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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Your Arm Lift Surgery Consultation

Your Arm Lift Surgery ConsultationConsultation for arm lift plastic surgery will provide the roadmap for how the procedure will be performed, including the surgical technique to be used, the type of anesthesia, the choice of operating venue, the pre- and post-operative care instructions, and the costs, financing, and other practice aspects of the surgery.

The patient should get pro-actively involved in the consultation process so that the surgeon can customize the surgical plan according to their unique anatomical and cosmetic needs. Consultation will also give an opportunity to the surgeon to educate the patient about arm lift procedure and help them make a well-considered choice.

Board certified and experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides arm lift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations across the landscape.

 

Determining Candidacy

During the initial consultation for arm lift plastic surgery, the surgeon will evaluate whether the patient is a suitable candidate for upper arm lift. They will review the patient’s past medical records and examine their current health condition. Both alternative and additional surgical and non-surgical treatment options may be considered at this point, depending on the patient’s unique requirements.

 

Information Disclosure

The patient should be prepared to disclose the following information to the surgeon during the consultation for their own safety:

  • Any underlying medical condition or drug allergies
  • Previous surgeries received in the upper arm or surrounding areas
  • Medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that the patient may be currently taking
  • Current use of tobacco, alcohol and recreation drugs, if any
  • Whether any invasive or non-invasive cosmetic procedures have been received in the past
  • Patient’s personal goals and reasons why they want to undergo arm lift surgery

 

Key Steps

The surgeon may perform the following actions during the arm lift surgery consultation process:

  • Request the patient to view in the mirror and identify the specific sites around the upper arms where they want to see cosmetic improvement
  • Take images of the affected area for health records
  • Assess the pre-existing medical conditions and risk factors
  • Evaluate the degree of skin laxity in upper arms
  • Assess the presence of stubborn fat tissue deposits in the area
  • Explain the treatment options and the most appropriate surgical technique
  • Discuss the potential risks and complications and the likely outcome of arm lift surgery
  • Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be applied
  • Discuss the customized surgical plan

 

Other Aspects

To help the patient develop reasonable expectations, the surgeon may present arm lift before and after pictures during the initial consultation. Testimonials of past patients may also be shown to let the patient understand the procedure from another patient’s perspective. Tips for preparation before the surgery and care instructions for the post-operative recovery period will be provided during the consultation.

Costs, insurance and financing possibilities will be discussed. The patient will have an opportunity to ask questions and clear all their doubts and concerns during the consultation. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for arm lift surgery.

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Your Arm Lift Surgery Consultation

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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