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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Remove Age Spots With Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion

Age spots refer to small, dark, flat patches on the skin. They can differ in size, but usually occur in areas that are sun exposed, such as the hands, face, arms, and shoulders. Age spots are also known as liver spots, sunspots, or solar lentigines. Age spots tend to become more prominent and common in people above the age of 50. However, that doesn’t mean that younger people cannot get them by spending too much time in the sun.

In certain cases, age spots tend to look like cancerous growths. While these spots don’t need any cosmetic treatment, they are a sign that your skin is damaged. You can have these spots removed or lightened if you want. Discuss the benefits and limitations of dermarbasion during your initial consultation with your treatment provider.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides dermabrasion age spot removal treatment to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Dermabrasion for Removing Age Spots

Remove Age Spots With DermabrasionDermabrasion refers to a skin-resurfacing procedure which makes use of a rapidly rotating device for removing the outer layer of the skin. The skin that grows back tends to be clearer and smoother. This treatment can be used for improving the appearance of age spots and other skin flaws. Dermabrasion can be performed as a combination or stand-alone procedure.

The doctor shall numb your skin using anesthetics during dermabrasion. You can also opt for receiving general anesthesia or a sedative depending on the length and extent of the treatment. It is normal for dermabrasion to result in blotchy and sensitive skin for several days to weeks. In fact, it can take as long as three months for the skin tone to become normal again.

Pre-Procedure Guidelines

Dermabrasion is usually carried out in an outpatient facility or as an office procedure. The surgeon may get you admitted to a hospital if dermabrasion is part of an extensive cosmetic plan. Wash your face thoroughly on the day of the procedure and do not apply any facial cream or makeup.

Try wearing clothes that don’t need to be pulled over your head since you will have facial dressing. The care team will administer sedation or anesthesia to decrease sensation.

Dermabrasion Procedure

The doctor will use a small motorized device on the affected area. The device has an abrasive wheel which will be moved with gentle yet constant pressure. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to a whole hour. You may need multiple sittings if your age spots go deep or are present in a large area.

After the Dermabrasion Procedure

Treated skin will be covered in a nonstick and moist dressing. Your treatment provider shall tell you about self-care instructions that need to be followed at home. You will also be prescribed pain medication. Your doctor may schedule a checkup to change the dressing and examine your skin.

Take care to change the dressing at home as prescribed by your doctor. You should also take care to apply all protective ointments as stated. The self-care instructions shall vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for dermabrasion age spot removal procedure.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

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

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