What defines identifiable health information?

Identifiable health information is primarily characterized by personal health details that are protected under privacy regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States. This type of information includes any data that can be used to identify an individual, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. The protection of this information is crucial because it ensures the confidentiality and privacy of individuals' health information, thereby building trust in the healthcare system.

In contrast, data that impacts national health metrics, general information on health trends, or confidential patient communications may not meet the stringent criteria for identifiable health information. While these elements are important within the broader health landscape, they do not directly correspond to the individual-specific details that privacy regulations aim to protect.