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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Questions to Ask Your Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon

Patients who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment and are considering breast reconstruction plastic surgery should Questions to Ask Your Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgeongather as much information as possible about this plastic surgery procedure.

An experienced and accomplished plastic surgeon can provide the patient with insightful information on the multiple treatment options available to her and address her questions and concerns thoroughly.

Prior to undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure, the patient should ensure that the plastic surgeon addresses all her concerns appropriately. She should ask the surgeon to clarify if she does not understand any aspect of the procedure.

To help remember to ask essential questions during the consultation appointment, the patient can enlist these questions beforehand or ask a friend or family member to accompany her to the surgeon’s office. Devoted cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities in this region of California.

Important Questions to Ask

Pertaining to the following questions, the patient can also make a list of any other questions or concerns that she may have. By asking the surgeon to address these questions, she can arrive at the right decision regarding the surgery.

  • Am I a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction?
  • When is it an ideal time to undergo the breast reconstruction plastic surgery?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of getting breast reconstruction surgery done along with my mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) vs. waiting for a period (delayed reconstruction)?
  • Will the reconstructive surgery impact my post-op chemotherapy treatment?
  • Will breast reconstruction create problems in my radiation therapy?
  • What breast reconstruction alternatives are available for my specific case?
  • What are the advantages and limitations of each alternative?
  • Which reconstruction technique would you recommend to me and why?
  • What are the costs associated with each alternative? Will my insurer offer coverage for the breast reconstruction surgery?
  • What is the recovery period involved in each alternative?
  • What results can I expect?
  • Will the new, reconstructed breast appear the same as the other breast?
  • Would plastic surgery on the other breast help both breasts to appear similar?
  • What is the possibility of nipple reconstruction and what is the procedure for achieving this?
  • How will my new breast(s) feel?
  • Will there be sensation in the breast(s) following the reconstruction?
  • What type of risks does this procedure involve?
  • In case the flap technique is employed, will it cause scarring, pain, and changes in the body sites from where the tissue is removed?
  • If I choose implant placement, what is their longevity?
  • What impact will aging have on the reconstructed breast(s)?
  • How will weight gain or loss impact the reconstructed breast(s)?
  • What will the at-home aftercare involve?
  • Will you place surgical tubes?
  • What type of activities can I undertake at home in the initial few days after the reconstructive surgery?

Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and towns in this region of the southwest for breast reconstruction.

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Questions to Ask Your Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon

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