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 Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh Lift Surgery

How to Prepare For Thigh Lift SurgeryA thigh lift is a major cosmetic surgery procedure that must be preceded by a dedicated preparation process for the finest results. Your plastic surgeon will guide you about the preparation during your initial consultation. As long as you follow their guidelines, you will be ready and confident to go ahead with your surgery and meet your goals in the best possible manner.

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

Thigh Lift Preparatory Steps

  • Focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise to improve your resilience prior to surgery, and add more lean proteins to diet.
  • Avoid smoking for at least a few weeks ahead of your thigh lift plastic surgery as directed by your surgeon.
  • Do not take any blood thinning drugs, NSAIDs, vitamin E, and herbal supplements for at least two weeks before surgery.
  • Stay well-hydrated and drink minimum 6 to 8 glasses of water every day in the days and weeks preceding your surgery.
  • Aim to maintain a stable and moderate body weight so you can achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes from your thigh lift.
  • If your surgeon has ordered some blood work or other diagnostic and imaging tests, get them done ahead of time.
  • Request your general physician, specialists, and hospital to send over your medical records directly to the surgeon’s office.
  • If you are working, make sure to apply for leave at the workplace in advance to have a stress-free post-op recovery.
  • If you have little kids or otherwise need support, consider hiring a help for a few days immediately after your surgery.
  • Arrange for a friend or family member who can drive you back home safely after your thigh lift procedure.
  • Complete any formalities related to financing so that you can comfortably pay for your procedure without stretching your budget.

Preparing for Post-op Recovery

In consultation with your surgeon, make advance preparations for your post-surgical recovery. Fill your prescriptions for pain meds, antibiotics, and other drugs as required, and purchase essential medical supplies, such as gauze and bandages.

Keep a few ice packs in the freezer as you may need them in the first few days to get relief from the swelling. Stock a few ready to eat meals if necessary for the first week. Place all the items of daily use in a convenient location so that you don’t have to move, bend, or stretch too much for accessing them.

A Day Prior to the Surgery

If your surgeon has planned to perform your thigh lift under general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Choose loose fitting clothes for your visit to the hospital, and avoid wearing any jewelry, makeup, contact lenses, or other accessories.

Rest well on the day before your surgery and get a full night’s sleep. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles, and nearby areas for thigh lift surgery.

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

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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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