Which of the following is an example of healthcare operations that may involve patient information?

• A. Public marketing using patient information for targeted campaigns.
• B. Erasing all patient data to protect privacy.
• C. Data analysis for quality improvement, care coordination, and case management; use de-identified data when possible.
• D. Publishing patient names in newsletters.

Answer: (C)

Healthcare operations are activities that use patient information to run and improve the delivery of care, aiming for better quality, coordinated services, and effective case management, while protecting privacy. The best example is data analysis for quality improvement, care coordination, and case management, with a preference for de-identifying data whenever possible. This fits operations because it directly supports how care is delivered and outcomes are enhanced, without exposing identifiable details unnecessarily.

Using patient information for public marketing targets individuals and is not considered healthcare operations; it serves promotional purposes rather than improving care. Erasing all patient data removes the very information needed to analyze and improve care processes. Publishing patient names in newsletters would disclose identifiable information and violate privacy.