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

SmartGraft Hair Restoration Questions & Answers

SmartGraft Hair Restoration Questions & AnswersSmartGraft is a cutting edge hair restoration technology that can create thicker, natural looking hair in a minimally invasive manner. Dr. Gary Motykie is a leading provider of plastic surgery as well as non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Motykie has introduced this remarkable and highly innovative SmartGraft technology to address hair loss and hair thinning in both men and women.

At the time of initial consultation, experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie will educate the patient about all aspects of SmartGraft technique. He provides this procedure to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Is SmartGraft a manual or automated procedure?

SmartGraft is a fully automated device that is designed to gently extract micro hair grafts from the donor sites. These grafts are then implanted to the recipient areas in a safe, efficient and environmentally controlled way. Patients can be expected to gain natural, thick and permanent hair re-growth. Plastic surgery expert Dr. Motykie and his team perform this procedure using local anesthesia.

 

Will it produce natural looking outcomes?

SmartGraft will lead to the growth of new hair grafts in sites of hair loss or thinning. The transplant sites will achieve fuller and very natural looking hair. The look is totally natural because the procedure involves the use of patient’s own hair.

 

How does SmartGraft fare in comparison to traditional hair restoration procedures?

SmartGraft has proved to be a superior technique in the following ways:

  • Results are denser and more natural looking.
  • Outcomes are achieved in a shorter time.
  • Both men and women can benefit equally, even though their hair loss patterns are different.
  • Higher precision is possible due to full automation of the hair transplant process, resulting in better framing of the face.
  • Grafts can be harvested from secondary sites such as the face, back, and chest, leading to better outcomes.

 

Does a SmartGraft necessarily require a buzz cut?

No. If the hair is reasonably long, the SmartGraft expert can harvest hair grafts by shaving small areas that get covered by the longer hair.

 

Will the procedure cause pain and discomfort?

Most patients do not report any significant discomfort or pain during the SmartGraft procedure. The procedure can simply be performed in-office. To ensure total patient comfort, the treatment provider will use a local anesthetic. Patients can enjoy listening to music, watch a movie or read while the procedure is in progress.

 

How difficult is the recovery period?

Recovery is largely painless and smooth, and healing will occur quickly. Most patients can return to their normal activities or go back to the workplace a day after SmartGraft. Activity restrictions during the recovery phase are generally minimal.

 

When can I see the results?

The growth of newly transplanted hair will occur in several phases. The patient can notice new hair in three months, and further improvements will continue over the next several months. In about a year’s time, the patient will attain full hair re-growth.

Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for SmartGraft.

 

Click here for Virtual Consultation

SmartGraft Hair Restoration Questions & Answers

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

Spread the love

Comments are closed.