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 long does it take to recover after a body lift?

How long does it take to recover after a body lift?Sagging skin and tissue in the lower and upper body areas can be tightened to restore a younger looking figure with body lift plastic surgery.

Recovery is a vital aspect of the body lift surgery, and patients should have the commitment to go through the recovery process as per the surgeon’s guidelines. Instructions for recovery will be given by the surgeon or their staff during the initial consultation as well as after the body lift surgery is completed.

The length of recovery can differ between two patients depending on the extent of body lift surgery performed, the surgical techniques used by the surgeon, and the patient’s natural healing ability.

Some patients may undergo both upper and lower body lift, while others may only receive treatment in selective lower body areas. Accomplished, focused, and splendid cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides body lift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

First Week of Recovery

Following the body lift surgery, the incision sites will be wrapped in bandages, but the patient will most likely return home the same day of the surgery. The surgeon will place drain tubes under the skin in the incision areas, and the nursing staff will instruct the patient about emptying the drains and measuring the fluid until the first post-operative appointment.

Most patients will experience some pain and soreness in the incision sites in the first week after body lift plastic surgery. Prescription pain meds and antibiotics may be given in the first week. Bruising will rapidly subside after the first week, but swelling will take a longer time to resolve. The patient should sufficiently rest in the first week at home, but they should also perform light activities and take short walks in this period to maintain blood flow to incision sites.

 

First Month of Recovery

Most patients will be able to resume their normal routine or go back to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days after body lift. However, the exact period will vary according to the extent of surgery performed. The surgeon will instruct them to avoid strenuous exercises and activities for the first three to four weeks.

During the recovery period, the patient will be required to refrain from smoking as well as taking certain blood thinning medications and NSAIDs. The patient should be prepared to wear the compression garments as instructed by the patient in this phase to promote firming up of the skin and faster healing.

 

 

Long-term Recovery and Results  

Following a successful body lift recovery, the patient can expect to enjoy improved body contours for many years. But body lift is not a substitute for a healthy diet or regular exercise. Major weight fluctuations can compromise the results of body lift. The patient should also not have plans for a near-term pregnancy after a body lift.

Post-operative appointments with the surgeon should be diligently followed. If at any time during recovery, the patient notices any abnormal side effects, they should contact the surgeon. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and cities in this part of California for body lifts.


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How long does it take to recover after a body lift?

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

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