At least around here, pharmacies don't need a diagnosis to fill prescriptions and bill insurance. That's done only in a doctor's office. The pharmacists here do, however, check to see that the prescribing doctor is prescribing within his/her scope of practice. (for example, to make sure a dentist doesn't prescribe acne medication or birth control pills) Asking for the patient's diagnosis is generally not done unless there is something "unusual" noticed. It's true, there is a definite shortage of pharmacists. Some days and times I've worked, even the techs can be in short supply. One of the most important lessons I have learned working as a tech is that I will never go to pharmacy school! My hats off to ya, Cam, for going so far! I could never do it. Nursing is still more my thing.