In the world of healthcare marketing, compliance is non-negotiable. So when a media buyer or agency hears the words “health data,” their first concern is often HIPAA. Recently, during a conversation with a healthcare agency, we encountered a common misconception:
“If your data includes health-related information, it must fall under HIPAA.”

The truth? Not necessarily.
Here’s why Infocore’s self-reported, permission-based healthcare data is fully compliant—and why it can be a game-changer for your campaigns.

What HIPAA Actually Covers

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was designed to protect Protected Health Information (PHI) when it is:

• Created, received, or maintained by a covered entity (like healthcare providers, health plans, or clearinghouses), or

Shared by their business associates in connection with healthcare treatment, payment, or operations.

If data isn’t collected or stored by a HIPAA-covered entity or their associates, HIPAA does not apply. That’s the key distinction.

Self-Reported Data Falls Outside HIPAA’s Scope

When an individual voluntarily provides their own health-related information through surveys, opt-in forms, or lifestyle questionnaires—especially outside a covered entity’s system—that data is not classified as PHI under HIPAA.

For example:

• A person fills out a permission-based survey stating they’re interested in heart health tips.
  They opt-in to share this information for marketing or educational purposes.

This process is completely different from a hospital sharing a patient’s medical record—which is where HIPAA restrictions come into play.

Why Infocore is Compliant

Infocore sources high-quality, self-reported data directly from individuals who give explicit consent for their information to be used for marketing purposes. This means:

• It’s permission-based – Every individual agrees to share their information.
• It’s not collected by a HIPAA-covered entity – So HIPAA rules don’t apply.
• It’s privacy-compliant – We adhere to all relevant consumer privacy regulations, such as CAN-SPAM and GDPR, ensuring ethical and lawful practices.

What This Means for Healthcare Marketers

With Infocore’s permissioned healthcare audiences, you can:

• Target with confidence – Know that you’re reaching individuals who want to hear from you.
• Personalize your messaging – Engage with people based on their actual health interests.
• Stay compliant – Avoid regulatory pitfalls while still leveraging powerful segmentation.

The Bottom Line

HIPAA was never intended to prevent consumers from sharing their own health-related information. It’s designed to regulate how covered entities handle patient data.
Because Infocore’s healthcare data is self-reported and permission-based, it’s not subject to HIPAA—making it a safe, effective option for marketers who need precision without compromising compliance.

Want to learn more about how our healthcare audiences can elevate your campaigns?
Schedule a call with our team today: https://calendly.com/sortega-16/intro-call-1?month=2025-07