IBC Broker Briefs

Broker Email Communications and HIPAA

PHI is defined as any information that describes an individual. This includes the individual’s first name, first initial, and/or last name linked with any other information that identifies that individual. That other information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Social Security number;

• date of birth;

• postal or physical address;

• financial account information;

• federal ID number (such as tax ID/employer numbers, alien registration number, passport number, Medicare/Medicaid numbers, social programs identifiers);

• individually identifiable information regarding medical history, medical treatment, or diagnosis by a health professional.

Please be aware that email subject lines that may contain PHI cannot be encrypted.

If you have any questions, please contact IBC’s Information Security Hotline at (215) 640-7474.

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Independence Blue Cross offers products directly, through its subsidiaries Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company, and with Highmark Blue Shield. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.