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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What is the cost of Otoplasty (ear surgery)?

What is the price of Otoplasty (ear surgery)?

What is the cost of Otoplasty (ear surgery)?Otoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure aimed at correcting the size or appearance of one or both ears to bring them in harmony with the rest of the face. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain various aspects of otoplasty, and also provide an idea of the estimated costs of surgery.

As the procedure involves facial aesthetics, it is important that otoplasty should only be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon with a successful track record of facial procedures. Dr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon providing a wide range of procedures for the breast, body, and face, including otoplasty. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Pricing Factors

Otoplasty costs can vary from one practice to another, and in some cases, even from one patient to another at the same practice. The following factors may impact the overall cost of the surgery:

Where the Practice is Located

The cost of living index usually varies between two regions, which can influence the average cost of most types of goods and services, including plastic surgery services. For instance, the cost of otoplasty in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby locations may not be the same as the cost in, say, Tennessee.

Surgeon’s Fee

The fee charged by a cosmetic surgeon may vary depending on their skills, experience, and reputation in the field of otoplasty. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that patients should choose the right surgeon for their needs. Factors such as the fee charged by a surgeon should only be secondary while making such a choice.

Surgical Facility and Anesthesia Costs

If an otoplasty procedure is required to be performed under general anesthesia, the fee of the anesthesiologist should be taken into account. It will vary as per their skills and experience. Depending on the technologies, staff and personalized services provided at an operating facility, the charges of the facility may also vary.

Insurance and Finance

In a few cases, otoplasty may be performed to address medical symptoms such as impairment of hearing. Health insurers will usually provide coverage in such a case. However, if the procedure is performed only for aesthetic purposes, the insurance will not be covered.

Most patients will be eligible to seek affordable financing options such as loans through professional medical care finance companies, bank loans, credit card extended payments, family or personal borrowings, and even crowd funding.

 

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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