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.

Blog

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

Eyelid Surgery Procedure StepsEyelift lift cosmetic surgery is medically known as blepharoplasty. It is an aesthetic procedure that can mitigate the signs of aging around the eyelids and create a more youthful appearance for the upper face. The surgeon will perform this surgery in multiple steps which can vary marginally as per the correction needed in the upper, lower, or both lids.

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain all aspects of the blepharoplasty procedure as well as the various steps it entails. After the patient develops a thorough understanding of the surgical procedure, they will be in a better position to make an informed choice.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Anesthesia

The blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation. The sedation will ensure that the patient remains comfortable during the operation. The surgeon may advise general anesthesia if the blepharoplasty cosmetic surgery is performed along with another procedure or if the patient feels excessively anxious or nervous.

A qualified anesthesiologist or anesthetic nurse will administer the general anesthesia. They will also remain in attendance during the surgery in the operating room to oversee the patient’s reaction to the anesthesia. An experienced anesthesiologist can ascertain any poor response to the anesthetic early on and will mitigate the risks.

Lower Eyelid Lift

After the anesthesia, the surgeon will place tiny incisions in strategic areas to hide any ensuing scarring. The natural creases present in the skin underneath the lower lids are ideal to place the minute and discreet incisions. The surgeon will remove surplus fat and skin through these incisions and may also tighten sagging underlying muscles.

In case the area beneath the lower eyelids appears depressed, the surgeon may transfer fat or use dermal filler injectables to address the hollows. After the surgery is over, the surgeon will close the incisions carefully using sutures.

Upper Eyelid Lift

The surgeon will create the incisions in the natural upper lid creases after the anesthesia. This will minimize the noticeable scarring from the procedure. The surgeon will trim away the surplus skin to mitigate the droopy effect of the upper lids and address partial vision hindrance if any. They will also tighten any weak underlying muscles as well.

After the saggy skin is eliminated, the surgeon will lift and reattach the remaining skin for a more youthful appearance in the upper eyelids. After the surgery is over, they will use sutures to close the incisions.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

The surgeon may advise the patient to undergo a transconjunctival blepharoplasty in case the skin in the eyelids does not have laxity though surplus fatty deposits are surrounding the eyelids. This procedure is less invasive and suitable for patients who do not have very conspicuous under eye bags.  

The surgeon will place multiple tiny incisions inside the lower lid after the anesthesia. They will eliminate surplus fat deposits through these incisions. The removal of skin and muscle tightening is not a part of this surgery. There will be no external scarring as the surgeon will place the incisions within the eyelids.

Astute plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and communities in this area of The Golden State for eyelid surgery.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

Spread the love

Comments are closed.