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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Mommy Makeover Surgery Risks and Safety

Mommy Makeover Surgery Risks and SafetyThe mommy makeover has emerged as a popular plastic surgery procedure because it continues to have a high record of safety and effectiveness. However, the surgery involves multiple cosmetic procedures, and it will have certain potential risks associated with it just like any other surgical procedure.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will apprise the patient of all the potential risks and complications, and help the patient make an informed choice. Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides mommy makeover to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and towns in The Golden State.

 

Common Risks

Some of the risks are common to almost every plastic surgery procedure, including a mommy makeover. Initial side effects such as bruising, swelling and temporary discomfort will vary in each patient according to the extent of surgery performed and other factors. The typical risks include:  

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood or fat clots
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Hematoma or other fluid accumulation
  • Nerve damage
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Asymmetry
  • Need for revision surgery

 

Scarring

An experienced surgeon will try to use common incisions to perform multiple procedures in a mommy makeover as far as possible. This will minimize the scarring, but some amount of scarring is still inevitable. Some visible marks will remain, particularly if the procedure involves a tummy tuck or another extensive surgery. The surgeon will recommend appropriate topical treatments according to the patient’s skin type to improve scarring.

 

Emotional Side Effects

Mommy makeover is a major, physically transforming surgery. Some women may experience mild bouts of depression following the procedure. Post-surgical swelling and the restrictions placed during the recovery period may take a toll on the patient’s mood and self-esteem. However, as the swelling resolves and full results of mommy makeover become more apparent, the patient will most likely start feeling happy about her new figure, and the feelings of sadness and anxiety will dissipate.

 

How to Minimize the Risks

Although the potential complications in a mommy makeover may only occur rarely, the patient can take a few steps to mitigate the risks even further. To begin with, she should choose the right plastic surgeon, who is experienced, and preferably board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Secondly, the patient should be prepared to diligently follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions during the recovery phase. She should strictly avoid smoking, get plenty of rest, take the antibiotics and other medications as prescribed, and wear the compression garments to support healing and produce enhanced aesthetic results.

To reduce the risk of clotting, she should perform short walks at home several times a day during the initial period. Light activities are encouraged in the early recovery phase, but any strenuous exercises or movements should be avoided for at least one month. The patient should eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins to support recovery.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for mommy makeover.


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Mommy Makeover Surgery Risks and Safety

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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