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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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) RecoveryBlepharoplasty is a relatively less invasive plastic surgery. It will entail minimal risks of post-op complications as long as the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. But the patient will need to follow certain guidelines during the recovery phase after a blepharoplasty.

The surgeon’s directions will help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery for the patient. The surgeon will inform the patient about various aspects of the eyelid surgical procedure and the recovery process during the initial consultation.

Reliable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this area of the country.

Recovery Phase

The surgeon will typically perform the blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure. However, exceptional cases may warrant an overnight stay at the hospital. The correct approach to the post-operative recovery phase will be established as per the surgeon’s evaluation of the patient’s unique needs. A majority of the patients will need to remain at home for almost a week after the procedure.

Most patients can resume routine activities or return to work after a week. But the complete healing of the eyelid after the plastic surgery procedure can take many weeks. If the surgeon has used traditional sutures, they will take these out after the first week. During the initial phase, the patient should provide adequate rest to the eyes. The swelling and redness will be more prominent during the first week, but will gradually subside.

The eyes can experience exertion due to watching television, reading, or working on a computer in the initial recovery phase. Patients must avoid such exertion initially as it can increase the flow of blood to the eyes and cause a delay in the recovery process. After the swelling and bruising subside, the patient will see a more youthful upper face appearance.  

The eyes will appear rejuvenated and alert as the complete outcomes of the eyelid surgery set in. In case the patient had been experiencing partial obstruction of vision because of sagging upper eyelids, this condition will be resolved.

Temporary Side Effects

Swelling and redness in the area surrounding the incisions is a common side effect of the surgery. The patient may experience itching, dryness, and soreness in these regions and there may be excessive tearing in the eyes. The surgeon may prescribe a topical cream and pain medication so that the patient remains comfortable while these temporary side effects subside.

Certain patients may feel more sensitive to light or experience blurry vision. These side effects will resolve rapidly if the patient follows the surgeon’s post-op guidelines correctly.

Aftercare

During the initial 2 or 3 days post eyelid surgery, the patient can use cold compresses on the eyes. This will enable the swelling to subside. The surgeon may also prescribe eye drops to the patient in case they experience dry eyes. The patient will need to protect their eyes from wind and sun exposure during the initial few weeks after the blepharoplasty.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas across the horizon for eyelid surgery.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery

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