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 Facelift Surgery Consultation

How to Prepare for Your Facelift Surgery ConsultationThe facelift is a complex plastic surgery procedure that should only be performed by an expert and fully trained surgeon. The patient, on their part, should take the necessary steps to prepare for their facelift surgery consultation. This will ensure that the patient can take the best decision about going ahead with facelift.

Dr. Gary Motykie is a leading cosmetic surgeon with extensive training and experience in performing facelift and various other procedures. Dr. Motykie provides facelift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Preparing Details

Prior to the first consultation for facelift plastic surgery, the patient should carefully assess their personal aesthetic goals and needs. It is important to communicate these needs clearly during the appointment so that the surgeon can make appropriate recommendations and plans. The patient should also note down the details of their past or existing medical conditions, previous surgeries if any, and known drug allergies.

If the patient has been taking any specific medications, they should list out the names and dosages accurately. The list should also include any vitamin and herbal supplements. The patient should also be forthcoming about any history of tobacco, alcohol, or drug abuse. The surgeon will maintain confidentiality of information, but it is critically important to make the surgeon aware of all such sensitive information.

 

Surgeon’s Initial Steps

During the facelift consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will typically do the following:

  • Assess the patient’s general health condition and any pre-existing medical issues or risk factors
  • Examine and measure the face and neck
  • Explain various facelift surgery options
  • Take photographs
  • Suggest the most plausible surgical and non-surgical options
  • Discuss the expected results
  • Inform the potential risks and complications
  • Discuss the type of anesthesia that may be used

The patient should actively engage with the surgeon during the first consultation in order to make the best decisions in their own favor. They should not hesitate to ask any questions and clarify all doubts and concerns at the outset. A dedicated surgeon will address all questions at length and to the full satisfaction of the patient. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas.

 

Familiarizing with Medical Terms

The candidate should ideally familiarize themselves with a few basic medical terms related to facelift surgery. This will make them better equipped to discuss issues during the consultation.

  • Rhytidectomy: Clinical name for facelift surgery.
  • General Anesthesia: Drugs or gases applied prior to a facelift to alter consciousness for a completely painless surgery.
  • Local Anesthesia: Drug injected directly to the incision site to numb the area for total patient comfort.
  • Jowls: A jaw line that sags into the neck, typically due to weak muscle tone in the lower face.
  • Nasolabial Folds: Creases and folds between the nose and cheek.
  • Tear Trough: Hollows below the lower eyelids.

The patient should ideally prepare a detailed list of questions to ask during the facelift consultation in order to make an informed decision.

 

Click here for Virtual Consultation

How to Prepare for Your Facelift 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.