If a pharmacist mentions the name of the medication I need to pick up but his suppliers are low, then mentions an alternative (name brand) more known to just about anyone who watches advertisements about medications on T.V. or radio, and then calls another pharmacy to fill my script and mentions my name all in the presence of a customer waiting to be helped. Is this considered a HIPPA violation?

I'm a little confused - the Pharmacist cannot, by law, substitute the brand new medication with a generic unless he has the consent of your Physician. He would (obviously) need to mention your name to your Physician in order to get this consent.

I have no idea why he would give your name to the second Pharmacy unless you were actually going to the second Pharmacy to pick up the prescription.

If you are unhappy or upset about the situation I would go into the store and talk to the Pharmacist - if he has an attitude or no explanation, then I'd report the situation to the District Manager.

The other side of this is that it's difficult for Pharmacists to obtain absolutely secrecy - which I realize they should do - because of the old layouts of many Pharmacies and the need to work and wait on customers at the same time.