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 Plastic Surgery Recovery Time

Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Recovery TimeRecovery is an important part of a major plastic surgery procedure such as arm lift. Patients should be clearly made aware of the estimated recovery time involved so that they can plan the surgery accordingly.

The surgeon will discuss the recovery aspects in detail prior to the procedure, and also provide instructions to be followed during the post-operative period for a safer and quicker recovery. Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides arm lift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Recovery Period

The estimated recovery period in case of arm lift plastic surgery can range from one to two weeks, depending on a few factors. Whether the patient has received a full upper arm lift or a mini arm lift, the skill and technique of the surgeon, and the patient’s natural healing ability will determine the actual time involved in the arm lift recovery.

The patient should be prepared to take at least one to two weeks off from work and stay home to ensure a desirable and realistic recovery. Complete recovery in terms of elimination of mild swelling from the arms, resumption of vigorous exercises, and establishment of full results will take several weeks.

 

Planning for Recovery

If the patient has small kids, they may have to arrange for help with childcare. They should also make advance arrangement for someone to drive them back home after the surgery. The patient should ideally select a time of surgery when they are least likely to have any compelling need to be present at the workplace, travel, or have other pressing engagements to look after.

If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to quit smoking at least a few weeks prior to the date of surgery. They must continue to refrain from smoking also throughout the recovery period to minimize the risk of complications. The patient may also consider stocking up on convenient and healthy foods, especially lean proteins.

 

First Week after Surgery

The cosmetic surgeon will usually prescribe pain medications for the first few days to ease discomfort arising from soreness and inflammation. The patient should sit and sleep with arms in elevated position to reduce swelling. Bandages should be changed and surgical drains cleaned as per the surgeon’s instructions. Showering may be resumed once the drains are removed or as advised by the surgeon.

Light walking and moderate activities at home are encouraged in the first week to promote blood flow and stimulate healing. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for arm lift surgery.

 

Follow-Up Appointments

The patient will typically have to return to see the surgeon a week after the surgery. At this appointment, the surgeon may remove the drains and sutures. Another follow-up appointment may be scheduled about four weeks after the surgery. During this appointment, the surgeon will assess the results of the arm lift procedure. At each appointment, the patient will receive additional guidance for recovery and an overall reliable and steady aesthetic outcome.

 

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Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Recovery Time

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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