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 to Get Natural-Looking Breast Implants

Surgeons commonly hear concerns from potential breast augmentation surgery patients regarding the possibility that their breasts may How to Get Natural-Looking Breast Implantsappear fake or artificial after the procedure.

But advancements in breast augmentation cosmetic surgery techniques and technologies have made it possible to accomplish natural-looking breasts after a breast enhancement surgery.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Following are some tips to help in the selection of natural-looking breast implants.

Tip #1: Assess the Appearance and Feel of Implants

Breast implants are available in two shapes-round and teardrop (anatomical implants). Round implants offer an equal projection on the top and bottom, and teardrop implants provide more projection on the bottom rather than the top.

For patients concerned about natural-looking outcomes, teardrop-shaped implants may be suitable. These implants are similar to the natural breast tissue slope. The filling of the implant is also a consideration.

In comparison to saline implants, traditional silicone and gummy bear implants (highly cohesive implants) offer a more natural look and feel to the breasts. The patient will have an opportunity to touch and hold various types of implants during the consultation process.

Tip #2 Choose an Appropriate Implant Size

The plastic surgeon will take measurements of the patient during the consultation or at the following sizing appointment.

These measurements will help the surgeon assess the most suitable implant size for the patient on the basis of her body mass, frame, and available breast tissue. The patient may be able to try on various sized implants. This is an excellent way to understand how different implants will appear after the plastic surgery procedure.

Implants typically appear unnatural when the chosen implant size is outside the size range suggested by the breast augmentation surgeon. The surgeon recommends implant size based on the patient’s body proportions. Choosing implants that are outside the size range recommended by the surgeon could make them look disproportionate to the body and artificial.

The patient may “try-on” various implant sizes with an implant sizer kit. This enables them to visualize how an implant will appear post-surgically and choose a size that looks most natural to her.

Tip #3: Assess the Skin Quality and Existing Breast Tissue

The surgeon will assess the patient’s breast size, tissue availability, and skin elasticity during the pre-operative consultation. These factors impact the choice of implant size for a natural appearance. If the patient receives breast implants that are too substantial for her chest or skin to cover adequately, it could lead to outcomes that look fake and unnatural.

Tip #4: Digital Imaging Technology Use

The use of digital imaging technology is a key advancement in the area of breast augmentation. Several surgeons use this technology to offer patients the opportunity to visualize their potential outcomes from a breast enhancement procedure.

The surgeon takes images of the patient’s breasts and uploads these photos to a computer to enable the patient to see how their breasts will appear with implants of different sizes and shapes.

Tip #5: Choose a Skilled Breast Surgeon

The surest way to achieve natural looking outcomes with breast augmentation is to select the right surgeon with expertise in breast implant procedures. The surgeon should preferably have extensive past experience in all types of breast cosmetic surgeries, including breast enlargement.

You should also request for a few patient testimonials and breast implant before and after photos to feel more assured about the surgeon’s skills in producing natural looking results.
Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for breast implants.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

How to Get Natural-Looking Breast Implants

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