Which of the following is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is any individually identifiable health information that is maintained or transmitted in any form or medium, which includes electronic, paper, or oral communication. The correct choice highlights the importance of confidentiality and the regulations established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which specifically outlines protections for individually identifiable health information.

The reference to "individually identifiable health information transmitted electronically" identifies a key factor in defining PHI: the information must be linked to a particular individual and relates to their health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare. When such information is transmitted electronically, it falls under HIPAA's guidelines for safeguarding patient data against unauthorized access and breaches.

Other options involve information types that do not meet the criteria for PHI. Sharing health information with family can often occur outside of the strict regulations surrounding PHI. Similarly, minimally identifiable information or information that is general and publicly available does not fall under the same protective measures since it does not uniquely identify an individual or isn't specifically related to their health status.