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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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure Steps

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure StepsAbdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a body contouring plastic surgery procedure involving several steps. Depending on the type of surgical technique used, some of the steps can vary from one patient to another. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss about the steps involved in the tummy tuck procedure.

Patients with a solid understanding of tummy tuck surgery are usually better prepared to face the surgery and have reduced anxiety levels. Some surgeons may also encourage the patient to view a video of the procedure. Dr. Gary Motykie is an experienced cosmetic surgeon providing tummy tuck to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Anesthesia

The surgeon may choose general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation to perform tummy tuck plastic surgery. The anesthesia may be performed by a qualified anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse who continue to monitor the patient throughout the procedure.

 

Incision Placement

The procedure will begin with the surgeon placing incisions in discreet locations in the abdominal area. The number and length of incisions will vary according to the technique applied. A major circumferential tummy tuck may involve an incision around the entire waist line, including the back. On the other hand, a partial abdominoplasty may only involve a small incision beneath the navel.

 

Navel Repositioning

Navel reposition may be performed to make the lifted and tightened abdomen appear more natural. The cosmetic surgeon will detach the navel from its original place and reattach it in a more youthful location. In some cases, a new navel may have to be sculpted.

 

Tightening of Loose Muscles

Some patients may have loose underlying abdominal muscles, which can be tightened during tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal walls through the incisions. The underlying muscles will then be pulled closer together and sutured into a position to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen.

 

Removing Excess Skin

Following muscle tightening, the surgeon will pull and stretch the skin downward to make it tighter and smoother. Excess skin will be trimmed away. Liposuction may be performed at this stage in some cases in order to remove excess fat. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.

 

Mitigating Stretch Marks

While removing of stretch marks is not one of the goals in tummy tuck surgery, it is often possible to reduce their appearance, depending on the location of the incisions. If the stretch marks are present beneath the navel, they may get removed along with excess skin. Even other stretch marks can become less conspicuous following tummy tuck surgery.

 

Closing the Incisions

Following the surgery, the surgeon will suture the skin together with surgical stitches. This will ensure natural closure of wounds over time. A surgical drain will be inserted below the skin to collect excess fluids and reduce the risk of infection. Stitches as well as surgical drains may be removed together in about one to two weeks after the surgery.

 

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Plastic Surgery Procedure Steps

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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