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.

Blog

Questions to Ask Your Breast Reduction Surgeon

Questions to Ask Your Breast Reduction SurgeonBreast reduction plastic surgery procedure is designed to remove excess breast tissue to improve the size and proportion of oversized and pendulous breasts. The patient should have a clear understanding of the procedure in order to make a well-considered choice.

She should clarify all their doubts and concerns with the surgeon, and go ahead with the procedure only once she is fully satisfied.

The patient will be required to fill up the consent forms declaring that she has fully understood the potential risks associated with the procedure, and accept those risks. Therefore, she should carefully deliberate over her decision to choose breast reduction. Hardworking and cordial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast reduction to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities across the landscape.

 

Surgeon’s Expertise

Breast reduction surgery should ideally be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with adequate experience in breast procedures. The patient should ask questions about the surgeon’s background to know about their professional credentials.  

  • Do you have a board certification in plastic surgery, and if yes, from which board?
  • How many years of training and experience to perform plastic surgery procedures?
  • Have you previously performed breast surgery procedures?
  • What is your success rate with respect to surgical procedures?
  • Would you recommend general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation for my surgery?

Patients and Staff

  • Can I have access to a few breast reduction ‘before and after’ images to understand the expected results?
  • Do you have testimonials from previous patients who may have shared their experience at your practice?
  • Can I speak to one of your staff members to know more about your practice, or have a brief office tour?

 

Procedure

  • How long will it take inside the operating room to perform my breast reduction surgery?
  • Do I make a good candidate for breast reduction, and will I need an additional procedure such as breast lift?
  • Can you provide me with some images or a video of the actual surgery being performed?
  • Will you perform breast reduction as an outpatient procedure or will it require an overnight stay?
  • Would you recommend a hospital, a surgery center or a private surgery suite to perform my procedure?

 

Potential Risks

  • What are the potential risks and complications involved in breast reduction surgery?
  • Are there any steps I can take to reduce the risks?
  • Will I have to re-schedule my existing medications or herbal supplements?
  • Should I acquire an insurance policy against potential risks and complications during surgery?

 

Recovery

  • How much downtime may be involved after the breast reduction surgery?
  • Will I go through a prolonged period of discomfort and immobility?
  • Will I be able to breastfeed in the future after breast reduction?

A dedicated and sagacious surgeon will take the time to answer every question of the patient in adequate detail and provide accurate facts. Successful and perceptive cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and towns and suburbs in this part of the southwest for breast reduction and various other procedures for the breast, body, and face.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Questions to Ask Your Breast Reduction Surgeon

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

Spread the love

Comments are closed.