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 your thigh lift consultation?

Thigh Lift Consultation

What should you expect during your thigh lift consultation?The pre-surgery consultation process is the most crucial starting point that will set the tone for your safe and successful thigh lift cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon will closely engage with you during the consultation. You should be prepared to participate proactively in order to make this appointment most productive for your own benefit.

The inputs you provide to your surgeon about your health history and your cosmetic goals will help them create the most appropriate custom surgery plan for your thigh lift. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides thigh lift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Preparing for Your Consultation

At the initial consultation, your surgeon will determine whether you are suitable candidate for thigh lift plastic surgery. They will also explain to you how it can help meet your personal cosmetic goals so that you can make an informed decision. To prepare for this consultation, you should take the following steps:

  • Request your primary care physician, specialists, and hospital to send your medical records directly to your surgeon’s office to save time during the consultation.
  • Collect a few photographs of your own earlier self or of others to show to your surgeon how you would like your lower body appearance to be.
  • If you are working, you should discuss your plans with your employer so that you have a fair idea when to schedule your surgery and have time off for a stress-free post-op recovery.
  • Make a note of all the prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins you may be currently taking.
  • List down all the questions that you wish to ask your cosmetic surgeon during your initial thigh lift plastic surgery appointment.

During Your Thigh Lift Consultation

Be prepared to provide all relevant information transparently to your surgeon during the initial consultation for your own good. At this consultation, your plastic surgeon will:

  • Discuss the pros and cons of thigh lift cosmetic surgery, how the procedure is performed, what kind of results are possible, and how much time it will take to recover after the surgery.
  • Go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine your candidacy for a thigh lift. If necessary, the surgeon may order a few medical tests as well.
  • Encourage you to share your personal aesthetic goals so that they can recommend the appropriate thigh lift plastic surgery technique and create a custom surgery plan for you.
  • Share thigh lift before and after images as well as testimonials of other patients, if necessary, to help you form realistic expectations and make an informed decision about your surgery.
  • Address all your questions, doubts, and concerns in accurate details so that you can feel more confident and go ahead with your thigh lift knowing all the benefits, risks, and limitations.
  • Discuss the costs, insurance, and financing aspects of the procedure to help you decide whether an elective thigh lift surgery fits within your budget.

You may also request the surgeon’s staff to give you a brief office tour so that you can familiarize yourself with their practice. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles, and nearby areas for thigh lift surgery.

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

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

To see more services and treatments provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West Hollywood, CA and his team please visit:

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