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.

Plastic Surgery Treatments may Help You Stay Competitive at the Workplace

Tag Archives: business women

women in businessDr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon for advanced procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tuck. Patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles may consult with Dr. Motykie for the latest cosmetic surgery as well as non-surgical treatments to enhance their appearance.

Cosmetic Enhancement and Job Competitiveness

A majority of patients are looking for a suitable cosmetic surgeon to improve their aesthetics in order to satisfy their inherent desire to look youthful and attractive. However, there seems to be a separate segment of women patients who are interested in plastic surgery and other cosmetic treatments primarily with an aim to maintain or improve their competitiveness at the workplace.

A number of working women in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and other places appear to be driven by a perception that if the signs of aging become too conspicuous and make them look old or tired, it may adversely impact their career prospects. Women who seriously believe in this perception may feel the pressure to maintain eye catching looks and a youthful appearance at the place of work just to be able to compete with their younger counterparts.

Most of these women are keen to look vibrant and refreshed, but they may not really be looking for extensive ‘plastic’ jobs that could alter their appearance drastically or take several years off their face and body. Even if they continue to look their real age, they are happy with it – as long as they look healthy and vibrant for their age. Women in their 40s and 50s seem to be more inclined towards cosmetic surgery and other procedures to avoid being perceived as “too old” for certain jobs or assignments at the workplace.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Technological advancements and FDA approvals for various non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures have led to a growing popularity of these treatments. Some working women may choose these procedures over the option of surgery because of some of the key benefits that these treatments offer.

Many women in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles seem to be opting for treatments such as Botox, cosmetic facial fillers, chemical peels, fat freezing techniques such as CoolSculpting, laser based cosmetic enhancements and even ultrasound and radio frequency based treatments.

From a busy working woman’s perspective, some of the key benefits of non-surgical treatments are as follows:

  • Less dramatic and more natural looking results.
  • Gradual appearance of results rather than sudden changes.
  • No or little downtime involved.
  • Avoidance of risks and complications typically associated with a surgery.
  • No general anesthesia and treatment on an outpatient basis.

Surgical Treatments for Working Women

Working women who are in their middle age and looking to ‘freeze’ their appearance of aging signs, if not ‘reverse’ the signs, may opt for surgical procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tuck with a reputed plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, or other places. Many of the women in this age group may not be looking for extensive treatment, and may just opt for a partial tummy tuck or partial facelift.

Some women may, in fact, request the cosmetic surgeon to keep their facial wrinkles, and just soften their impression. Their goal is to look natural and look their age, but somehow prolong their current appearance for a few more years and prevent very conspicuous signs of aging from setting in. While there is no evidence to suggest that employers may be discriminating on the basis of looks, but the feedback from many working women indicates their belief that good looks can somehow help them improve or maintain their job competitiveness.

Job Retention in a Slow Economy

An interesting phenomenon appears to emerge during the times of economic slowdown. During such periods when job uncertainty becomes higher, layoffs are more frequent and new jobs are harder to come by, working women seem to pay more attention to their appearance to ensure they remain job competitive. A survey of 756 women compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in 2009 indicated that a significant number of working women think that plastic surgery and other cosmetic techniques can increase their chances of success in their jobs.

As many as 73 percent of the respondents in the ASPS survey stated that when the economic conditions are more difficult, looks can play a role in finding a job, receiving a promotion or bringing new business for the employer. Four in five respondents said that they believe a cosmetic treatment can help improve their confidence levels, which is a competitive strength at the workplace.

Source of Survey: ASPS Press Release

 To see more services and treatments provided by Dr. Motykie and his team please visit: