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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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure Steps

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure StepsBrachioplasty or arm lift plastic surgery is a procedure designed to improve the contours of the upper arms and tighten the loose skin and muscles. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the steps involved the procedure, and address their questions and concerns related to the surgery.

Brachioplasty is usually completed in about one to two hours, and the procedure steps may slightly vary depending on the type of technique used. Proven and astute cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides brachioplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods across the landscape.

 

Anesthesia or Sedation

Once the patient is ready to be operated for arm lift, the first step will be to administer anesthesia or sedation. Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the surgeon will choose general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, which may remain present throughout the surgery to monitor patient’s response.

If IV sedation is used, it will induce a ‘twilight sleep’. The patient will be technically conscious, but not properly aware of the procedure and will typically not remember anything once the surgery is over.

 

Incision Placement

Once the patient is under the effect of anesthesia, the surgeon will create markings on the elbows, arms and armpits according to the pre-determined arm lift cosmetic surgery plan. The type of arm lift surgery technique and the extent of surgery to be performed will determine the length, location, and direction of the incision lines.

The goal of the surgeon will be to keep the incisions discreetly placed so that subsequent scarring is minimally visible. In some cases, the incisions may be entirely concealed within the armpits, or may extend down the inside of the arms in the most discreet locations possible.

 

Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening

Depending on the presence of stubborn fatty tissue in the upper arm area, the surgeon may use liposuction as an adjunct procedure to eliminate excess fat. Tumescent technique may be used to suction out the unwanted fat in a less invasive manner through the incisions.

Excess skin will then be trimmed away, and the incisions will be brought together to create a smoother and firmer arm contour. Finally, the remaining skin will be smoothly re-draped over the new arm contour. Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for arm lift surgery.

 

Wound Closure

Once the arm lift surgery is completed the, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions with an aim to minimize scarring and enable faster healing. The sutures may be placed under the skin, where they will be gradually absorbed by the body.

The surgeon will then apply a sterile dressing to cover the incisions and place a compression garment. Temporary drain tubes may be placed beneath the skin in the incision areas for a few days.

The patient will be brought out of anesthesia and moved to an observation area for a few hours. Most patients can return home the same day of the surgery.


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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure Steps

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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