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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Cheek Implants vs. Fillers

Cheek Implants vs. FillersWhile there are several effective treatment options for cheek enhancement, two of the most sought-after are cheek implants and dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid. 

Juvederm Voluma XC is designed specifically for the cheek region and is one of the longest-lasting dermal fillers available on the market. Both treatments have their advantages and limitations for cheek enhancement. However, they are recommended for distinct reasons.  

Cheek implants permanently augment the underlying facial structure. They are usually made out of silicone (although there are implants comprising other materials available) and are inserted surgically. 

Implants alter facial contours and appearance, creating permanent enhancement. This can improve facial balance or develop a “high cheekbone” look in patients who are unhappy with their facial aesthetics. 

On the other hand, Juvederm Voluma XC is a temporary treatment that corrects the effects of aging but does not impact the facial structure. Fillers can immediately improve facial fullness loss and necessitates only a quick injection session. 

The results can sustain for up to two years. They do not alter the facial structure but can restore and rejuvenate youth to the cheek region in a non-surgical manner. Patients appreciate that there is negligible downtime with Juvederm Voluma XC. Due to this, the treatment is ideal for even the busiest people. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides cheek enhancement procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Which is more Appropriate for You? Cheek Implants or Fillers?

Understanding the differences between the two treatments can make it easier for patients to understand which option is suitable for their needs. Below is a quick checklist:

Ideal candidates for cheek implants are:

  • Younger patients
  • Individuals who want to alter their facial structure permanently
  • Those who do not want to undergo the procedure repetitively
  • Patients who are prepared to receive surgery and undergo the healing process
  • Those whose cheek enhancement objectives are for facial balance and cosmetics, rather than anti-aging

Suitable candidates for Juvederm Voluma XC or another filler are as follows:

  • Unhappy with the signs of aging-related fullness in the cheeks
  • Patients who do not want surgery or do not have time for downtime
  • Patients who want to restore lost fullness in their cheeks, not add more volume
  • People who are willing to undergo maintenance procedure for continuing enhancement
  • Patients who have health conditions that make surgery inadvisable

 

Making the Decision

Patients get immediate results with fillers and implants. Ultimately, the procedure that is most appropriate for a specific person will depend on their preferences regarding:

  • Aesthetic goals
  • Recovery time
  • Number of treatments
  • How long they want the results to last

It is also vital to remember that facial implants are costlier than fillers as these implants offer lifelong results and because the procedure to place the implants involves surgery. The patient can consult a facial plastic surgeon to discuss costs.

 

Still Not Sure? Talk to Your Surgeon

Every person has a unique situation. It is perfectly fine to be unsure about which treatment is appropriate. In fact, it is ideal to keep an open mind when initially consulting a facial cosmetic surgeon. 

The surgeon will be able to assess the patient’s individual case and offer personalized recommendations about their treatment. A specialist will have the experience to help the patient decide between cheek fillers or implants on the basis of their goals, lifestyle, and medical condition. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for cheek enhancement procedures.

 

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Cheek Implants vs. Fillers

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