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 Breast Implant Plastic Surgery

Preparing for Breast Implant Plastic SurgeryThe breast surgeon will provide detailed instructions to the patient for preparation of breast implant plastic surgery and closely engage with her during the consultation process. Patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other communities in this part of the state have an opportunity to receive breast implant surgery from dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie.

 

 

Assessment of Cosmetic Goals

To begin with, the candidate for breast implant surgery should assess why she wants to receive this procedure, and what exactly about the size and shape of her breasts may be bothering her. Once the patient is clear about her goals, she will be able to express her thoughts to the surgeon, and help them create a customized surgery plan appropriate to her needs.

The patient should know that a procedure such as breast implant plastic surgery is her personal journey, and she should only choose it when she is deeply convinced about her need to enhance breast size. She should not merely seek it under peer pressure or under the influence of another person.

 

Online Forums and Websites  

Once the candidate has made her mind to seek a breast implant consultation, she should preferably check out the official website of the surgeon to gain some familiarity about the surgeon and the surgical procedure. She may consider connecting with other patients through Internet forums and websites to learn from their experiences with this surgery.

When she has some insights into how other women perceive breast implant surgery and she gains some community support, it will improve her confidence and help her decide whether this surgery is the best option for her. A patient with some advance preparation will be able to have a more productive consultation with the surgeon.  

 

Meeting Candidacy Requirements

At the time of consultation, the breast surgeon will determine whether the patient is fit to undergo breast implant surgery. Therefore, before the consultation, the candidate should make an effort to improve her fitness levels and diet as well as maintain a stable body weight. She should not have any plans for a pregnancy or a weight loss procedure around the time she is planning to have breast implant surgery.

She should also review as many breast implant ‘before and after’ photos as possible in order to develop reasonable expectations. She can access these images via the Internet or through the surgeon’s office. The patient should ideally prepare a list of questions in advance, which she wants to ask during the consultation.

 

Before the Surgery

Some of the simple preparatory steps to be taken prior to the surgery may include:

  • Stop smoking for a few weeks before the surgery as instructed by the surgeon.
  • Avoid the use of blood thinners, NSAIDs and certain vitamins and herbal supplements for a certain period as advised by the surgeon.
  • If the patient is working, she should apply for at least a week’s leave in advance for a safer recovery at home.
  • Arrange for transportation from the surgery center to home as well as arrange for aftercare for a few days, if required.

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

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Preparing for Breast Implant Plastic 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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