Final answer:
Doctors, HMOs, clearinghouses, and health insurance companies are considered covered entities under HIPAA, while patients are not.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), certain entities are considered covered entities and are required to protect patient information. The covered entities include doctors, HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), clearinghouses, and health insurance companies. Patients themselves are not considered covered entities under HIPAA.