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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Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Procedure Steps

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Procedure StepsRhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure can be performed using different surgical techniques, according to the unique requirements of a patient. But the primary steps in the rhinoplasty procedure will mostly remain unchanged irrespective of the type of technique chosen. The nose surgeon will explain various steps involved in the procedure during the initial consultation.

Once the patient knows more about the procedure, it will help resolve some of their pre-surgery anxiety. If they have any questions or concerns, they should freely ask at this stage and the surgeon will address them to their satisfaction. Dr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon providing rhinoplasty and other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Consultation Process

The first key step in the rhinoplasty surgical procedure is the pre-op consultation. At this stage, the surgeon will explain all aspects related to the procedure, determine the suitability of the patient as a candidate for rhinoplasty, evaluate their medical records, current health and personal cosmetic goals, and try to establish a good rapport with the patient.  

If the surgeon feels necessary, they may order a few diagnostic tests at this stage. The surgeon will also assess the thickness and quality of the skin in the nose area and evaluate any present or past sinus or nasal breathing issues. Rhinoplasty plastic surgery ‘before and after’ images may be presented before the patient during the consultation.

 

Surgical Planning

Following the detailed consultation process, the nose surgeon will prepare a customized rhinoplasty plan that is designed to match with the specific aesthetic and health needs of the patient. The goal of the surgeon will be to strike a fair balance between the patient’s natural facial and nasal anatomy and their cosmetic goals and expectations.

The patient will encouraged to actively provide inputs at this surgical planning stage before decisions such as the type of rhinoplasty technique and the nature of nose changes required are determined. The type of anesthesia, the placement of incisions, and the choice of surgical venue will also be decided. Judicious and proven cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

 

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty may be performed using light general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will perform the procedure, and will usually be present throughout the surgery. Prior to general anesthesia, the fitness of the patient will be determined for this procedure.

 

Surgery

Closed or open rhinoplasty technique may be applied, depending on the extent of nasal corrected needed. Tissue from the nose area may be added, removed or modified as part of the procedure. Implants or grafting may be performed in some cases. Open rhinoplasty will leave a small scar in the columella, but closed rhinoplasty can be performed from inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scarring.

 

Incision Closure

Incisions will be closed using traditional or dissolvable sutures once the surgery process is over. Nasal packing may be applied initial to support the nose. Most patients can go back home the same day of the surgery and get on with their day and lives.

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Procedure Steps

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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