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 to Expect During Your Cheek Augmentation Plastic Surgery Consultation

What to Expect During Your Cheek Augmentation Plastic Surgery ConsultationFor cheeks that lack definition, cheek implants can provide volume and a contoured appearance. Individuals with weak cheek anatomy, a flat or narrow face, or those who have lost cheek contours due to aging may benefit from a cheek augmentation plastic surgery procedure. 

The surgeon will have a detailed consultation with the patient prior to the cheek augmentation procedure, which will allow them to develop a customized surgical plan. The patient should unhesitatingly ask questions and discuss their concerns about the cheek augmentation procedure during the pre-operative consultation. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides cheek implants to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. 

 

The Goal of Pre-Operative Consultation

During the consultation process, the main goal of the surgeon will be to educate the patient on various facets of cheek augmentation surgery and help them in making an enlightened decision. The surgeon will offer the patient pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery instructions as well as discuss other facets, such as the procedure cost and financing options.

 

Patient’s Feedback

The surgeon will try to gauge the patient’s reasons for considering cheek augmentation cosmetic surgery as well as aspects of their mid-face area that bother them. 

On top of this, the cheek enhancement surgeon will ask the patient about their current medical condition as well as review previous health records. They will consider these inputs when creating a customized cheek augmentation plan to meet the specific needs of the patient. 

 

Cosmetic Goals of the Patient

The surgeon will encourage the patient to openly share their cosmetic goals and desires for their mid-face region at the time of the pre-op consultation process. 

A clear understanding of the patient’s needs allows the surgeon to focus on the targeted areas and offer more satisfactory outcomes to the patient in a minimally invasive way. The surgeon will decide on a suitable cheek implant cosmetic surgery technique depending on the unique needs of the patient. 

 

Medical Evaluation

Ideally, the patient should arrange for their medical records to be sent directly to the surgeon’s office from the primary care physician or hospital prior to their consultation. The cheek implant surgeon will assess the medical records of the patient closely. 

In addition, they will carefully evaluate the patient’s face, skin, and underlying cheekbone structure during the pre-operative consultations. Sometimes they may also order x-rays and other tests. The patient should disclose any underlying health concerns or conditions to their plastic surgeon in a transparent manner.

 

Current Medicines

The patient should make a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications as well as other drugs to present to the cheek augmentation surgeon during the consultation. In addition, they should include any vitamins or herbal supplements that they may be taking on this list.

 

Questions to Ask 

The patient will have an opportunity to ask the surgeon questions about the cheek augmentation surgery during the consultation. The patient may also ask questions about the cosmetic surgeon’s background as well as their qualifications during this appointment. 

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

 

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What to Expect During Your Cheek Augmentation Plastic Surgery Consultation

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