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Research Computing Support

Protected Health Information (PHI)



Data Description

Protected Health Information (PHI) is regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). PHI is any information in a medical record that can be used to identify an individual, and that was created, used, or disclosed while providing a health care service, such as a diagnosis or treatment. Researchers should be aware that health and medical information about research subjects may also be regulated by HIPAA.

Examples of PHI (include but are not limited to):

  • Patients Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • SSN
  • Electronic Medical Record

Medicare and Medicaid Information:

  • Individuals who have applied for or received benefits
  • Claims data
  • Names and addresses
  • Diagnoses
  • Medical services
  • Other personally identifiable information

Patient’s medical history:

  • Diagnoses
  • Medications
  • Treatment plans
  • Immunization dates
  • Allergies
  • Radiology images
  • Laboratory and test results

Additional Resources

Contact the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED) for additional information about data types.

Jennifer Engle, Director, Human Research Protection Program
email: jengle@utk.edu
phone: 865-974-7494