South Carolina Life and Health Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered "individually identifiable health information" according to HIPAA?

1. A person's health claim information

2. A person's employment history

3. A person's education records

4. A person's financial information

The correct answer is: A person's health claim information

Individually identifiable health information, as defined by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), refers specifically to any data that relates to an individual's health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare, which can be used to identify the individual. In this context, a person's health claim information falls squarely within these definitions, as it includes details about the individual's medical treatment and associated costs which can be directly linked to them. This type of information is protected under HIPAA because it is sensitive in nature and can lead to privacy concerns if disclosed improperly. On the other hand, a person's employment history, education records, and financial information do not relate directly to their health or the provision of healthcare services, making them outside the scope of individually identifiable health information as outlined by HIPAA. Although these pieces of information are certainly sensitive and protected under various regulations, they do not meet the specific criteria for health information under HIPAA.