Protected Health Information (PHI)

Techopedia explains Protected Health Information (PHI)

Private health information a contained in electronic medical records (EMR) and it must be kept secure. With the move to EMRs as required by U.S. law, patients and privacy advocates are very concerned that sensitive patient information be thoroughly protected. PHI that can identify health problems (such as drug abuse or mental health issues) that can cast a person in an unfavorable light, which could cause the person to be denied employment or other opportunities. As such, it is important that PHI be properly protected so that patients' private health information cannot be accessed for unauthorized purposes.

According to the Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HIPAA), IT departments have a primary role in PHI, as they are required to record each time such information is accessed. HIPAA rules also acknowledge the increasing collaboration of IT and legal departments as they work toward the common goal of securing PHI. IT professionals and consultants are expected to play an increasingly responsible role as per HIPAA laws and other federal guidelines for PHI. As such, their value in the electronic medical records arena is expected to surge.