Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Rafael Yakutilov Neurology PC
Effective Date: September 9, 2025
This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes how Rafael Yakutilov Neurology PC (“the Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information obtained from patients, visitors, and users of our services. This Policy applies to communications conducted by email, SMS/text message, and voice message, as well as to the use of our website located at
https://www.rafaelyakutilov.com/. By engaging with our Practice through any of these channels, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Policy.
I. Patient Communication Privacy Policy (Email, SMS, and Voice Messages)
1. Purpose of Communications
We may utilize email, SMS/text messages, and voice messages for purposes including but not limited to: appointment confirmations and reminders; scheduling updates and office closures; billing and insurance communications; treatment-related instructions and follow-up care (with patient consent); and responses to patient inquiries.
2. Information Collected
In the course of such communications, we may collect patient identifiers (such as name, phone number, and email address), metadata (such as date, time, and content of communications), and any protected health information (PHI) voluntarily disclosed by the patient.
3. Safeguards and Confidentiality
The Practice maintains electronic, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality and integrity of patient communications, consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). Only authorized personnel may access such communications, and no disclosure to third parties shall occur absent patient consent or legal compulsion.
4. Risks and Patient Acknowledgment
Patients acknowledge that electronic communications (including email and SMS) may not be fully secure against interception or unauthorized access. By providing contact information to the Practice, the patient consents to receiving communications via these channels and accepts the inherent risks. Patients may revoke such consent at any time by written notice to the Practice.
5. Third-Party Service Providers
We may engage third-party telecommunications and technology vendors to facilitate communications. Such vendors are contractually obligated to comply with HIPAA and other applicable data privacy regulations.
6. Retention of Communications
Communications relevant to patient care may be incorporated into the patient’s medical record and retained in accordance with applicable law and medical record retention standards. Non-essential communications (such as reminders) may be destroyed after a reasonable period of time.
7. Patient Rights
Patients retain the right to request restrictions on communications, to obtain copies of communications included in their medical record, and to revoke prior authorizations regarding communication methods, subject to applicable law.
II. Website Privacy Policy (rafaelyakutilov.com)
1. Scope
This portion of the Policy governs the collection, use, and disclosure of information obtained through the Practice’s website, https://www.rafaelyakutilov.com/.
2. Information Collected
Information collected through the website may include: (a) personally identifiable information voluntarily provided through forms (e.g., name, phone number, email address); (b) technical data such as IP address, browser type, and device information, collected automatically via cookies and analytics tools; and (c) health-related information voluntarily submitted, which shall be treated as PHI under HIPAA.
3. Use of Information
The Practice may use such information to respond to inquiries, facilitate appointment scheduling, provide patient support, improve website functionality, deliver updates or announcements (where permitted), and comply with applicable laws.
4. Cookies and Tracking
The website may utilize cookies, web beacons, or analytics tools to analyze user interactions. Users may disable cookies through browser settings; however, certain website functions may be impaired.
5. Disclosure of Information
The Practice does not sell or rent user information. Information may be disclosed only to: (a) third-party vendors who support website operations, subject to confidentiality obligations; (b) regulatory authorities as required by law; or (c) others with patient or user consent.
6. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information collected via the website. Nevertheless, no online transmission is entirely secure, and the Practice disclaims liability for breaches beyond its reasonable control.
7. External Links
The website may contain links to third-party sites not controlled by the Practice. We disclaim responsibility for the privacy practices of such external websites.
8. User Rights
Users may request access to or correction of their information, opt out of non-essential communications, or request restrictions on processing, consistent with applicable law.
9. Children’s Privacy
The website is not directed to individuals under age 13, and the Practice does not knowingly collect information from such individuals.
10. Policy Updates
The Practice reserves the right to amend this Policy from time to time. Revised versions will be posted to the website with an updated effective date.
III. Contact Information
Questions regarding this Policy, or requests to exercise rights described herein, may be directed to: Rafael Yakutilov Neurology PC [Insert Address] Phone: [Insert Phone Number] Email: [Insert Email Address] Website: https://www.rafaelyakutilov.com/
IV. Short Disclaimers
Email/SMS Disclaimer: This message may contain confidential health information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify Rafael Yakutilov Neurology PC immediately. Electronic communications may not be fully secure; by replying you consent to this method of communication.
Voicemail Disclaimer (optional): Please note that voicemail messages may contain personal health information. By leaving a message, you consent to this method of communication.