Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

Which information is NOT considered protected health information (PHI)?

1. Current medical conditions

2. Previous medical treatments

3. Income information

4. Demographic information

The correct answer is: Income information

Protected Health Information (PHI) encompasses any individually identifiable health information that pertains to a person's health condition, treatment, and payment for healthcare services. The definition of PHI includes various types of information that are related to an individual's health status, healthcare provision, or payment history. Current medical conditions, previous medical treatments, and demographic information all fall under the category of PHI because they can be used to identify a specific individual and relate directly to that individual's healthcare. For example, if someone has a diagnosis of diabetes or has previously undergone surgery, that information is clearly connected to their personal health and is thus protected under health privacy laws. In contrast, income information typically pertains to a person's financial status rather than their health status. While income can indirectly affect healthcare access or choices, it is not categorized as PHI since it does not provide direct insight into an individual's health conditions or the care they receive. Therefore, income information does not meet the criteria for what constitutes protected health information.