Which of the following is an essential question healthcare organizations should ask regarding PHI security?

The question about what external threats exist to PHI (Protected Health Information) is crucial for healthcare organizations as it addresses the potential vulnerabilities and risks that can compromise patient data security. Understanding these external threats allows organizations to implement appropriate security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and training staff to recognize phishing attempts or cyberattacks. By proactively identifying and mitigating these threats, healthcare organizations can better protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access or breaches, which is essential for maintaining patient trust and complying with regulations like HIPAA.

In contrast, the other options focus on operational aspects that do not directly relate to the security of patient information. Shift changes and patient visit numbers are operational logistics, while office layout pertains more to patient flow than to data security. Thus, these aspects may be significant for overall healthcare management but do not specifically address the critical issue of safeguarding PHI against external threats.