Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What aspect of patient information does HIPAA primarily seek to safeguard?

1. Availability of health plans.

2. Identification of health issues.

3. Privacy and security of health information.

4. Affordability of health services.

The correct answer is: Privacy and security of health information.

HIPAA focuses primarily on the privacy and security of individuals' health information, often referred to as Protected Health Information (PHI). The main goal of HIPAA regulations is to ensure that sensitive patient data, such as medical records, health histories, and other personal information, is kept confidential and secure from unauthorized access. This includes establishing standards for how this information can be shared and the measures that need to be in place to protect it. The other choices relate to important aspects of healthcare but do not directly reflect the primary aim of HIPAA. For instance, while the availability and affordability of health plans and services are significant issues within the healthcare system, they are not the core focus of HIPAA. The identification of health issues pertains more to clinical practices and diagnostics rather than the regulatory framework established to protect patient information. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes HIPAA's commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of health information, which is crucial for building trust between patients and healthcare providers.