Notice of Data Incident
August 1, 2023

Dear Patients:
We post this Notice pursuant to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) to inform you about a data incident involving an unauthorized release of patient Protected Health Information (“PHI”), as that is defined by HIPAA, at Gary Motykie, M.D., a Medical Corporation and Gary Motykie, M.D. (“Practice”), a covered entity under HIPAA.

PHI, as defined by HIPAA, is information that is “created, received, maintained, or transmitted by or on behalf of the health care component of the Covered Entity.” § 164.105 (a)(2)(i)(D). Information that is created or received by a Covered Entity and that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual is considered PHI. PHI is required to be protected when transmitted or maintained in any form by a Covered Entity. Individual identifiers (including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, fax, email address, social security number, medical record number, etc.) maintained in a designated record set along with health information (including but not limited to x-rays, images, scans, physician notes, diagnoses, treatment, eligibility approvals, claims, remittances, etc.) are collectively considered PHI.

Event Description:
On or about June 6, 2023, an initial technical analysis of the Practice’s information technology network determined an unauthorized release of PHI occurred to an unknown third party. The initial analysis determined that the unknown third party accessed the Practice’s network. It was further determined that the unknown third party acquired some of the Practice’s patient’s unencrypted PHI and that party was not authorized to do so and did so in an unlawful manner.

The information that may have been accessed or acquired during this unauthorized access included:

  • First and last name 
  • Social Security Number (if provided)
  • Address
  • Driver’s license or identification card number
  • Financial account or payment card number, in combination with any required CVV code
  • Intake forms, which may include medical information and history
  • Images taken in connection with the services rendered at our office
  • Health insurance information (if provided)
Steps Taken to Address:
Upon discovery, the Practice took the following immediate steps to address the situation:
  • Computers and servers replaced
  • Network passwords changed
  • Endpoint detection, virus, and malware detection tools and software installed on workstations and server
  • Limitations concerning Internet access
  • Access controls put in place for users based on role and responsibility
  • Server policies in place
  • Device locking mechanisms
  • Multi factor authentication enabled
  • Network segregation efforts
  • Encryption of devices
  • Additional workforce training
Risk Assessment:

The Practice conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the potential harm to potentially impacted individuals. Based on that assessment, it is determined that there is a high risk of harm. It is essential for potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant in monitoring their personal accounts and data and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or their financial institutions.

Assistance and Resources:
Starting on or about June 22, 2023, letters were mailed to patients providing the following resources to assist the potentially impacted individuals, offering at no cost:
  • two (2) years of no cost Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring/Triple Bureau Credit Report/Triple Bureau Credit Score/Cyber Monitoring services.
  • the services also include reviewing whether Information appears on the dark web and alert the individual if such Information is found online.
  • proactive fraud assistance to help with any questions in event a potentially impacted persons becomes a victim of fraud.

Steps to Prevent Future Incidents: We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this Incident may cause. The Practice is taking numerous steps to help prevent similar Incidents in the future. We will continue to review and enhance our security measures, policies, and employee training.

If you failed to receive your letter in the mail, and/or if there is a concern your mailing address has changed since you were a patient at the Practice, please contact 1-800-405-6108 or call our office immediately at 310-246-2355 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

Blog

10 Things to do (and Avoid) to Prepare for Facelift Surgery

10 Things to do (and Avoid) to Prepare for Facelift SurgeryThe facelift is a significantly invasive plastic surgery procedure to restore facial youth. Patients who plan meticulously for facelift surgery and post-operative recovery will be able to go through all the stages more safely and comfortably. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Don’ts

Stop Smoking Well Before the Surgery

Smoking is known to slow down the healing process, and smokers are at a higher risk of complications during the surgery. Stop smoking at least a few weeks before facelift and for a similar period after the surgery.

 

Refrain from Using Blood Thinners and Herbal Meds

Aspirin, NSAIDs, analgesics, vitamin E supplements and herbal medications should be stopped for at least two weeks before your facelift surgery. The risk of bleeding can increase with these medications. Discuss with your surgeon about any other prescription drugs you may be taking.

 

Reduce Salt Intake

Go on a low salt diet for at least two weeks before facelift plastic surgery and continue the similar way for a few weeks after the surgery. High sodium intake increases water retention in your body, and may increase swelling in the incision areas.

 

Don’t Eat or Drink before Surgery

Keep an empty stomach for at least eight hours prior to your scheduled facelift surgery. The feeling of nausea and vomiting related with anesthesia can be minimized this way.

 

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

For a few weeks prior to facelift, take extra care about protecting the facial skin against sun exposure and tanning. Avoid the use of harsh chemical-based cosmetics in this period, but use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more.

 

Do’s

Focus on Maintaining Healthy Weight

Maintain a fit body as far as possible before the facelift. This will ensure that the weight on your facial skin flaps is less heavy and the skin is more pliable to be pulled taut in a natural looking way during the facelift. However, stay away from crash diet programs and maintain a stable body weight.

 

Add More Lean Proteins to your Diet

High quality lean proteins in your diet will support faster healing following facelift surgery. Discuss the diet with your surgeon or talk to a nutritionist for a diet plan tailored to your recovery needs.

 

Maintain the Head in a Raised Position

After the facelift, you should maintain your head in a raised position as far as possible. If you can do this for the first three to five days, it will enable better healing and expedite the recovery.

 

Get Adequate Sleep the Night before Surgery

Sleep sufficiently and make sure you are well-rested prior to the facelift surgery. Shampoo your hair a day before the procedure, and do not drink alcoholic beverages the night before surgery.

 

Arrange Transportation and After-care

Have someone to drive you back home following the surgery. Preferably, arrange for someone to assist you with daily chores at home for the first few days. Do not try to do anything rigorous. Even going grocery shopping is unwise for a while until your face is fully healed and adjusted. Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other nearby areas for facelift procedures.

 

Click here for Virtual Consultation

10 Things to do (and Avoid) to Prepare for Facelift Surgery

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

Spread the love

Comments are closed.