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 to Prepare For Brow Lift Surgery

How to Prepare For Brow Lift SurgeryA brow lift is a plastic surgery procedure meant to mitigate the effects of aging restoring a more youthful brow contour by tightening the soft tissue. A detailed preparation before the surgery will enable the patient to achieve safe and aesthetically appealing outcomes.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides forehead lift or brow lift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations. 

Arranging Health Records 

After a patient is established as a candidate for brow lift surgery, the surgeon will review their previous health records. In case the surgeon identifies any concerns, they may discuss with the doctor prior to going ahead with a brow lift or may alter the surgical plan to ensure complete patient safety.

The patient should request their doctor, specialist, or hospital to send the previous health records directly to the surgeon’s office for evaluation during the initial consultation. 

 

Diet and Exercise

While brow lift is a relatively minor cosmetic surgery, the patient should focus on consuming a balanced diet and following a regular exercise plan prior to the procedure. 

A healthy patient will be better mentally and physically equipped to cope with surgery and anesthesia as well as recover faster. The patient may increase their intake of lean proteins in consultation with a nutrition specialist for a specific duration before and after the procedure. 

 

Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol

The patient should honestly reveal their smoking and drinking habits to the surgeon during the pre-op consultation. The surgeon will ask the patient to discontinue smoking for a minimum of a few weeks before the brow lift procedure.

Smoking can greatly increase the risk of complication and slow recovery. The patient may need to decreases alcohol consumption and completely avoid drinking at least 48 hours prior to the surgery.

 

Adjusting Medication Schedule

In case the patient routinely takes aspirin or another blood-thinner or anti-inflammatory medication, they will need to stop using them for a specified duration prior to the surgery. 

Some vitamins, herbal supplements, or even prescription medicines may need to be discontinued in consultation with the prescribing doctor. The goal of the surgeon will be to minimize bleeding risks during and after the brow lift surgery. 

 

Transportation and Aftercare

A brow lift is typically undertaken as an outpatient procedure, and the patient should arrange beforehand for someone responsible to drive them back home following the procedure. They may also arrange for aftercare for a few days, especially if they have small children to look after at home. 

 

Other Preparatory Suggestions

  • Drink plenty of water before and after the surgery
  • Fill all prescriptions before the surgery
  • Set up the recovery area at home beforehand
  • Keep extra pillows to raise the head
  • Prepare ice packs

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

 

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