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) Types

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) TypesNose reshaping plastic surgery or rhinoplasty is designed to resolve cosmetic as well as physiological problems that could restrict a patient’s ability to breathe through the nostrils.

The surgery can significantly improve the shape, size as well as function of the nose. Different rhinoplasty techniques can be used to meet the unique needs of a patient.

Dependable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and neighborhoods in this region of America.

 

Functional Rhinoplasty

Correcting a Deviated Septum

Nasal septum is the cartilage and bone which bifurcates the nasal cavity into two halves. The septum could bend on either side, resulting in an S-shape if it bends internally or in a C-shape externally.

The point where the septum bends will help the nose surgeon determine whether they should reshape the upper bony part of the septum close to the top of the nose or the lower cartilaginous portion.

In some cases, the nasal septum might shift from the frontal nasal spine (this condition is known as septal deviation). In this case, the surgeon will have to correct the shift of the septum and align its base once again with the frontal nasal spine.

Turbinate Rhinoplasty

This nose surgery technique is designed to treat turbinates that may be inflamed due to an allergy or some other irritants. A turbinate could sometimes contract if it is pushed to one side by the deviated septum.

As a consequence, the opposite turbinate gets larger to compensate for the turbinate which has constricted. This may create an additional hindrance in breathing, which can be addressed with turbinate rhinoplasty.

Nasal Polyps

Just like an oversized turbinate, a nasal polyp may also develop because of an allergy or other irritants. Nasal polyps are mostly benign growths that may occur within the nasal passageway. They feel like a soft jelly bulb within the nostrils. The astute surgeon will make use of a snare instrument to access the nose from inside and remove the nasal polyps carefully.

 

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Correcting the Radix

Radix is the bony upper portion of the nose. The radix and cartilage underneath could sometimes cause a nose bump if they are oversized. A shallow radix, on the other hand, may create a nasal depression. The surgeon will reduce or modify the radix size and shape carefully to improve the outer nose appearance.

Straightening a Crooked Nose

Some people may be unhappy with their marginally crooked nose. The trained surgeon can usually straighten the nose by removing some portion of cartilage and bone. They may also move the nose tissue to further improve this condition.

Tip Rotation and Reduction

If the nose is poorly defined appears overly defined, it may not have the correct rotation. Tip rotation refers to the upward or downward turn of the nasal tip. The nose surgeon will carefully evaluate the nasal base and adjust the tip as needed by reshaping the cartilage.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Nose reshaping surgery is popular among people whose facial ethnicity is marked by a broad nose. Patients of African and Asian descent often choose ethnic rhinoplasty to reduce the width of their nose. It is paramount for a surgeon to maintain the integrity of the face and the patient’s original ethnic identity when performing this rhinoplasty procedure.

 

Devoted cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas in this section of the state for rhinoplasty.
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Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Types

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