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

Silicone vs Saline: What’s the Best Breast Implants for You?

Silicone vs Saline: What’s the Best Breast Implants for You?Choosing the best type of breast implants for your breast augmentation surgery can be a difficult decision. If you’re considering breast implants, understanding the differences between silicone and saline is essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between silicone and saline breast implants and help you decide which is the best option for your breast implants surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

The Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

When it comes to deciding what type of breast implant is best for you, it can be a difficult decision. Two of the most commonly used implants are saline and silicone implants. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you make an informed decision with your plastic surgeon. 

Saline implants are made with a sterile salt-water solution that is contained in a silicone outer shell. These implants come pre-filled and are inserted empty, then filled once they have been placed in the pocket. Saline implants offer more flexibility in terms of size and shape and can be adjusted during surgery to achieve the desired look.

Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel which is much thicker than saline solution and has a more natural feel to it. Because of their thicker consistency, silicone implants provide a more natural look and feel, but can be more difficult to place properly due to their lack of flexibility.

Which is More Natural?

Ultimately, it is up to you and your plastic surgeon to decide which implant is the most natural for your body. Generally speaking, silicone implants are considered to be more natural in terms of feel and appearance as they mimic the look and feel of natural breasts better than saline implants.

Which Lasts Longer?

When it comes to longevity, both types of implants are designed to last several years. However, saline implants are generally considered to have a slightly longer lifespan, as they are typically made of thicker shells which are less likely to rupture or leak. On the other hand, silicone implants tend to have a slightly higher risk of leakage due to their thinner shell. 

In the end, it is important to talk to your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of each type of implant and decide which is best for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Which is More Natural?

When it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement, many people wonder which type of breast implant has a more natural feeling. Saline and silicone breast implants are the two most commonly used implants, and there are key differences between the two when it comes to how natural they feel.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, and when inserted into the body they create a firm, round shape that is similar to natural breasts. They are typically firmer than silicone implants, as they can become somewhat rigid over time. This can lead to a less natural feel than silicone implants, which are filled with a thick gel-like substance that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. While silicone implants may initially feel softer, they do not compress the same way that saline implants do, leading to a more natural feel overall.

Another key difference between saline and silicone implants is that silicone implants are generally better suited for correcting breast asymmetry. Saline implants are traditionally thought to be more predictable in terms of shape and size, but due to their firmer nature, they can be more difficult to shape correctly for asymmetry correction. With silicone implants, however, the gel-like material can be shaped more precisely for natural-looking results.

Overall, the choice between saline and silicone implants largely depends on your individual needs and aesthetic goals. Ultimately, those looking for a more natural feel should consider silicone breast implants due to their softer material that better mimics the texture of natural breasts. However, those seeking a more predictable shape and size should opt for saline implants, as they provide a firmer option with less risk of implant displacement or malpositioning.

Which Lasts Longer?

When it comes to deciding between saline and silicone breast implants, many people wonder which one will last longer. The answer isn’t a simple one, as both types of implants have pros and cons when it comes to longevity. 

Saline breast implants are made of a shell filled with a salt water solution, while silicone implants are made of a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. Saline implants generally last about 10-15 years, depending on the individual, while silicone implants can last anywhere from 15-20 years. However, plastic surgery techniques and materials have advanced so much that either type of implant may last longer than originally anticipated. 

It’s important to remember that the longevity of any type of breast implant is determined by the individual’s lifestyle and body chemistry. Both saline and silicone implants may need to be replaced or adjusted in order to maintain the desired shape or volume. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, a board-certified plastic surgeon should always be consulted when considering any type of breast implant procedure.

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.