An overseas trained doctor recently asked us a question “I am an IMG,cleared my AMC exams and have valid english test,I have a job offer in DWS area but RA1,my question is as a PR of Australia,am I eligible to work in this clinic ? What are the circumstances to get an exemption for 19aa ? Pls help” Here is what we think…(Please note that this is general advice only and you should contact DoH and Medicare to check your eligibility to get medicare provider number)…

Warning: Please note that there are many recent changes to Medicare provider number legislations including introducing new 3GA programs and cessation of few 3GA programs. Please consider the information on this page for general purpose only. For any up to date information about 19AB, DWS, 19AA, 3GA, RLRP,MDRAP, PEP, SAPP, AMDS etc, please refer to Medicare and Department of Health website as they are the best sources to get up to date information.

There are two different processes for an IMG to work as a GP in Australia. First one is to get a valid registration with AHPRA. If the IMG is lucky enough to get a registration with AHPRA, next step is to get the medicare provider number. Majority of IMGs are desperate to get their first GP Job in Australia as soon as they clear their AMC. It is sometime difficult to get a GP position (specially the first one!!). So obviously an IMG will apply to each and every possible GP job available on the internet. However, little of bit of research prior to applying for any GP job can be very helpful. For example, current residency status in Australia is the most important factor to decide your eligibility to get medicare provider number. If the IMG is a temporary resident of Australia (e.g. 457 visa, dependent spouse visa, student visa), he/she is only restricted with 19AB of the Health Insurance Act. However, if the IMG has already obtained the permanent residency or citizenship, he/she is restricted with 19AA AND 19AB of the Health Insurance Act.

What is 19AB of the Health Insurance Act?

What is 19AA of the Health Insurance Act?

Generally speaking, majority of IMGs are restricted by 19AB of the act and can only work in District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) area for the first 10 years of their initial AHPRA registration. There are certain 19 exemptions available and you should check your own eligibility to obtain it. However, if the IMG has already obtained permanent residency or citizenship, things can become more difficult as 19AA will also come in to picture. If you are an Australian permanent resident or citizen and do not have a fellowship with RACGP or ACRRM (and obviously you will not have it unless you are from UK or some other eligible countries and are eligible for Fellowship Ad Eundem Gradum ), you need to fulfill the requirement of 19AA. So basically, you can only work in 3GA programs if you are restricted with 19AA. Most common 3GA program is Rural Locum Relief Program (RLRP). In NSW, Rural Doctor Network (NSWRDN) conducts RLRP and they have specific criteria for that.

Applicants eligible for the RLRP fall into two broad categories:

• Category 1 applicants: Australian and New Zealand graduates, Australian Citizens and Permanent Resident Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) who are subject to Section 19AA of the Act only
• Category 2 applicants: Australian Citizens, Permanent Resident OTDs and foreign graduates of an accredited medical school who are subject to both Sections 19AA and 19AB of the Act (also known as the ten year moratorium).

So basically, this particular IMG will have to make sure that she finds a GP job in DWS area which is also located in rural location (as above). Please also note that RLRP is based on RRMA location and not RA location so you should check the RRMA level for any location to apply for RLRP. There may be some other eligibility criteria to get enrollment in RLRP.

Working for Approved Medical Deputising Services (AMDS) is another 3GA program. However, it is a requirement to have general registration before being eligible to work for AMDS.

There is a very special exemption available which is only available to very limited number of doctors having exceptional family or personal circumstances. Please check this link to get more information about that Special Approved Placement Program (SAPP)

You can also try and get placement under AGPT program as it is also one of the 3GA program.

So this particular IMG has to do following:

1.) Check if the position is in DWS area. How to check DWS for a medical practice in Australia

2.) What is the RRMA classification of the practice?

3.) Does the GP has 2 years of experience only if the location is RLRP eligible

4.) Whether the GP can be eligible to get SAPP?

Depending upon above questions, GP may or may not be able to get medicare provider number for this particular location. Please put your feedback below in the comment.. Please do not forget to like our Facebook page to get regular updates about such scenarios..

Warning: Please note that there are many recent changes to Medicare provider number legislations including introducing new 3GA programs and cessation of few 3GA programs. Please consider the information on this page for general purpose only. For any up to date information about 19AB, DWS, 19AA, 3GA, RLRP,MDRAP, PEP, SAPP, AMDS etc, please refer to Medicare and Department of Health website as they are the best sources to get up to date information.