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 vs. Liposuction

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Tummy Tuck vs. LiposuctionMany adults tend to accumulate excessive fat tissue around the waist, which can spoil the overall body contour. Sometimes it may not be possible to get rid of this unwanted fat with diet or exercise. Over a period of time the fat cells become resistant, and the abdominal skin may also become stretched and lose some of its elasticity. In such situations, plastic surgery may be the most effective solution available to restore a flatter and firmer abdomen.

Liposuction and tummy tuck are two critical procedures in cosmetic surgery that may be used individually or in combination to improve the abdominal contours. During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the patient’s condition and assess their unique aesthetic needs before recommending the appropriate treatment. Board certified plastic surgeon Gary Motykie provides both these treatment options to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Key Differences

The following differences will primarily distinguish tummy tuck plastic surgery from liposuction:

Fat and Skin Reduction

In cases where the patient suffers from stubborn abdominal fat pockets as well as loose skin, the surgeon may suggest a tummy tuck procedure. This procedure will also be necessary to tighten underlying abdominal muscles if they are weak or separated. On the other hand, liposuction will be more suited if the patient is bothered by the presence of excess fat tissue in the lower abdominal area, but the skin laxity is not an issue.

Elaborate Procedure

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is typically a more elaborate procedure in comparison to liposuction. Tummy tuck will involve excision of excess fat as well as loose skin, and in some cases, may also involve tightening of loose muscles. Liposuction is merely a fat reduction surgery that is targeted and relatively less invasive. However, the scope of liposuction is limited only to fat reduction.

Scarring will usually be more visible and prominent in case of tummy tuck. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Motykie will explain the pros and cons of both procedures to his patients to help them make an informed decision. He receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck and liposuction surgery.

Recovery

Tummy tuck recovery is generally longer, and the patient may be required to take off from work about two weeks for proper recovery. In case of liposuction, which is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves smaller incisions, the recovery may take only about five to seven days. Vigorous activities in both cases must be avoided for about four to six weeks.

Good Candidates

Tummy tuck is generally performed on patients who have crossed the age of 40. At this age, the skin laxity is higher in the abdominal area. Women who have been through multiple pregnancies may also need tummy tuck to restore their figure.

Liposuction, on the other hand, is more suited when the patient’s skin elasticity is fairly high in the abdomen, but only fat tissue needs to be reduced. Underlying muscles will be fairly tight in this case, and the patient will have a moderate and stable body weight before the surgeon recommends liposuction.

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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