Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following can be considered ePHI?

1. Paper claims records

2. Electronic health records

3. Email communications about health status

4. Healthcare appointment schedules

The correct answer is: Electronic health records

Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) specifically refers to any protected health information that is stored or transmitted electronically. This includes any data that relates to an individual’s health condition, the provision of health care to an individual, or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted in electronic form. Electronic health records fit this definition as they are created and stored electronically and include comprehensive information about a patient’s medical history, treatments, and other health-related data. The electronic format is key here; it is what categorizes this information as ePHI. While email communications about health status could also be considered ePHI since they often contain specific health information and are transmitted electronically, they are not classified as ePHI unless the content includes protected health information and sufficient safeguards are in place to protect that information. Paper claims records, although they may contain sensitive health information, would not qualify as ePHI because they are not stored or transmitted electronically. Similarly, healthcare appointment schedules, unless stored in an electronic format, do not meet the criteria for ePHI. In summary, the choice highlighting electronic health records is the most clear-cut example of ePHI due to its electronic