Final answer:
The statement "Patient D missed their appointment yesterday" does not contain PHI, as it lacks health-related details that could identify an individual. PHI includes any identifiable health information used in providing health care services. HIPAA protects the confidentiality of PHI and imposes legal responsibilities on healthcare providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the statements given by a covered physician, the one that does not contain protected health information (PHI) is "Patient D missed their appointment yesterday." This is because it does not include any detail on the patient's health condition, the provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual.
Protected health information (PHI) is any information in a medical record that can be used to identify an individual and that was created, used, or disclosed in the course of providing a health care service, such as a diagnosis or treatment. Statements that reveal the patient's response to medication, scheduled surgery, or genetic condition all include information about the patient's health status and are considered PHI.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets standards for the protection of PHI and requires that healthcare providers and other covered entities maintain the confidentiality of patient records. Violating HIPAA's privacy rules can result in significant legal consequences for healthcare providers.