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 Plastic Surgeon before Liposuction Surgery

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon before Liposuction SurgeryA patient who is fully informed about various aspects of a plastic surgery procedure will usually achieve better satisfaction from it in the end. Therefore, it is advisable for new patients to ask all relevant questions and clarify their doubts frankly during the initial liposuction consultation.

Dr. Gary Motykie is a highly trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon with a board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Recognized as a RealSelf “Top Doctor,” Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Questions Related to the Surgeon

  • Do you have a board certification in plastic surgery?
  • How many years of training and actual practice experience you have in this field?
  • Have you performed liposuction surgeries in the past, and what has been your success rate?
  • Where would you perform the procedure, and do you have hospital privileges in the nearby areas?
  • Is your practice equipped to handle any emergencies during the surgery?
  • Do you have an established policy about revision surgeries?
  • Do you get patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby regions?

 

Questions Related to Liposuction Surgery

  • Am I a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery?
  • Are there any non-surgical procedures that can replace liposuction or be combined with liposuction?
  • Will it be necessary to adjust my current medications and make any other lifestyle or diet changes prior to liposuction surgery?
  • Which liposuction technique would be appropriate in my case, and will it involve general anesthesia?
  • Would you work with an anesthesiologist or an anesthetist nurse for my procedure?
  • How much downtime is expected in this surgery?
  • Can I receive liposuction before and after pictures pertaining to previous patients at your practice?

 

Questions Related to Preparation

  • Will I need to make any specific preparations in the days leading up to the procedure?
  • Should I request my physician to coordinate with you regarding the schedule adjustment for my medications?
  • Can I return home the same day of the surgery, and can I drive back home?
  • Would I require assistance at home from a family member or a nurse in the first few days following the surgery?
  • How much would be the cost of private duty nurse, if needed?
  • When will the drains and sutures be removed after the liposuction procedure?

 

Questions Related to the Price Tag

  • Do you charge a fixed fee as a cosmetic surgeon for liposuction and other procedures?
  • What will be the total cost of liposuction, including your fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, and surgical room costs?
  • Will you charge for post-op visits, medical tests, prescription drugs and surgical garments separately, or will these costs be included in the price?
  • What will be the cost in case I combine liposuction with other surgical or non-surgical procedures, and will it make me eligible for a rebate?

Patients should also discuss the issue of insurance and financing wherever applicable for a major procedure such as liposuction.

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Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon before Liposuction 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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