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 Recovery

Tummy Tuck RecoveryTummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a major plastic surgery procedure, which involves a significant recovery component. Patients should take the recovery process seriously and follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions thoroughly to achieve safe and optimal results. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of tummy tuck, including recovery.

Dr. Gary Motykie is a dedicated cosmetic surgeon providing tummy tuck and other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Dr. Motykie will educate the patient about tummy tuck recovery with clear information on the estimated downtime. His first concern will be to help the patient make a well-considered decision. He provides tummy tuck to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Staying Home after Surgery

The patient should be prepared to stay home for a few days after tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure and take plenty of rest. In case of a fully tummy tuck surgery, the downtime may be about one week to 10 days. In cases where abdominal muscle repositioning is not involved, the downtime will be slightly reduced.

If the patient is working, they should apply for leave from work well in advance in order to have a complete stress-free initial recovery at home. The surgeon will encourage the patient to take short walks at home during this period to maintain blood flow, stay sufficiently hydrated, take a diet rich in lean proteins, and refrain from excessive bending, lifting heavy weights or performing vigorous activities.

 

Early Recovery Phase

Drainage tubes will be temporarily placed under the skin in the incision areas for the first week after tummy tuck surgery. The patient should empty the drain regularly as instructed and keep a record of the amount of fluid collected. The cosmetic surgeon will also provide a compression garment, which should be worn continuously during the early recovery period.

The patient will experience mild bruising, swelling and soreness in the first few days. Pain medications prescribed by the surgeon will help to keep the patient comfortable. If the patient has little children to look after, they may consider hiring a help for a few days until the healing has improved. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Mitigating Scar Appearance

While some amount of scarring is inevitable in any tummy tuck procedure, it is possible to minimize the appearance of scars with discreet incision placement. During recovery, the patient should protect the incision areas against sun exposure. Silicone cream or sheets or petroleum-based jelly may be applied to improve the appearance of scar tissue.

 

Quit Smoking

The surgeon will advise the patient to completely avoid smoking for at least two to three weeks following tummy tuck surgery. Smoking can delay the recovery by interfering with the healing process.

Risk of infections, scarring and other complications can increase if the patient continues to smoke in the weeks following tummy tuck surgery. Results will be more sustainable if the patient maintains an active and balanced lifestyle in the long run.

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Tummy Tuck Recovery

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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