By the secretary announcing that I was going to be out of work for a Medical procedure.

I don't think, in this instance, it was breaking the hipaa law. The type of medical procedure wasn't mentioned, I take it, and they already knew who you were, nothing else was divulged.

Tick

HIPAA applies only to health care providers, health care plans, and health care clearing houses. It does not apply to employers (unless you work in the health care industry or insurance company). Hence if a secretary or your manager discloses information about you it is most likely not a violation of the HIPAA law. However, it may be a violation of the company's own policies. I would suggest that you have a chat with this secretary and explain that you don't appreciate having your private affairs shared in public.

It may be a violation of privacy rights in the work place but not a violation of the HIPAA ( unless you work for a health care facility)

But they will have to have said what type of medical procedure you were going to have and gotten this from your medical file,

Next of course you were going to be out of work right, most places have a flower fund, and were arranging for someone to do your duties,

Also is there a reason you did not want them to know ?

I agree, not HIPAA, and maybe just well intended. It would be no secretary that you were always from work. Someone might be needed to carry your load or, like Chuck says, buy flowers for you. When you hear hooves do not think zebras