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.

Blog

Arm Lift Surgery Risks and Safety

Arm Lift Surgery Risks and SafetyUpper arm lift surgery may be performed using different techniques, depending on the extent of fat tissue and skin removal involved. In any case, arm lift surgery remains the gold standard for arm rejuvenation and is usually performed without involving any significant complications.

An experienced and prudent surgeon will be able to minimize the risks in arm lift by tailoring the procedure to suit the unique needs of the patient.

However, certain risks are unavoidable in any surgical procedure. During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss these potential risks and complications to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive arm lift surgery from experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie.  

 

Potential Complications

Some of the potential problems that are associated with any major surgical procedure, including arm lift surgery include:

  • Poor reaction to anesthesia
  • Seroma or hematoma, which is an accumulation of fluid or blood beneath the skin that may need to be removed
  • Infection and bleeding
  • Extended period of numbness in the incision areas or altered sensation
  • Allergic reaction
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Damage to underlying structures
  • Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome, necessitating a revision surgery

The surgeon will give appropriate post-surgical care instructions and guide the patient about how to look for any signs of abnormality. The patient should seek prompt medical attention or get in touch with the surgeon’s office if they experience any serious or persistent concerns during recovery.

 

Risk Reduction

Patients should be aware that most of the potential complications are infrequent in case of arm lift cosmetic surgery, and severe complications are particularly rare. However, it is still vital to take steps to minimize the risks and diligently follow the advice of the surgeon, both before and after the arm lift procedure.

To begin with, the patient should select a board certified and experienced plastic surgeon. These surgeons will assess the patient’s medical condition and past health records to identify potential risk factors. A customized surgical plan will be formulated on that basis to minimize risk.

The patient should be upfront with the surgeon during the initial consultation about disclosing their health issues, lifestyle problems such as smoking, and inform about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs that they may be currently using. They should also be prepared to following the surgeon’s preparatory and post-op guidelines for safety.

 

Temporary Side Effects

Short-term side effects of arm lift surgery commonly include:

  • Mild pain and discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling of tightness in incision areas
  • Numbness or tingling sensation

These symptoms will usually dissipate in a few days without requiring any specific treatment.

 

Mitigating Side Effects

The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for a few days and advise the patient to take adequate rest. Proper use of compression bandages will also help. Judicious and accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities in this part of The Golden State for arm lift surgery.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Arm Lift Surgery Risks and Safety

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

Spread the love

Comments are closed.