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 Should You Prepare For Rhinoplasty?

How Should You Prepare For Rhinoplasty?Rhinoplasty or nose job is performed for correcting or changing the shape of the nose. It can be carried out for cosmetic reasons for resolving breathing problems as well. Rhinoplasty involves making changes to the skin, bone, and cartilage of the nose. Reliable board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides nose reshaping surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.  

Here are a few steps you should take to prepare for rhinoplasty. It will aid in quicker recovery and successful results. 

A Week Before Rhinoplasty

  • You should get plenty of rest since your body needs the energy for healing from the surgery. This will set you up for the best healing results and comfortable recovery. 
  • You need to keep your skin clear and clean before the surgery. You should wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day. If you want, you can gently exfoliate every third day to get rid of dead skin. 
  • You should drink more water than usual in the days leading up to the procedure.
  • Plan ahead because you would need a ride home from the surgery center. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. You would be kept in observation for a brief period until the effects of anesthesia are gone. It won’t be safe for you to drive. 
  • You should also get your medications ready, including cold compresses, flushes, and ointments.
  • It may take weeks before you fully recover from rhinoplasty and can resume a regular routine. You can make things easier on yourself by preparing meals in advance. This will allow you to focus on recovering and relaxing. 
  • Speak with your doctor about over-the-counter medications that may help with your pain and discomfort.
  • If you are a smoker, you should give up smoking for a few days before and after the procedure to prevent complications

A Day Before the Surgery

Your nose surgeon will explain the nose job plastic surgery procedure and make sure you understand all instructions completely. You would be asked to come to the surgery center at a certain time. These are a few things to keep in mind on the day before the cosmetic surgery: 

  • You should get a good night’s sleep on the day before the surgery.
  • Get your meals for the next few days ready.
  • Take care of all your appointments and chores.
  • Arrange for someone to take care of you for the next few days.
  • Make a recovery space where you can relax. Keep books, magazines, entertainment, water, food, and medicines within easy reach.

The Day of Surgery

  • Don’t eat or drink anything on the morning of the surgery, including water. You may take essential medications with a sip of water. 
  • Wear loose fitting clothes that fasten in the front. Don’t wear slipover clothing. 
  • Don’t wear any jewelry and leave all valuables at home.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses.
  • Don’t wear any eye or facial make-up.
  • Leave your dentures in if you wear them.

Capable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for nose surgery. 

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

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

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