What is an example of private information in a medical context?

In a medical context, private information refers to data that is specific to an individual and not intended for public disclosure. A medical record is a prime example of private information because it contains detailed personal health information, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical history that are protected under privacy regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This information is sensitive in nature and is typically accessed only by healthcare providers and authorized individuals.

In contrast, public health records, wellness app data, and generalized health statistics do not qualify as private information. Public health records may contain data that is aggregated and does not identify individual patients. Wellness app data can vary in its privacy level, but it often lacks the comprehensive detail found in medical records and may be shared more broadly. Generalized health statistics present information about population health trends and do not pertain to specific individuals, further differentiating them from private medical records.