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 Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

 

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)After a patient has made the decision to undergo eyelid lift plastic surgery, they will need to do some preparation in advance. A comprehensive preparation plan, according to the surgeon’s advice, will lead to a safer and more successful procedure with favorable results.

During the pre-operative consultation, the patient should closely interact with the plastic surgeon and follow their instructions and suggestions.

They should ask questions wherever they have any concerns during the preparation phase. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Weeks before the Surgery

In case the patient smokes, the surgeon will ask them to quit smoking for a few weeks prior to the eyelid surgery. The patient will have to continue to avoid smoking post-surgery as well for a few days as smoking can interfere with the flow of blood and create impediments in the healing process. The patient should reduce their alcohol consumption a few days prior to the eyelid procedure.

If the patient takes blood thinners such as aspirin or vitamin E supplements, they will have to stop taking these for a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks prior to the eyelid procedure. The patient will also have to avoid taking certain herbal supplements such as ginseng during the preparation stage to decrease the risk of bleeding.

Furthermore, the surgeon may make adjustments to the schedule of specific prescription medications in consultation with the physician. They may recommend safer alternatives for certain medicines. In the weeks prior to the procedure, the patient should consume a well-balanced diet and include more lean proteins in their diet.

Advance Arrangements

To ensure that the initial recovery phase is comfortable, the patient can undertake some basic preparatory steps in advance. The patient should stock up on the following necessary items at home before the procedure:

  • Groceries for the first week after the surgery
  • Ice cubes
  • Extra pillows to elevate the head
  • Clean bowl for cold water
  • Bottle of artificial tears
  • Plastic bags to make ice packs
  • Sterile gauze pads

The patient should arrange for a responsible person to drive them home post-surgery. They may also require a friend or relative to stay with them for the initial 1 or 2 days after the eyelid lift plastic surgery. Alternatively, the patient could consider hiring a professional nurse to help them with aftercare.

For about eight hours prior to the surgery, the patient should not eat or drink anything (if the procedure is to be performed using general anesthesia). They should get sufficient sleep and make sure that they are well-rested on the night prior to the procedure. The surgeon may also prescribe a calming medicine to address any anxiety before the surgery. 

The Day of Surgery

The following suggestions can help on the day of the procedure:     

  • Wash hair and eyebrows properly
  • Do not wear any cosmetics or makeup
  • Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry or false eyelashes
  • Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose

The patient may take necessary prescription meds in consultation with the surgeon on the morning of the surgery. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities and communities in this section of The Golden State for eyelid surgery.

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Preparing for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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