Medicare 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.

Employers need to be aware of the type of Medicare provider number that is required for any position that might be offered to an OTD. If your position requires an OTD to provide medical services that will attract Medicare rebates, then the position must be in approved District of Workforce Shortage.

If the position is in an approved District of Workforce Shortage, then the OTD 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 an OTD's application for a Medicare provider number.