CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a form of Protected Health Information (PHI)?

1. Patient medical records

2. Audio recordings of patient consultations

3. Patient medication labels

4. General advertising materials

The correct answer is: General advertising materials

Protected Health Information (PHI) is any information about a patient's health status, healthcare, or payment for healthcare that can be linked to a specific individual. This includes a wide array of data that directly relates to an individual's medical history and treatment. Patient medical records—including histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans—are definite forms of PHI, as they contain sensitive health information. Audio recordings of patient consultations also qualify as PHI because they capture conversations and potentially sensitive data about a patient’s health. Patient medication labels are considered PHI since they typically include a patient's name, the medication being prescribed, dosage information, and other related details that can be used to identify the patient. In contrast, general advertising materials do not typically contain any identifying health information or data specific to an individual’s health condition. These materials are aimed at a broad audience and do not convey personal health details, which is why they do not fit within the definition of PHI. Such content is not linked to individual patient health information, thus making it the correct answer to the question regarding what does NOT constitute PHI.