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 Wrinkles With Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion

Remove Wrinkles With DermabrasionDermabrasion is a time-tested exfoliating technique to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and irregular texture and create facial rejuvenation. The procedure involves the use of a rotating device that will gently remove the outer skin layers that contain dead or damaged cells and debris.

Dermabrasion can be performed in-office under the supervision of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. A trained professional will apply a local anesthetic before the procedure is performed. You can return home after the treatment. Compared to various other non-invasive exfoliating and cleansing methods, dermabrasion is a much more effective way to improve the appearance of aging signs such as mild facial wrinkles and creases.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides dermabrasion for facial anti-aging to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

How the Procedure is Performed

Depending on your extent of dermabrasion treatment, your plastic surgeon will determine the type of anesthesia you require. Mild sedation may used along with local anesthesia in most cases. In exceptional situations, dermabrasion may be performed at a surgical facility with the patient under general anesthesia.

A trained technician will hold your skin taut once the treatment begins. Your surgeon will use a dermabrader across your facial skin in the targeted areas. A dermabrader is a unique, small device with a coarse surface and operated with a motor. A circular dermabrader will be used to treat large skin patches, while tiny areas, such as the corners of your mouth will be treated using one small tip.

Multiple treatment sessions may be required if the treatment involves large areas of the skin. Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will cover the treated sites with a moist dressing. They may give you the next day’s appointment to have the dressing changed.

Results and Recovery

You may require at least one week before you can return to your workplace and resume your normal activities following a dermabrasion treatment. In the first few days, your skin will have some swelling and pinkness, and you may experience mild tingling or burning sensation. Pink coloration will gradually fade away, but it will take several weeks for the skin to heal completely.

The new skin that will replace the old one will be refreshed and smoother. Your facial fine lines and wrinkles would have significantly diminished. Results can be long lasting and dramatic for most patients. The key to success lies in choosing a trusted and skilled treatment provider for an advanced procedure such as dermabrasion.

Precautions and Follow-up

Make sure to visit your surgeon’s office for the follow-up appointments as scheduled. Avoid smoking for several weeks after the dermabrasion treatment, and do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours. Do not take any blood thinners such as aspirin for about two weeks. You should avoid sun exposure for about six months to protect the treated areas and allow them to heal completely.

Minor side effects are expected after this wrinkle reduction treatment, but they will disappear gradually on their own. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for dermabrasion treatment.

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

Click Here for Virtual 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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