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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Lymphedema Post Plastic Surgery Diagnosis & Treatment

Lymphedema Post Plastic Surgery

Lymphedema Post Plastic Surgery Diagnosis & TreatmentLymphedema treatment needs to be customized to each patient depending on their particular symptoms and stage of the disease. Non-surgical treatments are used to the maximum extent in the initial phase of treatment.

Complete Decongestive Therapy which combines therapy with lifestyle modifications is the most preferred technique for initial lymphedema treatment. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides lymphedema treatment to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Who is a Candidate for Lymphedema Surgery?

People with the following characteristics are considered likely candidates for lymphedema surgery:

  • A positive outlook and ability to set realistic goals for restoration of the extremities
  • The absence of other medical conditions and illnesses that can slow down or prevent healing
  • An ability to cope sufficiently with the surgery
  • An inability to benefit further from any of the non-surgical techniques for treatment of lymphedema

What to Expect in the Initial Consultation?

When you first consult the plastic surgeon for lymphedema surgery, they will explain the different techniques available to you. They will examine your skin quality, and measure the circumference of your limbs, and also take photographs with your consent.

Based on the medical opinion formed after a thorough examination, the plastic surgeon will recommend the surgical technique that they believe can give you the best outcomes. The surgeon will also discuss about the realistic goals you must set for the surgery, and give information about any complications or risks that they foresee in dealing with your surgery.

Surgical Techniques are Used in Lymphedema Treatment

Cosmetic surgeons may choose from different surgical procedures to deal with lymphedema patients. These include the following:

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

This procedure involves the harvesting of donor lymph nodes along with fatty tissue and surrounding blood supply, from the patient’s neck or lower abdomen, and implanting them into the lymphedema-affected areas to promote drainage of lymph. This surgical procedure requires hospitalization for a few days.

Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis

This method creates a bypass to redirect the flow of excess lymph into the venous system of the leg or arm. A small surgical incision is first made on the affected area, and the tiny lymph vessels below the skin are identified using a surgical microscope. These lymphatic vessles are then connected to as many of the venules or small veins nearby, to allow the lymph to get shunted through them. This procedure may be carried out on an outpatient basis

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage Treatment Post Surgery

The success of post-surgical advanced manual lymphatic drainage massage lies in its gentleness. Most experts believe that heat and deep massage are counterproductive in a post-surgical setting; thus, it is important that you NOT substitute deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, or other massage technique for this advanced treatment. Your specific treatment plan—including when to begin advanced MLD and how frequently you should receive treatments—will depend on the surgical procedure you had and your unique state of health.

Post-surgical MLD is an advanced technique requiring specialized training, and should only be performed by a licensed massage therapist. If you have had—or if you are planning to have—a mastectomy or a cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or liposuction.

Read more about post surgery massage for MLD.  

Ablative Procedures

These involve removal of excess soft tissue and skin to reduce bulk and promote hygiene. More than one surgery may be required, and the procedure is generally used only for patients who are in the advanced stage of lymphedema with fatty infiltration and significant level of fibrosis.

Liposuction has also been used in patients with excess fat, who are not suited to other surgical methods. But they will have to use compression garments lifelong if the benefits of liposuction have to last. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for lymphedema treatment.

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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