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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Liposuction For Your Abdomen / Tummy

Liposuction For Your Abdomen / TummyMany people are unhappy about the fatty pockets around their stomach. These stubborn pockets of fat are unresponsive even to diet and exercise.

To successfully eliminate the excess belly fat, liposuction body contouring is the most widely accepted cosmetic surgery procedure today in the US.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 396,048 liposuction procedures were undertaken in 2015 alone. There is certainly no magic wand to make stubborn belly fat disappear. But liposuction may offer an effective solution for love handles and other types of unwanted flab around the abdomen.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides abdominal liposuction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

 

What Stomach Liposuction Does

Aging causes a general redistribution of body fat, specifically around the mid-body region. Women may experience a roll of stubborn, unattractive belly fat due to childbirth. Genetics, of course, account for a lot too. However, as far as liposuction is concerned, all fat is not the same.

Fat that does not respond to diet and exercise is typically subcutaneous fat. This fat lies underneath the skin and on top of the abdominal muscle wall. Fortunately, liposuction plastic surgery can eliminate this fat and re-contour the middle for a more sculpted appearance.

 

How Abdominal Liposuction Is Done

The most common technique to remove fat around the buttocks, ankles, thighs, and stomach is known as “tumescent liposuction.”

It is also considered to be the safest method. “Tumescent” refers to substantial amounts of buffered salt water that is injected into the fatty tissue underneath the skin.

The surgeon places an incision in the treatment site and subsequently inserts a strawlike tube, known as a cannula, beneath the flesh. The cannula is attached to a vacuum pump or syringe and has a stiff wand at the end. The surgeon maneuvers it back and forth in quick motions to loosen fat.  

The time taken to complete the procedure is between 45 minutes to two hours. The recovery period lasts up to two weeks. The complete effect of liposuction is apparent in six to 12 weeks following the procedure.

Following the procedure, the area is bandaged, and the patient must wear a compression garment for one to two weeks. The pain and bruising may remain for up to two weeks, and inflammation may last for two weeks to two months.

 

What Stomach Liposuction does not do

Liposuction is a procedure meant for fat loss, it is not designed as a weight-loss solution. This procedure is most effective on fatty deposits that are concentrated in specific areas and are resistant to exercise, especially around the thighs, stomach, buttocks, and hips.

The patient may lose a slight amount of weight with liposuction, but it will likely not be significant. This procedure will not address a bulging stomach due to weakness in the abdominal wall, and it will not tighten loose skin.

However, liposuction is sometimes undertaken in combination with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for toning and flattening the abdominal area.

Post-Op Healing

The patient will not require any pain meds stronger than acetaminophen (Tylenol) to manage the pain after tumescent liposuction. The pain is similar to the burning and muscle soreness that is felt after an aggressive exercise session.

The pain intensity is similar to that of sunburn, and most intense when the skin of the treated site is touched or flexed, such as when rolling over in bed, getting in and out of a vehicle, or sitting still in a chair. The patient will experience minimal discomfort when sitting or walking.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction of the abdomen.


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Liposuction For Your Abdomen / Tummy

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