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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Dermabrasion Treatment For Scarring And Aged Skin

Dermabrasion 

Dermabrasion Treatment For Scarring And Aged SkinDermabrasion is a safe and established procedure that involves removal of outer skin layers to treat aged skin and conspicuous scars. The procedure is can help you get rid of fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin texture, and sun damaged skin. The technique requires a special rotating instrument to be used on the face.

Your plastic surgeon may numb the area using a local anesthetic before starting to minimize discomfort. Dermabrasion is an outpatient treatment. You will be allowed to go home right after the procedure is done. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides dermabrasion treatment to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

What Does the Dermabrasion Procedure Involve?

Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia. However, your cosmetic surgeon may use general anesthesia or offer a sedative if you require extensive treatment. The surgeon’s assistant will stretch your skin and hold it tight. The dermabrader device, which has a rough surface, will be moved by the expert on the stretched skin.

Small-tipped dermabraders are used on mouth corners and other narrow skin areas. Circular dermabraders are preferred by surgeons on larger skin patches. You may need multiple sessions for treating larger areas.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will cover the treated area with a moist dressing. They will change the dressing the following day. This is when you would be taught to change your own dressings.

What Follows the Procedure?

Your plastic surgeon will give you detailed instructions on dressing the treated area. They will also recommend the skin care products you should use. You will notice pinkness on the treated area for a few weeks. Many patients experience swelling as well along with a burning or tingling sensation. It takes about 10 – 12 weeks for the pink color to completely fade away.

Advantages of Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion procedure works on similar principles as exfoliation. It actively removes the outer dead or damaged skin layer to reveal youthful, fresher looking skin below. The procedure allows you to enjoy a smoother and younger looking face. Dermabrasion is beneficial for the following conditions:

  • Sun damaged skin
  • Age spots
  • Wrinkled skin
  • Acne scars
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Surgery or injury induced scars
  • Pre-malignant skin patches
  • Red or thick skin on the nose (Rhinophyma)

There are several other techniques that can be used to treat these conditions apart from dermabrasion. Your cosmetic surgeon will determine which treatment will bring optimal results.

Ideal Candidacy for Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is recommended for most people looking for a youthful and smoother skin. However, the procedure is not recommended for people with:

  • Inflammatory acne
  • Burn scars
  • Radiation burns
  • Repeated flare-ups of herpes
  • Naturally very dark skin tone

People who are on medications that may cause skin thinning as a side effect are also not suitable candidates for the procedure. Sometimes, dermabrasion is recommended for people looking to remove tattoos. However, laser treatment is proven to be faster and more effective. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for dermabrasion skin rejuvenation.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

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Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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

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