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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Age Spots (Liver Spots) Treatment

Age Spots (Liver Spots) 

Age Spots (Liver Spots) TreatmentLiver spots, commonly known as age spots, are a sign of aging that can compromise a smooth, youthful look of the face and other areas. The spots are usually seen in black, brown or tan colors, and in varying sizes. Exposure to the sun over the years causes these spots in sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. People above the age of 50 are more commonly affected by age spots.

Several non-surgical treatments can be used to mitigate the effect of liver spots or remove them entirely from the skin. An experienced treatment provider will suggest the best solutions depending on a patient’s skin type, color and the size of the spots. Dr. Gary Motykie MD is a board certified plastic surgeon providing treatment for age spots to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

It is possible to treat age spots with non-surgical treatments that will involve minimal to no downtime or discomfort. But the provider must take care to select a treatment that can penetrate below the epidermis because the pigment in age spots is located at the bottom of the epidermis.

Medications

In case of mild to moderate appearance of liver spots, some prescription bleaching creams may be applied to reduce their effect over several months. If the condition is more severe, the provider may recommend a combination of these creams along with retinoids and a steroid.

During and after the treatment, the patient should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for a few months. Initial side effects of the treatment may include itching, redness, dryness or stinging sensation.

Light-Based Treatments

Melanocytes, which are melanin producing cells, are the cause behind age spots. Melanocytes can be eliminated or disintegrated with the help of targeted light based treatments such as IPL or laser therapy. The top layer of the skin remains unaffected with these treatments.

Following light therapy, the age spots will gradually diminish over a few months. These treatments do not have any significant side effects, but mild skin discoloration may occur in some cases. Sun protection is essential with these treatments.

Freezing (Cryotherapy)

Liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent may be applied to destroy the melanin pigment. The skin begins to appear lighter as the treated area heals. Freezing therapy may be used over a single liver spots or a small cluster of spots.

Dermabrasion

This procedure involves planing or sanding down of the upper skin layer with a fast rotating brush. As the top layer is removed, it gets replaced with new skin. Temporary redness and scab formation may occur with this technique.

Chemical Peel

Customized chemical peels can be applied to treat age spots. The chemical will cause the uppermost layer of skin to peel. New skin will appear in its place, causing the age spots to fade. Dr. Gary Motykie MD receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other communities throughout the region for age spot treatment.

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Age Spots (Liver Spots) Treatment

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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