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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Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Before and After Photos

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Before and After Photos

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Before and After PhotosEar Surgery, clinically called otoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to correct the shape of ears to make them appear more harmonious with other facial features. It is important for a patient to understand the procedure correctly in order to make an informed decision about choosing otoplasty.

And experienced cosmetic surgeon will usually provide otoplasty before and after photographs during the initial consultation to help explain the procedure. Dr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon offering otoplasty and other surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby communities.

What are Otoplasty Before and After Pictures?

Before and after pictures in case of otoplasty plastic surgery refer to a set of images belonging to an earlier patient who has received the same procedure with a successful outcome. The set includes images taken prior to the surgery and following the surgery at a time when swelling has disappeared and full effects of otoplasty are visible clearly.

The cosmetic surgeon will take these pictures with the consent of the patient, and present them before new patients in a discreet manner. The only goal of the surgeon is to educate new patients about various aspects of otoplasty with the help of these photos. Patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby communities have an opportunity to receive otoplasty from Dr. Motykie.

Advantages

When a candidate is considering ear surgery, they may only have a vague notion of how the procedure may improve the appearance of their ears and how it will impact the overall facial profile. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend otoplasty in combination with another facial procedure to produce more harmonious outcomes. Techniques of otoplasty may vary depending on the specific condition of ears.

In all these situations, it can be confusing for a patient to make the right choices. This is where the plastic surgeon can help by providing otoplasty before and after photos. The photos will serve as a visual aid, and the patient will understand what the procedure can or cannot do for them.

Forming Realistic Expectations

One of the first concerns of a surgeon is to ensure that the candidate for otoplasty has clear aesthetic priorities, a positive frame of mind, and realistic expectations. Such patients will typically achieve higher satisfaction levels from the surgery. With the help of otoplasty before and after pictures, the surgeon can ensure that the patient knows what to expect and what not to expect from the surgery.

This will mitigate the risk of any disappointment or misunderstanding occurring at a later stage for the patient. Experienced surgeons encourage patients to ask questions and clarify all their doubts before taking a decision to go ahead with the procedure.

Photos on the Website

The surgeon has an option to provide otoplasty before and after pictures on their practice website. A new patient can simply access and review pictures on the site in the privacy of their home or office, and formulate a credible idea about otoplasty even before they decide to visit the surgeon’s office for a consultation.

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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