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.

Blog

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty RecoveryRhinoplasty is the most popular procedure that patients undergo to reshape their nose. This is a complex surgical procedure that requires some downtime, and patients should expect to take some time off work to recover. Depending on the extent of your surgery, recovery time may vary from person to person. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will create a personalized surgical plan that entails every step of your procedure, including your recovery process. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Why Undergo Rhinoplasty?

Patients most commonly seek rhinoplasty to address aesthetic concerns with the nose, while some may seek surgery to correct functional issues such as breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can:

  • Create facial balance
  • Narrow the bridge of the nose
  • Reduce the size of nostrils
  • Address the appearance of bumps or divots in the bridge
  • Correct misshapen nasal tips
  • Help with sinus issues
  • Fix deviated septums

Recovery Process

The recovery process following rhinoplasty is mostly measured by appearance, as swelling and bruising are the two major factors that patients will experience. The first 48 hours following surgery, you will need someone else to drive you while you are still recovering from general anesthesia. You will need the most rest in these few days and will want to do low-energy activities, such as watching movies in bed. Any pain or discomfort you may experience will be most pronounced during this time, and you may need to take prescribed medications.

During the first week of recovery, you will want to walk and do small activities out of bed to help keep your circulation strong. Patients can return to school or work after about a week, avoiding strenuous activity. You can exercise moderately in about 4 weeks, and fully around 6 weeks when the bone cartilage has fully settled. 

Recovery Tips

Before your surgery, make sure to take off at least a week from school or work. You will want to arrange to have someone available to pick you up from surgery, and ideally to stay with you at least the first 24-48 hours. You will want to have cold compresses ready to help with swelling, and stock your fridge with healthy foods. Try to prep your bedside with anything you may need to keep comfortable, have plenty of pillows to help elevate your head, and be sure to pick up any prescribed medications you may need before your surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

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

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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:

Spread the love

Comments are closed.