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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Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

Preparing for Arm Lift SurgeryEvery year thousands of people undergo arm lift plastic surgery with successful results. The procedure should be preceded by thorough preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable surgery as well as speedy recovery. Dr. Gary Motykie is an experienced cosmetic surgeon providing arm lift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Advance Preparation

At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will provide detailed instructions regarding preparation for the arm lift procedure. The following key points will normally be a part of the advance preparation:

  • Quit smoking at least a few weeks prior to the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
  • Avoid using aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins and herbals that may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Stay hydrated before and after the surgery as far as possible.
  • Follow the body weight benchmarks or lifestyle changes that the surgeon may recommend to improve the chances of impressive results.
  • Upper arm lift plastic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and preferably stay overnight for assistance.

 

Preparation for Recovery

Recovery preparations should also be done in advance to ensure a faster and easier recovery:

  • Arrange for several pillows because keeping the arms elevated with pillows and help mitigate swelling and improve comfort.
  • Prepare frozen meals in advance and stock refrigerator with fruits and veggies. Foods should have a high content of lean proteins and low sodium content to support better healing.
  • Arrange for slip-on shoes and clothes that open in front and are not required to be pulled over the head.
  • Apply for leave in advance at the workplace for about one week. If the job involves high physical activity, take time off for two weeks.
  • Complete any urgent household or office tasks prior to the surgery to allow for a comfortable and stress-free recovery. Heavy lifting and vigorous activities will not be allowed for a few weeks after the arm lift surgery.

 

Preparation for the Surgery Day

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothes on the day of surgery. Soft tops that open in front and airy sweat pants are preferable.
  • Take medications as prescribed by the surgeon to relieve anxiety and feel comfortable during the procedure.
  • Avoid wearing accessories, piercings, watch, or jewelry in the arms, hands, and other areas.  

 

Other Preparatory Aspects

  • If the surgeon has placed temporary drain tubes under the skin in the treated area, carefully learn how to empty the drain and measure the fluid on a daily basis.
  • The arms will most likely be wrapped from the wrist to the armpit in bandages and a compression garment, which should not be removed until the surgeon allows. It will usually be in place for the first 72 hours.
  • Visit the surgeon’s office as per the scheduled post-operative appointments.

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and cities in this part of the country.   


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Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

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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