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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Correcting a Deviated Septum

Correcting a Deviated SeptumRhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can correct a deviated septum to restore proper function of the nose. After the surgeon determines the exact nature and extent of the deviated septum, they can design a customized surgical plan to treat it.

The accomplished board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides a wide range of nose reshaping surgery procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities in this part of California.

 

What is Septum Deviation?

The septum divides the nasal cavity into two narrow airways that begin from the upper portion of the nose where it attaches to the nostrils. The septum comprises various sections of bone and cartilage.

The lower part of the septum is situated on the anterior nasal spine. This bone provides support, and it can be felt in the area where the nose connects with the upper lip.

Septum deviation refers to the moving or development of the septum to one side of the nasal cavity instead of dividing this cavity into two identical airways.

The septum can bend to one side creating an S-shape or bow out to create a C-shape. Such deviations in the septum can restrict the air flow and gradually damage the delicate tissues of the nose.

Some people have a deviated septum since birth while others develop it because of a nasal injury. This can lead to breathing obstructions. A deviated septum can also lead to recurring facial pain and nosebleeds.

 

How is Septal Deviation Corrected?

The surgeon will work on either the cartilage located in the lower portion of the nose or the bony upper part of the septum that sits on the top of the nose. The septum may also shift off the anterior spine in a condition called a caudal septal deviation. In such cases, the surgeon will shift the septum back to the correct position and move its base to the anterior nasal spine.

 

Septoplasty Procedure

In this cosmetic surgery procedure, the surgeon will either reshape the cartilaginous lower part or the bony upper portion of the septum. Some patients experience a condition called a caudal septal deviation where the septum moves off the anterior nasal spine. The surgeon will address the shift of the septum and realign its base to the anterior nasal spine to treat this condition.

To commence the procedure, the surgeon places an incision on one area of the nose to gain access to the septum. After that, they will delicately move the deviated septum back to its correct position. They will also remove obstructions such as useless bone pieces or cartilage. Finally, the surgeon repositions the mucous membrane.

The patient may need stitches to ensure that the membrane and septum remain in their positions. Sometimes placing a cotton pack in the nose is sufficient to help the membrane and septum maintain their positions.

 

Recovery

Septoplasty is outpatient surgery. Most patients can go back home on the day of the procedure itself. Devoted plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and cities across the horizon for nose surgery.  

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Correcting a Deviated Septum

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