I went to the hospital ladt night and in the waiting room in front of other patients the nure came out and said that my copay was $100. She asked if I could pay that now and I told her no. She then stated that they wanted mr to pay something like $20. I told her I would have to check my bank account.

No its not... That applies to medical records and your condition... not copayments.

HIPAA refers to discussing your medical diagnosis and treatment with others. Not your financial dealings with respect to health care.

However, this is probably a breach of ethics. I would bring it to the attention of the hospital administrator. Such conversations should be handled in private.

Did they come out from behind the counter to the lobby and talk about your co pay,

Or was this merely at the counter with other patients in the area