Dr. Brian R. Apatoff, MD, PhD

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff, MD, PhD

Neurologist
401 E 55th St, New York, NY
4.77
“He's good. He listens, says what's on his mind, but accepts your point of view anyway. He'll work with you to get to where you want to be healthwise.”
Jeremy L.March 28, 2026
Patients often return
More patients return than other providers in the area
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients on Zocdoc

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What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.77

Average wait time

4.35

Bedside manner

4.80
“He's good. He listens, says what's on his mind, but accepts your point of view anyway. He'll work with you to get to where you want to be healthwise.”
Jeremy L.March 28, 2026
“Dr. Apatoff is really wonderful. Just a really great bedside manner, you can tell he actually cares and tries. He runs behind sometimes but it’s because he’s giving each patient adequate time and attention and it worth it when it’s your turn”
Miriam M.March 27, 2026

About Dr. Brian R. Apatoff

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff received his MD and PhD degrees from The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He did his medical training in Boston at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and then completed his neurology residency at The Neurological Institute of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident. He subsequently performed a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Research Fellowship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and The Scripps Research Institute and Clinic. He is currently Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Institute at the The Center for Neurological Disorders. He is Clinical Attending in Neurology at NY-Presbyterian Hospital, and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Apatoff serves on the Clinical Advisory Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and has been voted Best Doctors in Neurology. Dr. Apatoff is available for emergency consultation and urgent clinical visits on a same day basis.

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In-network insurances

99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Emblem Health
UnitedHealthcare
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200+ more in-network plans

Areas of expertise

This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis

Other popular visit reasons

Back Pain
Headache
Migraine
Muscle Weakness / Palsy
Neck Pain
Neurological Evaluation
Neurology Consultation
Neurology Follow Up
Back Pain
Headache
Migraine
Muscle Weakness / Palsy

Office location

Center for Neurological Disorders, MS Institute
401 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

Education and background

Practice names

Hospital affiliations

  • New York-Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical Center

Board certifications

  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • Neurology (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)

Education and training

  • Medical School - University of Chicago, Doctor of Medicine
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, Residency in Neurology
  • Columbia University (Fellowship)
  • Scripps Research Institute (Fellowship)
  • Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital (Internship)
  • University of Chicago (PhD)

Professional memberships

  • American Academy of Neurology

Awards and publications

  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor
  • National Institutes of Health, Neurological Diseases

