District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) will soon be Distribution Priority Areas (DPA)

Are you international medical graduate? You might know about current District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) mapping system to get 19AB replacement exemption. Department of Health is changing the methodology and name of this system from 1st July 2019. New name will be called Distribution Priority Areas (DPA). Doctor Connect map will also be updated from 1st

Continue Reading

More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP)

As announced during 2018-19 budget, the Government is thinking to provide incentives for non VR doctors to qualify as vocationally recognised (VR) or specialist GPs and to practice outside major cities. Warning: Please note that there are many recent changes to Medicare provider number legislations including introducing new 3GA programs and cessation of few 3GA

Continue Reading

MBS Rebate Changes for Non Vocationally Registered General Practitioners (GPs)

The Australian Government has reformed the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for non vocationally registered doctors. The new fee structure will affect all non-vocationally recognised (VR) GPs who are not participating in any of the approved training programs leading to fellowship. e.g. Australian General Practice Training (AGPT), Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) or ACRRM Independent Pathway.

Continue Reading

19AB or 19AA Spousal Exemption for Medicare Provider Number

There is nothing like 19AA spousal exemption. However, there is 19AB spousal exemption for the overseas trained doctors who are subject to 19AB. Exemptions under the spousal provisions as set out within the Guidelines for Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (HIA). Background to the spousal provisions The Guidelines for section 19AB of

Continue Reading

What is Special Approved Placement Program (SAPP) ?

Some doctors in Australia are restricted with 19AA of Health Insurance Act and can only work in 3GA programs. SAPP is a special 3GA program established in year 2003. It helps to assist doctors who due to exceptional circumstances are unable to participate in any other workforce or training program. The SAPP enables doctors to

Continue Reading

Annual DWS update is due now, What to do ?

A district of workforce shortage (DWS) is a geographical area in which the local population has less access to Medicare-subsidised medical services when compared to the national average.If you are overseas trained doctor and within 10 year moratorium (10 year from the date of your first AHPRA registration), you can only work in District of

Continue Reading

Recruitment of VR GP vs Non-VR GP

GP Jobs in Australia GP Jobs in Australia are in great demand. Gp Job for VR and Non VR GPs are available throughout Australia. However, what is the difference between VR and Non VR GP? Here is the summary: The Australian Government introduced vocational registration program in 1989 to consider general practice as a specific specialty in its own right,

Continue Reading

New DWS classification is live on Doctor Connect Website now..

Department of Health has updated District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) status for the entire Australia last night. Practices can check doctor connect website to see if they are currently in DWS or not. Please visit http://doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/locator and put your practice address after selecting second layer ‘District of Workforce Shortage’. On the same map, practices can

Continue Reading