Working in private practice
The majority of doctors in Australia are self-employed and work in private practice where they charge patients a fee for services provided.
If you will be working in private practice, either as a general practitioner (family physician) or a specialist, you will need to apply for a Medicare Provider Number. This enables your patients to receive rebates for the services that you provide under the Medicare program---Australia’s public healthcare system. This also applies for public hospital doctors who have a right to private practice.
However, if you gained your basic medical degree in a country other than Australia and first began work as a doctor in Australia on or after 1 January 1997, you will be subject to Medicare provider number restrictions. To obtain an exemption from these restrictions, you will need to work in a District of Workforce Shortage.
If you are eligible to work in private practice and will be establishing your own business, the Business Entry Point website contains valuable information about running a business in Australia. It includes application forms, Australian Business Number (ABN) registration, Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, and so on.
If you will be working in general practice, practice accreditation may be of interest to you. Although general practice accreditation is voluntary, the majority of Australian general practices have been accredited. Accreditation provides a range of benefits, including access to the Practice Incentives Program.
There are many organisations that can provide you with valuable information on setting up, or working in, a private practice in Australia. Below are just a few, but look under the DoctorConnect section on Support for Doctors to find further information on organisations that may be able to assist you with aspects of working as a doctor in Australia.
The Drs Reference Site
The Drs Reference Site lists a wide range of resources for medical practices---everything you need to know to set up a medical practice in Australia.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACPG)
The RACPG’s website is home to Your Practice, which is an excellent source of information for GPs going into private practice.
Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL)
AGPAL provides information and accreditation for Australia’s general practices.
Quality Practice Australia Pty Ltd
Quality Practice Australia (refer to themselves as GPA) provides information and accreditation for Australia’s general practices.