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

Hair Restoration Options in Los Angeles

Hair Restoration Options in Los AngelesSmartGraft is a state of the art, non-surgical hair restoration option that has been receiving exceptionally positive feedback from both patients and treatment providers ever since it was introduced. This cutting edge procedure can be performed a qualified plastic surgery facility or medical spa under a physician’s direction.

Dr. Gary Motykie is a well-known cosmetic surgeon providing SmartGraft hair restoration procedure to both men and women. Dr. Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon and a RealSelf “Top Doctor” with extensive training and experience in innovative and proven aesthetic procedures. Dr. Motykie provides SmartGraft hair restoration technique to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Appropriate Candidates

Any person suffering from hair loss or thinning hair and seeking a non-surgical hair transplant procedure may choose SmartGraft as an ideal treatment option. The procedure is more suited for candidates who want to wear a shorter haircut and the ones who want quicker and uncomplicated recovery. If an individual is bothered by a scar received during a previous strip hair restoration may choose SmartGraft to hide the scar.

 

Procedure

Unlike a traditional hair transplant or a typical plastic surgery procedure, SmartGraft procedure is much simpler. It can be performed in-office using only local anesthesia, and the patient can return home the same day. The procedure begins with the treatment provider applying the SmartGraft device gently to take out micro hair grafts from a pre-defined area at the back of the head.

The provider will prepare and store the grafts for implantation into the targeted areas where the hair loss is conspicuous. The procedure is completed in a largely painless manner, and the patient can expect natural looking and permanent results. Dr. Motykie is a highly experienced cosmetic surgeon receiving patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for SmartGraft hair restoration.

 

Unique Benefits

SmartGraft differentiates itself from most other traditional hair restoration techniques due to some of its unique benefits.

  • Results are more substantive and natural looking.
  • Final outcomes are achieved in a shorter time.
  • The procedure is equally suited for men and women, even though they have different hair loss patterns.
  • Full automation enables improved precision and results that are more in sync with the natural face and head structure.
  • Grafts can be obtained also from areas such as the face, chest or back for superior results.
  • Patient comfort is ensured throughout the procedure.

 

Recovery and Results

Following the SmartGraft treatment, the newly transplanted hair will grow in a natural way in multiple growth phases. During the first few weeks, the hair will attain root and then begin shedding, which is normal. In about three to four months, the patient will notice the appearance of new hair.

Hair growth will continue progressively over the next several months, and in about one year the full growth will be attained. Recovery with SmartGraft is easier and faster, and the patient will have fewer restrictions during recovery. The patient can expect to return to their normal routine or go back to work in one to two days.

 

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Hair Restoration Options in Los Angeles

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

Spread the love

Comments are closed.