I sent a letter of patient complaint to physical therapist that included my name and condition he had treated me for. The complaint was in regards to professional misconduct. He retaliated by giving the letter of complaint to my ex-wife who gave it to her attorney to use against me in a parenting dispute. The hospital where he works says it was not a HIPAA violation because it was not part of my health record. Are they correct?

I believe the hospital is correct.

What you wrote in a letter is not the hospitals official documentation of your health record. The fact that you provided this information willingly to the PT also excuses the hospital.

I would say it's no surprise that a person of whom you were complaining about professional misconduct did something like this.

You mentioned your ex-wife's lawyer. Do you also have a lawyer you could consult with this matter?