When Hospitals Switch Systems and Records Go Missing: What Families and Care Teams Should Know

Three geese flying in formation labeled Clinician, Patient, and Proxy, symbolizing collaborative care and shared responsibility in managing health information during EHR transitions.

When health systems switch EHR platforms, the technical impact is only part of the story. For patients and caregivers, critical health records can vanish overnight. For clinical teams, it’s months of preparation and even longer rebuilding trust. As the White House pushes for stronger patient access and data ownership, this blog explores what really happens during an EHR transition and how Primary Record can serve as a failsafe for continuity, connection, and care that extends beyond the hospital walls.

3 Things We Told the Government About Fixing Health Records

Screenshot of the CMS Request for Information page on the Health Technology Ecosystem with public comment deadline of June 16, 2025, highlighted with a yellow heart.

Primary Record just submitted feedback to CMS on how to fix the health data mess families face every day. From missing records to overwhelming paperwork, we shared three lessons from the frontlines—and how our platform is already helping over 900 families and professionals stay organized, connected, and in control.

Partners in Care: Meet the Teams Using Primary Record with Families

Logos of nurse advocates, social workers, and care management professionals who use Primary Record to coordinate and support family care.

Meet the professional care advocates and coordinators using Primary Record to simplify healthcare for families. Whether you’re caring for a child with complex medical needs or an aging parent, these experts combine compassion with technology to help families stay organized, informed, and supported.

The Ultimate State-by-State Guide to Picking the Right Assisted Living

picking the right assisted living in your community

Finding the right assisted living facility for a family member starts with understanding your state’s regulations. Every state has different rules on who qualifies, what care is provided, and how facilities are monitored. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from admission requirements to Medicaid options and resident rights—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

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.

From Caregiver to Research Contributor: Making Your Voice Count

Couple on couch with a clincial researcher holding a clipboard to register them.

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.