded to PHI. Health privacy rights refer to the legal rights individuals have regarding their health information but do not define the information itself. Hence, the definition and coverage of PHI make it the appropriate choice for this question.