Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

1. To increase healthcare costs

2. To protect patient health information

3. To encourage medical research

4. To control healthcare providers

The correct answer is: To protect patient health information

The main purpose of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect patient health information. This federal law establishes national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential and secure. It mandates healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities to implement safeguards that protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information, thereby promoting patient trust and confidentiality. By focusing on the protection of patient health information, HIPAA also facilitates the secure exchange of health data between parties when necessary for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. This balancing act helps to ensure that while the continuity of care can be maintained, patients’ privacy rights are also respected and upheld. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the primary goal of HIPAA. For instance, increasing healthcare costs, encouraging research, or controlling healthcare providers are not the focus of the legislation, even though the protection of health information can indirectly support other aspects of the healthcare system. The emphasis on safeguarding patient data is what distinguishes HIPAA and underscores its relevance in today’s healthcare environment.