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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Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Straightening a Crooked Nose

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Straightening a Crooked NoseIf the patient’s nose has moved to one side or is slightly crooked, they may consider a surgical procedure to straighten it.

In this cosmetic surgery, the surgeon may reduce some cartilage or bone or physically move the tissue. In addition, they may also place a splint to hold the nose in position as it heals, similar to a fractured nose after functional rhinoplasty.

The level of the crookedness of the nose depends on the underlying cause. Crooked noses are usually only an aesthetic concern. But, at times, it can cause breathing challenges. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Causes of a Crooked Nose

There are two main types of crooked noses. The first type occurs because of an issue within the intricate cartilage, bone, and tissue system of the nose. This can happen due to the following reasons:

  • Birth defects
  • Severe infections
  • Injuries, such as a fractured nose
  • Tumors
  • Nose surgery

The reason will determine if the crooked nose will be I, C, or S-shaped.

The other type of nose crookedness occurs due to a deviated septum. The septum is the internal wall that divides the left and right nasal passageways. If the patient has a deviated septum, this wall leans to one side which partially blocks the nose. Certain people have a deviated septum since birth while others develop if following an injury.

A deviated septum can cause the nose to look crooked. It can also lead to the following conditions:

  • Loud breathing
  • Issues sleeping on one side
  • Nosebleeds

The patient should consult a qualified surgeon to determine the reason for their crooked nose. This can help identify the most suitable treatment option for them.

 

Surgical Treatment

While dermal fillers may help straighten a slightly crooked nose, more severe cases will usually require plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty plastic surgery aims to treat the cosmetic issues of the nose. On the other hand, septoplasty straightens the wall the divides the inside of the nose into two parts.

Rhinoplasty

The two types of rhinoplasty are cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. The only focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty is correcting the appearance of the nose. In comparison, functional rhinoplasty helps address breathing problems.

According to a 2015 study, rhinoplasty can successfully straighten crooked noses in patients with or without facial symmetry regardless of the technique used. Facial symmetry is the similar appearance of both halves of the face.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty reshapes the wall between the nasal passages, effectively straightening the nose. If the patient has a crooked nose due to a deviated septum, the surgeon will likely recommend them to undergo septoplasty. This surgery can straighten the nose while relieving nasal passageway obstructions because of a deviated septum.

 

The Bottom Line

A crooked nose commonly occurs due to a past injury or a deviated septum. Around 80 percent of people have some form of a deviated septum. The patient should choose an appropriate treatment if their crooked nose is leading to breathing issues or significant cosmetic problems.

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


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Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Straightening a Crooked Nose

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