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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What should you expect during a consultation for a brow lift?

Brow Lift

What should you expect during a consultation for a brow lift?A brow lift plastic surgery corrects the effects of aging around the brows and forehead. This procedure also makes the soft tissues of the forehead tauter to develop a more youthful contour to the eyebrows, upper lids, and forehead skin. 

There are many brow lift techniques that involve different incision lengths in multiple areas, and at times, using an endoscope. 

During the pre-operative consultation, the patient will have a chance to share their cosmetic needs with the surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the prospective patient as a candidate for a brow lift and inform them about what this procedure can realistically achieve for them.

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

 

Key Aspects of the Consultation Process

The surgeon will recommend an appropriate brow lift technique upon understanding the patient’s goals. Sometimes, they may also recommend additional or related procedures. The patient should freely discuss their needs with the surgeon at the time of the consultation. 

They may also present the surgeon with photos of themselves from their younger days. These images may serve as a good reference point when discussing their aesthetic goals from this procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will:

  • Ask the patient to view a mirror and point out precisely what they feel unhappy about related to their brow and forehead appearance
  • Take images for the patient’s medical records, measure their face, and use computer imaging to show the improvements that the patient can realistically expect
  • Assess the patient’s skin elasticity
  • Discuss the multiple brow lift options that the patient can choose from and make recommendations
  • Educate the patient on potential outcomes, including related risks or complications
  • Discuss the anesthesia type that they will use for the procedure

 

Treatment Plan

The surgeon will share the following recommendations and information with the patient, depending on the patient’s cosmetic surgery goals and facial anatomy:

  • The surgical technique, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures
  • The results that the patient can anticipate
  • Related risks and complications
  • Anesthesia options and surgical venue
  • Pre-operative preparation
  • Recovery phase

In addition, the surgeon may display a brow lift before and after pictures of previous patients to the new patient and answers any questions that the patient may have.

The patient, on their part, should do the following for their brow lift plastic surgery consultation:

  • Conduct research and come well-prepared to the consultation
  • Ensure that the surgeon is suitable for their needs
  • Make sure that they get the most out of the pre-op consultation
  • Learn about the various options, potential outcomes, and risks associated with the surgery

 

Ideal Candidates

The surgeon will evaluate the following facets during the pre-op consultation:

  • Sagginess on the outside of the brows leading to a sad expression
  • The central part of the brow may sag downwards creating an angry appearance
  • Frown lines between the eyes

 

Discussing the Treatment Options

Excessive eyelid skin, droopy eyebrows, and sagging upper eyelids usually occur simultaneously in the same patient. Unless all these issues are addressed, the surgeon cannot create optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for brow lift. 

 

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What should you expect during a consultation for a brow lift?

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