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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Silicone Implants vs. Saline Implants

Silicone Implants vs. Saline ImplantsAre you considering a breast augmentation surgery? It can be confusing for most patients to identify the starting point. A major decision to make while contemplating breast augmentation using implants is whether you want saline implants or silicone implants. There are specific differences between the two that would be explained to you by the surgeon. 

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of saline and silicone implants and will help you make an informed choice. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. 

Texture and Feel

There is a unique feel to both saline and silicone implants. Silicone implants are said to have a more natural feel. They are soft to touch and are a lot like natural breasts. On the other hand, saline implants are firmer to touch even though they do appear natural. Furthermore, you should know that in case of an implant rupture, saline solution can be easily absorbed by the body making saline implants the safer option for some women seeking breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. 

Aesthetic Appearance

Saline implants have a rounder and firmer appearance whereas silicone implants appear more similar to natural breast tissue. In case of silicone implants, the implant hangs over the proper curvature in the same manner as natural breast tissue. Saline implants are always a bit overfilled which makes them look fuller. They are also firmer to the touch for the same reasons. Silicone implants appear more pliable and lend the breasts a more natural look. 

Incisions During Augmentation

At the time of breast augmentation plastic surgery, silicone and saline implants are placed differently in the chest area. They involve different types of incisions as well. Silicone implants come pre-filled. The incisions made need to be large for their placement. Furthermore, saline implants are filled only after being inserted and placed correctly in the chest area. These implants require a smaller incision. 

Longevity of Results

Almost all implants are curated to be durable. With that said, all implants need to be changed or replaced after some time. Both saline and silicone implants last for roughly the same amount of time. As per the studies, there was no noticeable difference in the age of saline and silicone implants. You can choose between either.

Rupturing and Rippling

Rupturing is not a common risk. Stemming from this, it’s possible that the implant ruptures after being inserted. There is a high chance that the fluid may seep into your body when the implant ruptures. Silicone is not a natural substance and can result in complications if it ruptures and seeps into the body. On the other hand, saline solution can be easily absorbed by the body. 

Rippling is another occasional but serious complication. It may become noticeable on the skin in severe cases. Rippling generally occurs because of capsular contracture or an incorrectly sized implant. Scar capsule may begin constricting the implant causing rupture and rippling. The risk of rippling is similar in both saline and silicone implants. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.  

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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