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) Risks And Safety

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And SafetyAlthough eyelid lift plastic surgery is a delicate procedure as it involves the eyes, the risk of complications is significantly reduced when a fully trained and experienced surgeon performs the surgery. The procedure is comparatively less invasive than other facial procedures. It typically involves the use of only local anesthesia and mild sedation.

The patient should diligently follow pre- and post-operative care guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks and help the patient make an informed decision. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and towns in this area of SoCal.

Serious Complications

Certain serious complications could possibly occur during or after the eyelid surgical procedure such as ectropian, hematoma, and retinal detachment. But the rate of occurrence of such complications is very low.

Ectropian involves a drooping tendency that leads the lower lid to become inverted. In such instances, the patient will require revision surgery to address this condition.

Accumulation of surplus blood and fluid underneath the skin in the incision sites is called hematoma. This risk may heighten if the eyelid lift plastic surgery is performed along with other facial surgical procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. The surgeon will insert small drainage tubes beneath the skin for some days to drain out surplus fluid and decrease the chances of the patient developing hematoma.

In rare instances, the retina may get detached from the outer eye layers, leading to a retinal detachment. Holes or tears in the retina may cause this to occur. Retinal detachment will warrant additional surgery to correct this condition.

Minor Post-Operative Complications

Specific patients may experience one or more of the below-mentioned minor complications post eyelid surgery:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Infection
  • Issues in keeping the eyes closed during sleep
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Whiteheads formation post suture removal
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Noticeable scarring
  • Excessive tearing

A majority of such post-surgical symptoms will usually resolve in some days. However, in case the patient experiences major discomfort, they may seek further treatment. The complications will be irreversible only in rare circumstances.

Side-Effects

Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation

During the initial post-op period, slight irritation and soreness may occur in incision sites. The patient may experience tightness or pain in the eyelids initially as the effect of anesthesia subsides. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the first week after the procedure.

Inflammation

The patient can expect some level of inflammation in the first week after the surgery. Cold compresses or ice therapy can be used in the initial 2 or 3 days to reduce swelling. Additionally, the patient should keep their head in an upright position for the initial few days.

Scarring

In a majority of eyelid surgery cases, scarring is minimal. If the surgeon places the incisions within the lower eyelid, the scars will not be visible from outside. Prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and neighboring areas for blepharoplasty.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And Safety

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