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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How much does cheek augmentation surgery cost?Cheek augmentation plastic surgery can add volume and definition to depleted cheeks or cheeks that are not well-defined. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient on various aspects of cheek implant surgery, including its approximate costs.

If the patient chooses to undergo cheek implant surgery with another facial cosmetic surgery, the overall procedure may become more cost-effective than if it were undertaken as an individual procedure. Patients can benefit from cosmetic surgery financing options that can make cheek implants a more affordable procedure for them. 

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The Extent of the Procedure

Cheek enhancement usually involves the placement of pre-made implants. These comprise either silicone or other synthetic material. The surgeon may have to sculpt the implant depending on the patient’s unique facial structure. 

In general, this procedure is undertaken under local anesthesia with IV sedation. This enables the patient to remain comfortable during the surgery and helps avoid the costs related to general anesthesia.

However, the surgeon may use monitored anesthesia care (MAC) if the surgery is undertaken along with another procedure. This will involve the fees of an anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist. The surgeon will perform the cheek enhancement with another facial surgery, such as a facelift or eyelift, if necessary. This will also add to the overall procedure cost. 

Sometimes the surgeon may use FDA-approved dermal filler such as Juvederm, Radiesse, or Restylane to enhance the outcomes of cheek augmentation cosmetic surgery. This will impact the total cheek augmentation cost as well. 

 

Surgeon’s Charges

In comparison to a relatively less experienced plastic surgeon undertaking the procedure under the supervision of a senior surgeon, a highly skilled and qualified plastic surgeon may charge a higher fee. 

Board-certified cosmetic surgeons typically invest in advanced surgical techniques, cutting-edge technology, pursue continuing education, adopt the highest quality standards and best practices, and follow the latest safety protocols. 

A board-certified cosmetic surgeon would not compromise on the quality of care to offer reduced costs. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises patients to work with the best surgeon for their needs, and considerations such as the surgeon’s charges should only be a secondary factor in this decision. 

 

Practice Location

In comparison to sparsely populated areas in interior towns, the cost of products and services in major metropolitan cities is typically higher. The real estate costs and cost of living affect the average costs of products and services in various regions. 

Patients should understand that these cost differences and be aware that cheek enhancement surgery costs may vary between geographical locations. 

 

Financing 

The lack of liquid funds to pay for the procedure or credit history should not deter a patient from seeking cheek augmentation surgery. Patients can also consider professional medical care financing companies that offer loans at competitive interest rates for procedures such as cheek enhancement. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for cheek implants.

 

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How much does cheek augmentation surgery cost?

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