1. Introduction

Your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy & HIPAA Policy explains how Brigitte Apfel, MD ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information, including your protected health information (PHI), in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect:

• Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, mailing address.

• Health Information (PHI): Medical history, treatment details, diagnoses, medications, and other clinical data required to provide psychiatric care.

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and website usage through cookies or analytics tools (non-PHI).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and coordinate psychiatric care, including via telepsychiatry.

• Communicate with you about appointments, billing, and treatment.

• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., reporting abuse, court orders).

• Improve our website and services.

4. Telepsychiatry-Specific Protections

Brigitte Apfel, MD offers services via telepsychiatry using HIPAA-compliant video platforms. We take additional precautions to protect your PHI in this setting:

• All virtual sessions use end-to-end encrypted technology.

• We encourage clients to use a private, secure internet connection and location during sessions.

• No recordings are made without your explicit, written consent.

• You may request in-person services if available and appropriate.

5. How We Share Your Information

We may share your PHI:

• With other providers involved in your care.

• With business associates under HIPAA-compliant agreements.

• When required by law or public health authorities.

We do not sell or rent your information. We do not share PHI for marketing purposes without your explicit written consent.

6. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the right to:

• Access and request a copy of your health records.

• Request corrections to your records.

• Request limits on how your data is used or shared.

• Receive a list of disclosures of your PHI.

• File a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated.

To exercise these rights, contact us at: Phone 415 680 8267

7. Data Security

We take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. This includes secure storage, encrypted communication tools, and internal access controls.

8. Website Privacy

Our website may use cookies and analytics to improve functionality but does not collect or store PHI. Any contact form or email communication is not guaranteed to be HIPAA-secure unless otherwise stated. Please avoid sharing sensitive information through unencrypted channels.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a new effective date.

10. Contact

For questions or complaints related to this policy or your PHI:

Brigitte Apfel, MD
Phone: 415 680 8267
Address: 784 Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA 94301

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Notice to Patients

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This physician is licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California. To check the license or file a complaint, please visit www.mbc.ca.gov, call (800) 633‑2322, or email licensecheck@mbc.ca.gov.

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