My wife asks me to go pick up a prescription of hers from the pharmacy. I go in and the guy tells me I have to have her call in and give him permission before he'll do that. Says "sorry, it's HIPPA". I pick up scripts for my wife all the time at other pharmacies. Is that wrong?

HIPAA (not HIPPA) requires that a medical service provider not give out any information without the patient's consent. That's why she had to give permission. She may have previously given permission at other pharmacies, or they know you and know you are spouses who share. If they don't have permission, however, then they were in the wrong for giving you the prescriptions.

Strictly speaking, the pharmacy can't assume that a spouse (or anyone) has been asked to pick up a script, and has every right to adhere to the letter of the law. Many don't because they are willing to take the risk in the name of good customer relations. I think that if I were a pharmacist, I would call the spouse and ask for verbal permission.
Yes, there are countless married people who don't want anyone at all to know what drug they have been prescribed.
There are also couples who have just broken up or even just had a fight - how is anyone expected to know who wants privacy or not?

@sailorcop. I think you should commend the guy for following the rules. Some are too lazy to get confirmation and will just give the drugs to anyone saying they are picking up for so and sol

I will agree, unless given permission, none of them are suppose to give them to you. Her medical history and treatment is private even from you