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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US News Reports: How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon

Patients often experience difficulties in identifying the appropriate cosmetic surgery expert for their needs.US News Reports: How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon

Many types of doctors, including primary care physicians, podiatrists, dermatologists and gynecologists may be offering plastic surgery procedures after taking brief weekend courses.

These medical professionals begin performing surgeries on people, and at times, things may even work out well. They may be able to successfully perform such surgeries the first few times without any complications, but at some point a catastrophic consequence may occur.

An incorrect procedure may lead to a severe infection, scarring, disfigurement, or medical complications. The problems that arise could require costly revision procedures.

Therefore, it is vital to choose the right surgeon for any aesthetic or reconstructive surgical procedure. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides various procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Choose an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

If a person were to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumor, they would usually choose a board certified neurosurgeon after careful consideration. Similarly, it is essential to choose a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery for any cosmetic surgery procedures.

According to ABPS, there are presently 6,800 plastic surgeons with board certification practicing in the US. The ABPS is the only specialty board for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognizes. The American Board of Medical Specialties is the leading body that offers certifications to specialty boards.  

In order to be certified by the ABPS, doctors must undergo a minimum of six years of training in surgery after finishing medical school. Additionally, they must receive at least three years of plastic surgery residency training.

Following this period of intense training, the surgeon must pass a detailed written and oral examination. The surgeon must also present the board with documentation on the cases that they complete after finishing training.

The board is even interested in understanding how these doctors bill their patients. They have to follow very detailed guidelines to submit their cases. The board wants to ensure that the doctor is charging ethically and understand their reasons behind undertaking various decisions.

Furthermore, the board reviews how these doctors follow up on cases and care for their patients following the procedures.  The doctor must take a renewal examination to remain certified by the ABPS.

Stay Away from Plastic Surgery Tourism

Experts often issue warnings to people against engaging in the current trend of plastic surgery tourism. This involves patients traveling abroad to undergo plastic surgery procedures which are less expensive in comparison to the cosmetic surgery costs in the US.

This fad brings to light the adage- You get what you pay for. Patients often return with unsatisfactory results and infections that may even cause disfigurement.

Ask Questions

According to experts, patients should go into a pre-operative consultation with their surgeon with a list of questions regarding the surgeon’s credentials and surgical facilities. It is essential to ensure that the surgery takes place at an accredited surgical center or a hospital.

ABPS board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for various surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

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US News Reports: How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon

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