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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Top Strategies for a Productive Rhinoplasty Consult with a Specialist

Top Strategies for a Productive Rhinoplasty Consult with a SpecialistAre you considering having rhinoplasty surgery? If so, it is important to be well-prepared for your consult with a rhinoplasty specialist. A productive rhinoplasty consult can help ensure you have realistic expectations, understand the procedure and its risks, and make an informed decision about whether or not rhinoplasty is the right choice for you. Read on to discover the top strategies for a successful rhinoplasty consult with a specialist. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie performs rhinoplasty surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Know your goals

The first step to having a successful rhinoplasty consultation with a specialist is to know your goals. Take some time to think about why you want a nose job and what you hope to achieve with cosmetic surgery. Are you hoping to improve your breathing or change the appearance of your nose? Are there specific aspects of your nose that you don’t like?

Knowing your goals will help you to communicate more effectively with your plastic surgeon. You’ll be able to provide specific details about what you want and what you don’t want. This will help your surgeon to determine whether or not your expectations are realistic and whether or not they can help you achieve your goals.

It’s important to remember that your goals for a nose job should be realistic and achievable. A good plastic surgeon will be able to help you to set realistic expectations and to make sure that you have a good understanding of what can and can’t be achieved with cosmetic surgery. If you have any questions or concerns about your goals for a rhinoplasty, make sure to bring them up during your consultation. Your surgeon should be happy to discuss your options with you and to answer any questions that you may have.

Find the right specialist

One of the most important factors to consider when preparing for a rhinoplasty consult is finding the right specialist. Not all surgeons are equal in their expertise and experience, and you want to make sure that you choose a surgeon who has a strong track record of successful nose jobs. 

Look for a surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and nose, and who has ample experience performing rhinoplasties. Do your research online and read reviews from past patients to get an idea of their experience and satisfaction with the surgeon.

Another factor to consider is the surgeon’s approach to rhinoplasty. Some surgeons have a one-size-fits-all approach, while others take a more individualized approach that takes into account each patient’s unique facial structure and desired results. Look for a surgeon who takes the latter approach, as they will be better able to create a result that is customized to your specific goals.

Overall, taking the time to find the right specialist is crucial to ensuring that you achieve the results you desire and have a safe and successful cosmetic surgery experience.

Prepare for your appointment

Preparing for your rhinoplasty consultation is just as important as the actual procedure itself. This is your opportunity to get to know your specialist, share your concerns and learn more about what to expect during the procedure. The following tips can help you prepare for a successful appointment:

  1. Bring photographs: A picture is worth a thousand words. Bring photographs that show your desired look and any specific areas you’d like to address.
  2. Medical history: Have your medical history and any allergies or past surgeries ready to discuss with your specialist.
  3. Write down your questions: Prioritize your concerns and questions so that you don’t forget anything important during your appointment.
  4. Understand the risks: Like all surgical procedures, rhinoplasty has risks. Understand what these are and discuss them with your specialist.
  5. Know the process: Understand what happens before, during, and after the procedure so that you have realistic expectations.
  6. Don’t wear makeup: It’s important not to wear makeup to the appointment as this could interfere with any diagnostic imaging.
  7. Get a good night’s sleep: Getting plenty of rest the night before can help you to be mentally and physically prepared for your appointment.

Remember that rhinoplasty is a major procedure and one that should only be undertaken after careful consideration and preparation. A successful consultation is essential to achieving your desired results, so be sure to follow these steps to maximize your chances of success.

Be honest about your expectations

When it comes to preparing for a rhinoplasty consultation, one of the most important things to remember is to be honest about your expectations. It can be tempting to tell your specialist exactly what you think they want to hear in order to get the best possible results, but this will only hinder your progress.

Your specialist needs to know your true goals and expectations in order to determine whether they can realistically be achieved through a rhinoplasty procedure. If you’re not honest about what you want, you may end up with results that you’re not satisfied with or that don’t meet your expectations.

It’s also important to keep in mind that every person’s face is unique, and there may be limitations to what can be achieved with rhinoplasty. Your specialist will be able to give you a realistic idea of what you can expect based on your individual features and the nature of the procedure.

Another aspect of honesty is disclosing your medical history and any medications you are taking. Certain medical conditions and medications can increase the risks associated with surgery, and your specialist needs to know this information in order to determine whether rhinoplasty is safe for you.

Overall, honesty is key to having a productive and successful rhinoplasty consultation. By being truthful about your goals, expectations, and medical history, you and your specialist can work together to develop a plan that will give you the results you want while prioritizing your safety and wellbeing.

Have realistic goals

It’s important to have realistic goals when it comes to rhinoplasty. While a skilled specialist can improve the appearance of your nose, they cannot completely change its fundamental structure. If your expectations are too high, you may end up disappointed with the results.

Before your rhinoplasty consultation, do some research about what is possible. Look at before and after photos of previous patients and get a sense of what types of changes are realistic for your specific case. Your specialist will also provide you with honest feedback and advice during your consultation.

Remember, a successful rhinoplasty procedure should enhance your natural features and bring balance to your face, not completely transform your appearance. Be open to feedback from your specialist and trust their expertise in guiding you towards achievable goals.

Ask questions

During your rhinoplasty consultation, it’s important to remember that you are there to learn as much as possible about the procedure and the specialist who will be performing it. One of the best ways to gather information is by asking questions. Don’t be afraid to ask anything that’s on your mind, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

You may want to start by asking about the surgeon’s qualifications and experience. For example, you could ask about their training and education, their years of experience performing rhinoplasty surgeries, and their success rate.

Next, you may want to inquire about the specific techniques that the surgeon uses and how they would apply them to your case. Ask about the procedure, what it entails, how long it will take, and how you will be prepared for it.

It’s also important to ask about the recovery process. Find out what to expect in terms of pain, swelling, bruising, and how long you should expect to be off work or school. Ask how long you should avoid certain activities such as sports, swimming, or blowing your nose.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask any questions about costs, financing options, and payment plans. It’s essential to know what you’re going to pay for the surgery and any additional expenses, such as medication and follow-up appointments.

Remember, asking questions can help you make a more informed decision about the procedure and feel more confident going into your surgery. Be sure to ask as many questions as necessary to make you feel comfortable and informed about the process.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

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