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.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery) risks and safety information | Beverly Hills

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery) risks and safety information | Beverly HillsAbdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure with highly successful and desirable results when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, like any major surgery, risks and potential complications are associated with tummy tuck as well. The patient should be prepared to accept the risks and will be required sign consent forms prior to the procedure.

As a dedicated cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Gary Motykie will ensure that the patient is made aware of the potential risks so that they can make an informed decision. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Potential Risks

Anesthesia

If the tummy tuck plastic surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia, the risk of a reaction occurring will be slightly higher as compared to local anesthesia.

Blood Clotting

If blood clot formation occurs inside a blood vessel, it may cause complications in the blood flow. In a rare case, the blood clot may travel to the heart, lungs or brain, posing a serious risk.

Infection

The risk of infection is higher during the surgery and immediate recovery period. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will ensure a clean, sterile operating environment to minimize the risk. Antibiotics may be prescribed for the first few days following the surgery.

Delayed Healing

In case of tummy tuck surgery, pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising will typically subside in about four to six weeks. However, a few patients may heal slowly and continue to experience considerable discomfort after six weeks.

Dr. Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon who receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby locations for tummy tuck and other procedures.

Temporary Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of abdominoplasty include the following. These side effects will usually fade away on their own:

Swelling

An experienced surgeon will provide guidelines to minimize post-op swelling. A compression garment will be provided to keep the swelling in control. Regular, gentle body movements will help to improve blood flow and support the healing process.

Pain

Post-op pain is common in case of tummy tuck surgery, which will reduce by the end of first week. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the first few days to keep the patient comfortable.

Bruising

Most patients will also experience mild bruising in the treated areas following abdominoplasty. Bruising will usually fade in about two to three weeks after the surgery.

Safety Information

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conducted a detailed survey of 3,681 tummy tuck procedures performed between January and September 2010. The complication rate in this survey was found to be 4.7% or 163 patients. Infection and hemorrhage were the most common complications. Rare complications included fluid overload, hypoxia, pulmonary dysfunction, hypotension, and pulmonary embolism.

The rate of complications is considered fairly low in case of tummy tuck surgery, even though it is a major procedure. If the surgery is performed by a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the rate of the complications will be further reduced dramatically and in fact be almost unheard of.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery) risks and safety information | Beverly Hills

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

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