What is the difference between PHI and ePHI?

The term "PHI" stands for Protected Health Information and encompasses all forms of identifiable health information that is held by a covered entity or business associate. This includes oral, written, and digital formats. On the other hand, "ePHI" specifically refers to electronic Protected Health Information, which is health information that is created, stored, transmitted, or received in an electronic format.

The distinction is crucial because it highlights how information is categorized based on its format. While PHI can exist in physical records such as paper documents or verbal communications, ePHI is limited to data that is stored electronically, which typically requires specific security measures under HIPAA regulations to protect against breaches and unauthorized access. Understanding this difference is essential for compliance with privacy and security standards imposed by HIPAA, particularly when handling electronic records, which may be more susceptible to certain types of security risks than traditional formats.

Overall, the clear delineation between PHI and ePHI informs practitioners and organizations about the specific guidelines and security protocols that must be followed to safeguard health information.