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 Mommy Makeover Surgery

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Mommy Makeover SurgeryMommy makeover is a comprehensive plastic surgery procedure. The patient should decide to undergo this procedure should only after careful deliberation.

At the time of initial consultation, she should proactively engage with the surgeon, and clarify any concerns and doubts before making a decision. A dedicated surgeon will encourage her to ask questions and provide correct answers to her complete satisfaction.

Patients who make a well-thought out and realistic decision about a mommy makeover surgery will usually attain better satisfaction levels and will be able to appreciate the results better. ABPS board certified, judicious, and terrific cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides mommy makeover and various other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this part of SoCal.  

 

Questions about the Surgeon

  • Are you board certified in plastic surgery, and if yes, from which medical board?
  • How long have you trained and how much experience do you have in the field of cosmetic surgery?
  • What is your success rate or patient satisfaction rate in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures?
  • Would you perform the procedure at a hospital or an accredited surgical center?
  • Are you affiliated with one of the local hospitals?
  • Is your practice equipped to handle any emergency that may arise during or after the surgery?
  • Do you have an experience to provide revision surgery, if the need arises?

 

Questions about the Surgery

  • Do I make a reasonable candidate for mommy makeover surgery?
  • What procedures would you recommend as part of my mommy makeover?
  • Will you use the services of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist for general anesthesia?
  • How long would it take to complete the entire procedure?
  • Will I need an overnight stay at the surgery center?
  • What kind of pre-surgical preparation would be required?
  • Can I review a few mommy makeover ‘before and after’ images to understand the expected results?

 

Questions about Recovery

  • Is the recovery from mommy makeover going to be long and painful?
  • How many days of leave should I apply at my workplace?
  • Are there any ways to speed up the recovery and make it easier?
  • What are the potential risks and complications that I should be aware of?
  • How long will it take before I can return to my daily routine, including fitness exercises?

 

Questions about Costs

  • How much will it cost me to undergo a mommy makeover surgery?
  • Does your price quote include the pre- and post-operative expenses?
  • What will be the cost difference if the procedure is performed at a surgery center instead of a hospital?
  • Will I have to pay additionally for post-operative visits to your office?
  • Can your office provide me guidance about my financing options?

The surgeon will usually address most of these questions from their own side. If the patient is unclear about any answers, she should feel free to ask again. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for mommy makeover.

 

 

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Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Mommy Makeover 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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