Languages spoken

  • English

Provider's gender

Male

NPI number

1528155611

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.77
Wait time
4.35
Bedside manner
4.80
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1617 reviews
Most relevant
He’s extremely thorough and helped me figure out a few things that I didn’t even know were going on. Highly recommend him!!!
Verified patient
Wonderful bedside manner, a great listener, and thorough with options. The best doctor I've seen in a long time.
Verified patient
Was lucky to get an appointment with him. Help me sort out my testing and referred me on to the right specialist for help
Verified patient
Dr Apatoff was wonderful. Thorough, great communicator and caring. Highly recommend.
Doctor was friendly and understood my symptoms and listened well. I plan on going back if I continue to need a neurologist.
Verified patient
Exactly what you want to hear from a Dr - calm but clear advice and guidance
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff is wonderful--he's a great listener and genuinely cares about his patients.
Verified patient
I had a great experience with Dr Apatoff, he was very thorough, listened to my concerns and had a good plan for next steps.
Great overall experience. Very intelligent and knowledgeable doctor. I would definitely recommend.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff was knowledgeable, patient, and thorough for our first appointment, would highly recommend!
Verified patient
Dr.. Apatoff is thorough, professional and knowledgeable. The office is great. I highly recommend his practice.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff was so kind, patient and thorough. Highly recommend!
Verified patient
The staff amazing & the Dr. is very informative, caring, concerned, and great listener.
Verified patient
Very nice doctor. Spent a good amount of time evaluating me and I felt like he listened to and understood my concerns.
Verified patient
I've seen Dr. Apatoff off and on for more than 10 years. He is good at explaining situation and outlook. Offers good advice.
Verified patient
Decent visit with Dr. Apatoff. He disappeared for about 15 minutes during my appointment, but I guess it's busy all around.
The doctor is helpful and reassuring. Knowledgeable in his field. I would absolutely recommend!
Dr Apatoff was great! He took his time to listen to my concerns, I would go back to him again. He take pride in his work.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff is really, really great. Unfortunately, can’t say the same about some of the people working at the front desk.
Dr. Apatoff is great. He takes his time and is very thorough. He also has a good sense of humor. I highly recommend him.
Verified patient
Great doctor takes time to evaluate throroughly , good expertise and very good skills would highly recommend. Thank you
Verified patient
The dr is very smart and caring. I will use him again if I am in need of a neurologist.
Verified patient
I had a very pleasant visit with Dr. Apatoff. He was very pleasant and knowledgeable. I'm so happy I found him.
Verified patient
Such a nice doctor! Came across with authority, kindness and fun.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff is knowledgeable and kind. I have had multiple appointments with him and there are always good.
Verified patient
Like his bedside manner , his exam was thorough and I’m glad he does televisits too.
Verified patient
Best, most caring, positive, informative, great bedside manners, understanding Doctor! Patient for over 13 years!
Dr. Apatoff is great to meet with. He listened to all of my concerns and was very helpful. I highly recommend him!
Verified patient
He was so personable and looks like he genuinely wants to get to the bottom of the problem and help his patients!
Verified patient
Dr Apatoff was very emphatic to my condition and actively listens to your concerns. Feel good about treatment plan
Uses the visiting time to its fullest. Calm and concerned manner. Very reassuring and felt in good hands.
Verified patient
Dr Apatof was wonderful and very thorough. From desk staff was friendly. Didn’t have to wait long!
Dr Apatoff is a wonderful Dr. He listens to the patient and is calm and reassuring.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff was very attentive and conducted a thorough examination along with answering all of my questions.
Dr. Apatoff is highly professional and listens to all you say and has highly educated and professional manners.
Verified patient
Great, attentive doctor. Actually felt like he cared about the problem I came into his office for. Rare!
Verified patient
Excellent Doctor. Great listener, very thorough. Highly recommend.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff is one of the few doctors left who actually listens to you. Great doctor! Highly recommend!
Verified patient
Always a long wait (75 mins) but worth the wait. Excellent doctor. Thorough, caring, sensible recommendations.
Verified patient
Brilliant doctor. very personable. Knows his stuff. Delighted with first class care from a first class doctor
I recommend this doctor. I felt very comfortable with him and glad I booked the appt.
Verified patient
Dr Apatoff is very confident and very smart, so you don't worry afterwards. Highly recommend.
Verified patient
He is awesome. He was very considerate, carefully explained his reasoning, and answered any questions I had.
Verified patient
I have been a patient of Dr Apatoff for many years and wouldn’t trust anyone else when it comes to my health.
Verified patient
Excellent provider who listened to my symptoms and gave a reasoned diagnosis. Highly recommend.
Verified patient
Recommendable doctor. He is accomodating, friendly, awesome and chill.
Verified patient
Dr. Apatoff is very professional and thorough when speaking with you and accessing your specific situation.
Has been treating me for 15 years His work ethic, dedication and availability have always impressed me.
Verified patient
Just an excellent doctor with a global approach which is exceptional here.
Verified patient
I’ve been coming here for two months and the care has been exactly what I hoped for and more.
Verified patient
Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Brian R. Apatoff?

Generally, Dr. Brian R. Apatoff has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Apatoff's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Brian R. Apatoff accepting new patients?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Apatoff's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Brian R. Apatoff accept my insurance?

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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Brian R. Apatoff online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Apatoff using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

Which hospital is Dr. Brian R. Apatoff affiliated with?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical Center.

What practice does Dr. Brian R. Apatoff work with?

Where is Dr. Brian R. Apatoff's office located?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff's office is located at 401 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022.

Which board certifications does Dr. Brian R. Apatoff have?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Neurology (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Brian R. Apatoff?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff frequently sees patients for Back Pain, Headache, Migraine, Neck Pain, and Neurology Consultation. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Brian R. Apatoff on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Brian R. Apatoff speak?

Dr. Brian R. Apatoff speaks English.

How do patients rate Dr. Brian R. Apatoff in reviews?

1617 patients have reviewed Dr. Brian R. Apatoff. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.77/5. They have a 4.8/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.35/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

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ZocdocMidtown East, New York, NY NeurologistsDr. Brian R. Apatoff, MD, PhD