Medical POA vs. HIPAA Release vs. Patient Portals: What Families and Caregivers Need to Know

Information is power when it comes to making medical decisions for a family member. Understanding the differences between a Medical Power of Attorney (POA), a HIPAA Release, and patient portal access ensures you have the right tools to access health records, communicate with providers, and make critical choices when it matters most. Learn how these legal documents work together to keep families informed and in control.
How a Mom Turned Instinct Into Action with Primary Record’s AI Chat Assistant

By using the AI-powered chat feature in Primary Record, Jena asked a critical question: “What are all of Hadley’s bone health labs?”Then the app quickly surfaced a result Jena had never seen before: an abnormal calcitriol lab result. That overlooked piece of data set off a chain reaction…
From Caregiver to Research Contributor: Making Your Voice Count

Despite the value they bring, many caregivers are unaware of how to engage with research opportunities. Richard shared that his own journey began when his doctor suggested a study. “Most people don’t even know these things exist or how to find them,” he explained. While financial compensation for research involvement is often nominal, the rewards extend far beyond monetary value. For Richard, participating in research keeps him informed about cutting-edge innovations and allows him to advocate for better care practices.
Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome: How Families Empower Independence and Growth

Your health story is one of the most important tools for ensuring the best care for you and your family. At Primary Record, we understand how crucial it is not only to collect your health information but also to keep it accurate and ready to share in a way your care team can easily understand and act on.
How to Correct Medical Errors in Your Family’s Medical Record: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mistakes in medical records are more common than we might think, and while some errors are harmless, others can have serious long-term consequences. A rushed diagnosis or an auto-populated note in an electronic health record (EHR) can follow a patient for years, affecting future care, insurance claims, and even legal matters. For families navigating complex or rare medical journeys, these errors can be devastating.
Navigating the Transition to Adult Healthcare as a College Student

Switching from a pediatrician to an adult primary care doctor is a big deal, but many of us don’t think about it until it’s too late. Pediatricians often stop seeing patients when they reach a certain age, and finding a new doctor can take a long time. If you’re not prepared, you might end up like I did—without a doctor when you need one.
Supporting Independence for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Community with Primary Record

Jim McIntosh, co-founder of Primary Record, understands firsthand why a tool like this is so important. His daughter Mia, who has Down syndrome, inspired his deep appreciation for how vital it is to empower individuals with IDD. Now 20 years old, Mia can confidently share her health story.
Discover Dementia GUIDE Model Participants in Your State

The GUIDE Model represents a significant advancement in dementia care, offering structured support and respite services for caregivers and comprehensive care management for patients. Find an easy to scan list of established organizations to see if there is a program in your state!
Understanding Medicare’s GUIDE Model: A New Hope for Dementia Care

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced an innovative program to support those diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers. Let’s dive into the GUIDE Model, a Medicare-reimbursed initiative, and explore what it offers, how you can qualify, and what to expect.