HIPAA Laws, need advice please

The state I live in is dropping thousands off their state insurance rolls. Right before I get dropped I should be finished with my surgery. I would like to try and pick up a self-pay insurance but am unsure of what I need to do to make sure I don't get hit with the "prexisting condition" stuff. Any tips or suggestions as to what I should do will be much appreciated. I.E. What do I need to do now, any thing special I need to do as far a HIPAA is concerned, etc. Thanks

As the privacy officer of my workplace... ANYTHING dealing with your health is to be provided to you. Any information you ask for is to be provided to you --in paper form if you so wish. IE--papers from your MD, hospital, surgeons, etc. I would get copies form the hospital, MD's and anyone else and keep in a file for myself. (I do have this by the way) That way if there is ever a question, I have the answer in my file. This was also helpful when my DH got his new insurance. Hope this helped.