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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The Most Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic Surgery Procedures

The Most Common Plastic Surgery ProceduresThe popularity of cosmetic surgery has grown year after year, with nearly two million surgical procedures taking place in the US annually.

In the last ten years, the total number of cosmetic procedures performed annually in the country has risen by ninety-eight percent.

Plastic surgery is no longer considered the domain of women alone. Today, men account for more than 150,000 plastic surgery procedures each year.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides cosmetic procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most popular type of liposuction plastic surgery technique. In this procedure, a solution of saline, a medication to shrink blood vessels, and a numbing agent is delivered to the treatment area.

This liquid is suctioned out of the body along with fat using tiny steel instruments known as cannulas. The infusion of liquid can lead to fluid retention in the short-term. But this resolves over the next few days.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation has become a very popular procedure in the US with over 350,000 surgeries done annually.

This procedure is undertaken for many reasons, such as to increase the size of both breasts, to replace a breast that is absent, or to make asymmetrical breasts equally sized. This procedure is also sought by women when their breasts do not develop during puberty, a condition, known as congenital micromastia.

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid lift surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons or to improve vision in patients where the lids cause vision obstruction.

Lower lids with chronic puffiness or wrinkling are usually reduced during the procedure to develop a more youthful appearance. In this procedure, fat pads under the eyes, which lead to the appearance of “bags,” are addressed as well.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck or a lower body lift, eliminates excess skin from the abdominal region and tightens the remaining skin.

This procedure is becoming more sought-after, especially among women who have excess skin after pregnancy or losing a large amount of weight following bariatric surgery.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery for women is one of the few cosmetic procedures that insurance does pay for routinely because the benefits extend beyond an improved appearance. This surgery offers a permanent solution to women with oversized breasts. Most patients are able to resume work within a span of two weeks.

Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a procedure that reshapes the nose and brings it into balance with other facial features. The surgeon may reduce the nose size or refine specific areas of the nose for a more appealing appearance.

Insurance will pay for a part or the entire surgery in some cases where breathing can be improved through the procedure, such as in the case of septal deviation.

Rhytidectomy

A rhytidectomy, or facelift, is a surgical procedure to correct the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin due to aging. A facelift tightens facial skin to create a more youthful look by gently pulling skin tauter, smoothing deep lines, and reducing sagging.

Breast Lift

A breast lift repositions sagging or poorly shaped breasts for a perkier appearance. An average patient will undergo this procedure after major weight loss or pregnancy that may have left the breasts looking deflated.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for a wide range aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

 

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