An integrated record in health information management is primarily sorted by which criterion?

An integrated record in health information management is primarily sorted by date because this allows for chronological organization of a patient's healthcare events and encounters. This chronological sorting is essential for maintaining a clear timeline of a patient’s medical history, which facilitates healthcare providers’ understanding of the progression of care, treatments received, and any interventions performed. By organizing records in this manner, healthcare professionals can quickly access relevant information and provide informed care based on the most recent data regarding a patient's health status and treatment history.

While organizing by other criteria such as problem number or provider could be useful in specific contexts, sorting records by date is fundamental in ensuring continuity of care and effective communication among healthcare team members. It ensures that all interactions with the healthcare system are documented and accessible in a way that reflects their occurrence in time, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.