Which of the following is an external user of health data?

The public health department functions as an external user of health data because it utilizes data collected from various healthcare entities to monitor community health, identify health trends, track disease outbreaks, and develop public health initiatives. They rely on aggregated health data to inform policy decisions, allocate resources effectively, and conduct health assessments for populations outside specific healthcare providers or organizations.

In contrast, the health information management department primarily deals with internal data management within healthcare facilities. A physician's office operates as an internal entity that manages its own patient data for clinical and administrative purposes. An insurance company also has a more integrated relationship with healthcare providers but may be classified as an external entity; however, its primary function is to process claims and manage risk rather than serve as a public health authority. This nuanced understanding helps clarify why the public health department is highlighted as an external user of health data in this context.