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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Preparation For Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstructive plastic surgery is a major procedure involving an extensive treatment process. The patient should be prepared to Preparation For Breast Reconstruction Surgerymake the time commitment necessary for the surgery. The surgeon will provide the patient with detailed preparatory guidelines for the reconstruction surgery.

Astute cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Preparing for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The patient will need to undertake the following preparatory steps prior to the breast reconstruction procedure:

  • Get specific tests done such as a chest x-ray, particular blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. In some cases, the surgeon may order specialized mammograms for the patient in addition to these tests.
  • In case the patient smokes, she will need to quit smoking at least one month prior to the breast reconstruction to enable proper healing.
  • Not use anti-inflammatory meds, blood thinners, and certain vitamins and herbal supplements that could cause bleeding.
  • Alter the prescription meds schedule in consultation with the primary care physician.
  • Stay appropriately hydrated for several days before and after the surgery for optimal outcomes.
  • Increase lean protein consumption and have a balanced diet for many weeks prior to the reconstruction plastic surgery procedure.

At-Home Preparation

The patient can transition seamlessly from the surgical facility to her home by making some advance preparations prior to the breast reconstruction procedure, including:

  • Make sure that essential items at home are placed within easy reach as the patient will not be allowed to raise her hands for a few days after the surgery.
  • Organize frozen food or ask someone to help in meal preparation for the first few days.
  • Avoid lifting weights heavier than five pounds for at least six weeks post-surgery. The patient should seek assistance for such tasks in the first few weeks after the breast reconstruction.
  • Buy essential items and clothing prior to the procedure.
  • Complete any critical home or work-related tasks before the surgery to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable recovery phase.

Loose Clothes

The patient may not be able to wear a top that pull over her head for some days after the reconstruction surgery. It is a good idea to procure some loose front-open shirts and sweatshirts beforehand. Sweatshirts with internal pockets can be useful for storing the drain pipes.

Other Suggestions

Before the surgery, the patient should place some extra pillows and blankets on her bed. She may set-up a bedside recovery station on a nightstand with a mobile phone, remotes, magazines, a handheld mirror, and a medicine box.

Furthermore, she should arrange for some measuring cups in the bathroom for drain tube evacuation as recommended by the surgeon. The patient should also arrange for aftercare according to her specific needs to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable recovery period.

Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and cities in this area of SoCal for breast reconstruction surgery.

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Preparation For Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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