What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

The main purpose of HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect patient privacy and ensure the confidentiality of healthcare information. This legislation was enacted to set national standards for the protection of health information, specifically addressing the privacy and security of an individual's medical records.

HIPAA establishes rules that healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates must follow to safeguard personal health information (PHI). This includes ensuring that any health data is disclosed only when necessary and with proper consent, thereby empowering patients with greater control over their sensitive information.

While regulating healthcare insurance costs, enhancing medical research, and standardizing medical billing codes are all relevant aspects of healthcare reform and administration, they do not encapsulate the primary intent of HIPAA. The core focus is on maintaining the privacy and security of patient information, which is crucial in maintaining trust in the healthcare system.