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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A suction device make your lips look like Angelina Jolie’s? [VIDEO]

Plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie joins The Doctors to try a quick fix for plumping your lips. Does this suction device make your lips look like Angelina Jolie’s. Watch Video Now

A suction device make your lips look like Angelina Jolie’s? [VIDEO]

 

Fuller and attractive lips can significantly enhance the aesthetic facial appearance. Both surgical and non-surgical solutions are available to provide the desired augmented effect to the lips. However, some people may resort to unconventional or unproven treatments such as suction devices.

Dr. Gary Motykie strongly advises against the use of such unscientific solutions that can cause more harm than good. Lips are an important feature of the face, and professional care must be sought for any cosmetic treatments involving the lips. Options such as suction devices can cause trauma to the lips, and the damage can be serious over a prolonged use of such devices.

The suction principle is used because it can increase the blood flow temporarily. Therefore, any unnatural augmentation of lips achieved through suction devices can only produce temporary results that may last for about an hour. Putting lips at the risk of trauma for such short-lived results may not be a marvelous or such a clever idea, according to Dr. Motykie.

Lip Enhancement without Surgery

Injectable dermal fillers approved by the FDA can provide effective lip augmentation outcomes in a safe and controlled environment under the supervision of a medical professional. Hyaluronic acid based cosmetic fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used to enhance the appearance of lips. Hyaluronic acid is a natural, biocompatible substance, which can help increase the volume of lips and improve their shape and structure.

Effects of lip augmentation with dermal fillers may usually last from six months to a year. The treatments can be repeated under professional supervision to maintain the results for a longer time period. The amount of filler gel injected in the lips can be controlled by the treatment provider. Therefore, desired lip volume can be achieved in a safe and precise manner. Filler treatments are administered gradually, and spaced over a period of time to ensure that natural looking outcomes are achieved.

Lip Implant Surgery

Lip augmentation for the long term can be achieved with the implantation of organic or synthetic materials. One of the commonly used materials for surgical lip augmentation is Alloderm. This natural looking material is inserted surgically through small incisions made discreetly on the inside corners of the mouth.

The implant gradually integrates with the body’s natural tissue. Gore-Tex and other synthetic implants for lip augmentation are also very popular. The procedure of lip implants is typically performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation. Dissolvable sutures may be used to close the incisions. Most patients are able to resume their regular activities and go back to work within a week after the surgery.

Lip Lift

Lip lift surgical procedure can be performed to reduce the gap between the upper lip margin and the nasal base. This helps achieve upper lip fullness by rotating the lip outward and upward. The procedure may be more suited for patients with thin upper lips who wish to achieve a better balance between the lips. The procedure involves a tiny incision that is made within the natural crease below the nasal base to lift and reposition the upper lip in a precise manner. Sutures heal quickly, and the patient can be ready to resume work in about three to five days.

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

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