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.

Blog

Motykie Med Spa’s Circuit Event II: Wellness Seeker’s Dream Come True

Motykie Med Spa’s Circuit Event II: Wellness Seeker’s Dream Come TrueMotykie Med Spa’s Circuit Event II this weekend was a wellness seeker’s dream come true as the leading professionals in health and beauty were gathered under one roof to offer guidance on the latest resources for your personal well being in their field.

A jovial spirit of warmth and good intention filled the air as I floated from one specialist to the next at this fun and educational event. Every doctor and representative I met had a wealth of information on ways to improve my body and mind in an organic way. Taking the lead, of course, was the one and only Dr. Gary Motykie who generously took the time to consult clients on his revolutionary approach to plastic surgery. Healthy refreshments and appetizers from ZICO Pure Coconut Water and My Fit Foods were not only a delicious addition to the festivities but a welcome discovery of new and convenient ways to maintain a wholesome diet. There were so many amazing vendors present championing the worthy cause of personal wellness, I couldn’t get to them all. There are, however, a few specialists I’ll mention who stood out in my opinion.

Motykie Med Spa’s Circuit Event II: Wellness Seeker’s Dream Come TrueAmongst the talented doctors, massage therapists, aestheticians and holistic nutritionalists on hand, shedding light on the innovations in individualizing nutrition and fitness were Reset Yourself Method and Caligenix. Reset Yourself Method creates a tailor made guide to gaining true balance in your body through Hair Mineral Analysis. The Method provides a detailed map for supplementing any deficiencies keeping you from optimal health and vitality. Caligenix similarly offers understanding of your individuality through the science of DNA testing. Their window into how your genetic structure plays a vital role in the way your metabolism functions and the specific role diet and exercise should play in your life is mind blowingly detailed. I also had the exciting experience of receiving a hyperbaric oxygen treatment from a portable unit provided by Healing Dives, Inc. This unique therapy is used internationally to treat a wide variety of conditions such as autism, cancer, Fibromyalgia and spinal cord injuries, to name a few. Healing Dives, Inc. offers a portable way to take advantage of the healing benefits of oxygen therapy conveniently in your own home and will also be coming to Motykie Med Spa soon!

I wish I had the time to elaborate on how every specialist present made the correlation between health and beauty crystal clear during this marvelous event. You’ll just have to make sure not to miss the next Circuit Event at Motykie Med Spa!


 

 

 

Spread the love

Comments are closed.