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.

Blog

How to Prepare for Your Breast Surgery Consultation?

How to Prepare for Your Breast Surgery Consultation?Prior to the plastic surgery consultation for a breast procedure, it is an idea to check out information about breast surgery online. Only mainstream and reputed websites should be reviewed for information, as far as possible. The surgeon’s practice website is a good place to start before visiting for a breast surgery consultation.

Once the patient has acquired the basic information about breast surgery as well as reviewed the surgeon’s credentials on their website, she will be in a better position to ask relevant questions during the consultation. Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Prepare a List of Questions

The most effective way to approach a plastic surgery consultation for a breast procedure would be to prepare a detailed list of questions that the patient wants to ask during the appointment. A basic list of questions is provided here. The patient should note that the surgeon will answer many of these questions on their own, and the patient may add or remove any questions from the list as they feel comfortable.

  • Are you a board certified plastic surgeon?
  • How many years of training have you received?
  • Do you have hospital privileges to perform cosmetic surgery procedures related to breast?
  • Where would you normally perform a breast surgery procedure?
  • Am I a suitable candidate for breast surgery?
  • Would you require me to take certain preparatory steps to achieve good results with my procedure?
  • How long and painful would be the post-operative recovery period, and what kind of help would I require?
  • Are there any risks and complications associated with breast surgery that I should be aware of?
  • How will my breasts appear following the procedure, and how far I can expect my aesthetic goals to be met?
  • Will the surgery impact my ability to breastfeed in the future?
  • How visible will be the scars in the long run?
  • If I am unhappy with the results of the procedure, what are my options for a revision surgery?
  • Are there any non-surgical alternatives available to my breast surgery procedure?
  • Would you be able to provide me with breast surgery before and after pictures?

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for breast surgery.

 

Additional Suggestions

The consultation is the most important opportunity available to a patient to ask about breast surgery and clarify all her concerns and doubts. It is important to be frank and ask questions freely, including questions about costs, insurance, and financing. With all the information at hand, the patient will be in a much better position to make a well-considered decision.

The initial consultation also provides an opportunity to the patient to check out the surgeon’s office and meet the office staff. They should objectively determine whether they feel comfortable and establish a fantastic and suitable rapport with the surgeon and their staff. Breast surgery is a personal journey, and the patient should choose the right practice to achieve complete satisfaction in this journey.

 

Click here for Virtual Consultation

How to Prepare for Your Breast Surgery Consultation?

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

Spread the love

Comments are closed.