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 Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Plastic SurgeryPreparation is an important aspect of any major plastic surgery procedure such as tummy tuck. Thorough preparation will create the foundation for a smoother surgical journey and minimize the risk of complications. The preparation process should also cover the post-surgical recovery phase.

Dr. Gary Motykie is an experienced cosmetic surgeon with board certification in plastic surgery. Dr. Motykie will guide and assist the patient through the preparation process for tummy tuck. He provides this procedure to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Healthy Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet is a primary part of the tummy tuck plastic surgery preparation process. Impressive nutrients will help to build a robust immune system and reduce the risk of infections during or after the procedure. The diet should be rich in lean proteins so that post-surgical healing can be faster. Fish, chicken, yogurt, eggs, and light cheese should be included in the diet to increase protein content.

Although it is important to have a diet rich in vitamins, but the intake of vitamin E should be avoided for a certain period before and after the tummy tuck surgery because it can create complications. Patients who are committed to following a balanced diet prior to the surgery will find it easier to continue with healthy eating habits even later on. This can help them to prolong the benefits of tummy tuck surgery for many years.

Maintaining Fitness

A daily fitness and exercise regimen should be started at least a few weeks before tummy tuck surgery. This will help to improve the muscle mass and support the body’s metabolic activity. Patients with marvelous or concrete fitness levels will usually have an easier and faster recovery after tummy tuck. Regular exercise will enable the patient to maintain a leaner and more efficiently functioning body.

A fit patient will gain minimal additional weight in the days and weeks following tummy tuck surgery when they are required to avoid performing any vigorous exercises. A prolific or regular fitness routine will also help to instill the long-term habit of staying fit and performing exercises, which will contribute to extended benefits after tummy tuck surgery. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.

Things to Avoid

If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to refrain from smoking for a certain period prior to the tummy tuck surgery, and adhere to that restriction even after the surgery for a few weeks. Smoking can constrict the blood vessels, resulting in higher risk of complications and a delayed recovery.

Aspirin and other blood thinners, certain prescription medications, herbal supplements and vitamins will have to be avoided for a few weeks before tummy tuck. These medications can increase the risk of clotting as well as excessive bleeding.

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Preparing for Tummy Tuck 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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