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

Breast Implants Exchange Overview

Breast Implants Exchange OverviewBreast Implants Exchange Overview

Breast Augmentation is one of the five most popular forms of plastic surgery. Individuals contemplating breast augmentation or who have had breast implants inserted should be aware that while breast implants have an extensive life cycle, after 10 to 15 years, it might be necessary to replace the implants. The breast implants exchange surgery may also be required in case of a rupture (very rare), distortion due to capsular contracture or if a larger or smaller implant is desired.

What you need to know about the cosmetic surgery

The Breast Implant Exchange is relatively painless and short cosmetic surgery, wherein, the cosmetic surgeon removes the old implants and replaces them with new ones. Patients can also elect for breast implant exchange to increase or decrease of implant size, change the type of implants –silicone gel implants to saline implants or vice versa, replace old implants or permanently remove the breast implants. Whichever the reason, the process for this plastic surgery is the same.

The cosmetic surgeon uses the previous augmentation incision to expose the breast implant pocket. In case of a rupture of a silicon gel implant, he will remove the implant, use sponges to absorb the gel before replacing the implant. If a saline implant ruptures, the implant is simply removed and replaced as the body absorbs the saline.

In case of increased or decrease implant size, the plastic surgeon conducts a bi-manual exam to detect for tumors and then replaces the implant. Similarly, if the patient desires permanent removal of the breast implant, the implant is removed, the bi-manual exam is conducted and the incision is sealed.

The cosmetic surgery takes approximately an hour and is conducted under anesthesia.

Caring – Before and after

Elective plastic surgery is still surgery and care must be taken before and after the operation. The plastic surgeon will provide you with a list of precautions and certain pre-operation medications. To enhance the healing process and minimize risks, patients should adhere to the doctor’s advice.

According to prominent Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie, most plastic surgeons will recommend and take the following precautions before and after Breast Implant Exchange:

Before Plastic Surgery

  • Prescribe prednisone and vitamin E as a pre operative counter measure to capsular contracture.
  • Counsel smokers to quit smoking before surgery to enhance healing and recovery.
  • Recommend delaying the surgery in case of chest wall radiation after mastectomy as radiation can cause affected tissues to stiffen and cause capsular contracture.

During Plastic Surgery

  • Conduct a bi-manual exam to detect for tumors.
  • Apply Alloderm to the implant pocket during surgery to reduce scar tissue build up.

After Plastic Surgery

  • Monitor your post surgery progress in-clinic for up to two hours.
  • Recommend smokers not to smoker immediately after the surgery as it will impede the healing and recovery process.
  • Recommend only light activities until the implant settles.

In conclusion, while no elective cosmetic surgery is completely without risks, breast implant exchange is quick and low risk. It allows you to upgrade your implants to new and safer FDA approved implants easily. It allows you to exchange one implant type for another to get a better look and feel. It even enables you to restore your body to its natural physique.

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.