Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following relates to the concept of ePHI?

1. Only physical health records

2. Any identifiable health information in electronic format

3. Only billing records

4. Verbal communications about health

The correct answer is: Any identifiable health information in electronic format

The correct answer pertains to any identifiable health information that is stored or transmitted in electronic format, which is referred to as electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). This includes a wide range of information, such as patient demographics, medical histories, laboratory results, billing information, and any other data that can identify an individual and is maintained electronically. Understanding ePHI is crucial because the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations aim to protect this type of information, requiring appropriate measures to ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and security. The regulations apply to covered entities, such as health care providers and insurance companies, that handle ePHI in their operations. By focusing on identifiable health information specifically in electronic format, the answer captures the essence of ePHI’s importance in healthcare privacy practices.