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 Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon

Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Surgery Plastic SurgeonEyelid lift cosmetic surgery is a sensitive procedure because it involves the eyes, which are the most delicate external body organ. Patients should have a clear idea about the potential aesthetic benefits of eyelid surgery before they go ahead with it.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will address the patient’s questions, doubts and concerns to help them make a well-informed decision.

The patient should preferably prepare a checklist of questions in advance. This will ensure that they do not forget ask pertinent question during their consultation with the surgeon. ABPS board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities and towns across the horizon.

List of Questions

The patient’s list of questions to ask during the initial consultation for eyelid surgery may include:

  • Are you a board certified plastic surgeon, and if yes, from which board?
  • How many years of training and experience in plastic surgery do you have?
  • Have you performed facial procedures such as eyelid surgery before, and what has been your success rate?
  • Will my eyes appear wider and more alert after blepharoplasty?
  • Will you perform the surgery using local or general anesthesia?
  • Should I choose upper or lower blepharoplasty or both?
  • Are there any less invasive or non-invasive treatment options to rejuvenate the eyelids?
  • What are the potential risks and complications that I should know of?
  • Can you provide me with testimonials of past patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery procedures at your practice?
  • Can I have access to a few eyelid surgery before and after photos?
  • What kind of specific preparation will I need to make before the eyelid surgery?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes or medication adjustments I will be required to make?
  • For how many years can the effects of blepharoplasty usually sustain?
  • Do you have an office policy regarding revision procedures, if the primary results are not as per what we agreed upon?
  • If some people in my family have puffy eyelids, is there a chance that I may get the same?
  • Are there any medical conditions that could rule out my candidacy for blepharoplasty?
  • How long it will take inside the operating room to perform the procedure?
  • How much will be the estimated downtime following the surgery?
  • Which surgical venue would you recommend to perform my surgery?
  • Do you have staff privileges at one or more local hospitals?
  • What will be the estimated cost of eyelid surgery?
  • Are there any additional costs before and after the surgery, apart from the costs that your office has quoted?
  • How long will it be before the full results of blepharoplasty appear and the complete swelling subsides?
  • Is it possible to have insurance coverage for this procedure?
  • Can your office staff guide me about the financing options for this procedure? Can I have time to work out these calculations? Can my insurance company call you for verification and for any other reasons?

Prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and suburbs in this region of the southwest for eyelid surgery.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon

Spread the love

Comments are closed.