Provider number restrictions

All overseas trained doctors (OTDs) who first started working as a doctor in Australia after 1996 are subject to Medicare provider number restrictions. They affect where an OTD can work in Australia. The restrictions for a permanent resident OTD differ to those for a temporary resident.

You should ask the employer if a position requires you to provide medical services that will attract Medicare rebates. If it does, the position must be in approved District of Workforce Shortage in order for you to be eligible to work in that position.

If the position is in an approved District of Workforce Shortage, then you may apply for an exemption to the Medicare provider number restrictions. This is referred to as a 'section 19AB exemption'. An application for a section 19AB exemption is made on the same form as your application for a Medicare provider number.