What personal identifiers become PHI if combined with health or payment information?

Personal Health Information (PHI) is defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as any identifiable health information that is linked to an individual. When personal identifiers, like a vehicle license plate number or a mobile phone number, are combined with health or payment information, they become PHI due to the potential to identify an individual and relate them to their health conditions or services received.

For instance, if a vehicle license plate number is connected to a medical billing record, it not only identifies the vehicle but can also lead to the identification of the individual associated with the health care services provided. Similarly, when a mobile phone number is linked to patient records, it provides a direct line of communication to an individual, further enhancing the ability to identify them uniquely concerning their healthcare information.

Both vehicle license plate numbers and mobile phone numbers, in isolation, may not be considered PHI; however, their combination with health information changes that status. Therefore, when considering the context and rules of HIPAA, the conclusion that both identifiers can become PHI if combined with health or payment information is accurate.