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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What Being a ASPS Membership Means

What Being a ASPS Membership MeansThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world’s largest plastic surgery specialty organization. Established in 1931, the organization represents 94% of all board certified plastic surgeons in the United States, and over a thousand plastic surgeons internationally. Each of the board certified plastic surgeons has obtained at least five years of surgical training, including a minimum of two years specifically in the specialty area of plastic surgery.

Mission of ASPS

As a leading plastic and reconstructive surgery authority of international standing, the ASPS has pursued a mission to promote quality care to plastic surgery patients. It encourages the highest standards of training, ethics, professional practice and research in plastic surgery. One of the key goals of the Society is to advance patient safety. It requires its members to operated in accredited surgical facilities that have cleared stringent reviews of equipment and personnel.

The decision to undergo plastic surgery is an important and serious step in anyone’s life. Plastic surgery is about more than enhancing aesthetics, it is also about rebuilding lives. Determining whether your plastic surgeon is board certified, like Dr. Motykie is, by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a critical first step in ensuring both safety and satisfaction with your procedure.

Core Value

The core value of the ASPS embodies excellence in plastic surgery through training, education, research, professional engagement and exchange, and promoting team spirit in the specialty of plastic surgery.

ASPS is recognized as the pre-eminent voice of plastic surgery by the people, industry and government. It supports its members in a variety of ways and builds superior competencies through educational forums and the development of guidelines and products to strengthen the profession.

The Plastic Surgery Foundation

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Benefits of ASPS Membership

The indispensable features and benefits of becoming a member of the ASPS include the following:

Plastic Surgery Education Campaign (PSEC)

This is an award-winning national advertising and TV campaign that promotes member plastic surgeons through the ASPS Referral Service as the best choice when considering a plastic surgery procedure.

Advocacy

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Award-winning Publications

The ASPS members are privileged to receive “Plastic Surgery News” and “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,” the official scientific journals of the Society.

ASPS Website

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Members-Only Website Content

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Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the ASPS members offers a premier educational experience. It includes a packed curriculum of clinical and practice management courses, instructional courses, keynote lectures, and panel discussions. The meeting is surrounded by the biggest trade exhibit for the plastic surgery specialty.

The ASPS is the essential partner in the practice of plastic surgery for board certified plastic surgeons in the US.

 

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