Which one of the following factors would be considered de-identified information?
A. Patient name: Charles Logan
B. Patient policy number: 65388296531
C. Social Security Number: 555-55-5555
D. Patient condition: improved breathing with new medication
I've chose D but not sure.
De-identified information (that is, information
stripped of data that may identify an
individual)
You're right. All of the other answers definitely identify the patient.
Thanks Ms. Sue!
You're welcome, Amanda.
To determine which factor would be considered de-identified information, let's break down each option and analyze it:
A. Patient name: Charles Logan
B. Patient policy number: 65388296531
C. Social Security Number: 555-55-5555
D. Patient condition: improved breathing with new medication
De-identified information refers to data that has been altered in a way that it cannot be linked to an individual. This means that any information that can uniquely identify someone should not be included.
Option A (Patient name: Charles Logan) is not considered de-identified because it contains the patient's full name, which can be used to identify them.
Option B (Patient policy number: 65388296531) is also not considered de-identified since policy numbers are typically unique to individuals and can be used to identify them.
Option C (Social Security Number: 555-55-5555) is definitely not de-identified. Social Security Numbers are highly sensitive and directly linked to individuals.
Option D (Patient condition: improved breathing with new medication) seems to be the only factor that can be considered de-identified. It does not reveal any personally identifiable information such as name, policy number, or social security number. Instead, it provides a general description of the patient's condition without directly identifying them.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer and would be considered de-identified information.