Restrictions for temporary residents

Temporary resident OTDs are generally unable to be issued with a Medicare provider number and therefore provide services that attract rebates unless they work in a District of Workforce Shortage. This Medicare provider number restriction now applies indefinitely to temporary resident doctors.

Temporary resident doctors who have been offered a job in a District of Workforce Shortage may apply for an exemption to this restriction which will enable them to be issued with a Medicare provider number. This is referred to as a ‘section 19AB exemption’. An application for a section 19AB exemption to these Medicare provider number restrictions is made when applying for a Medicare Provider Number.

Temporary resident doctors should note they are also required to work in an Area of Need unless they hold full medical registration in Australia or have completed the standard pathway for specialist assessment or the standard pathway for general practitioner assessment.

If you require further information on Medicare provider number restrictions, you can phone the Workforce Regulation Information Line in the Department of Health and Ageing on +61 2 6289 5903 (international) or 02 6289 5903 (in Australia) or by facsimile on +61 2 6289 1352 (international) or 02 6289 1352 (in Australia).

The Workforce Regulation Information HOTLINE will close on 5 May 2008.

For information on section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 please contact 19AB@health.gov.au