19AB exemptions for GP´s in Australia.

01

WHAT ARE 19AB RESTRICTIONS FOR IMG GP´s?

Under Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act, all Overseas Trained Doctors inluding GP´s (OTD´s/IMG´s/FGAMS) who obtained their initial medical registration in Australia on or prior to 1 January 1997 must fulfill a mandatory 10 year moratorium in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA)

IMPORTANT

Effective July 1, 2019, the Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) classification has replaced the existing DWS classification model. These updates pertain to GPs and Bonded Doctors. However, the DWS system will continue to apply for non-GP specialists.

LEARN ABOUT DISTRIBUTION PRIORITY AREAS

02

19AB AND DPA REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility for 19AB Exemption for OTDs
To qualify for a 19AB exemption, OTDs must either hold temporary residency status or complete a fellowship with the RACGP. Working in a DPA location is a commonly utilized 19AB exemption for OTDs, IMGs, and FGAMs seeking to practice as GPs in Australia. The enforcement of this requirement is carried out through the Medicare provider number program, where possessing a provider number is essential for billing patients through the Medicare system. For non-Australian medical degree holders, obtaining a provider number necessitates having a 19AB exemption.

03

TYPES OF 19AB EXEMPTIONS

There are various 19AB exemptions available to overseas trained General practitioners.
Here is a quick summary of the most common 19AB exemptions:

19AB DPA Exemption

Unless other 19AB exemptions are applicable, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must practice in an area identified as lacking medical professionals for the initial 10 years. These designated areas are known as Distribution Priority Areas (DPA). Doctoru consistently stays informed about DPA revisions, collaborates with medical facilities nationwide, and secures the finest DPA GP job openings.

19AB Locum Exemption

The 19AB locum exemption is widely favored for bypassing DPA restrictions. As a locum, individuals can work at various locations across Australia for a maximum of 6 months. For clients with multiple practices in a single city, a 12-month contract comprising 2 separate 6-month placements is feasible. Coordinating these placements may present challenges, but with some flexibility in scheduling, it can be achieved.

19AB Replacement Exemption

Each year, Distribution Priority Areas undergo updates, with some areas being newly designated as DPAs while others lose their DPA status. The 19AB replacement exemption comes into effect when a GP with an unrestricted 19AB exemption departs from a practice located in an area that is no longer classified as a DPA. In such cases, a replacement GP can be recruited. Doctoru diligently identifies optimal 19AB replacement opportunities and provides support to GPs in obtaining the necessary registration documents for Medicare.

19AB Academic Exemption

Academic exemptions under 19AB are open to overseas trained doctors (OTDs) and foreign graduates of a recognized medical school (FGAMS). It is appropriate for general practitioners (GPs) who have a genuine interest in instructing medical students. Approval from a designated university and Medicare is necessary for this category of exemption.

19AB Spousal Exemption

You may be eligible for a 19AB spousal exemption allowing you to work within a reasonable proximity to your spouse if specific criteria are met by your husband or wife.

  • Your partner is a healthcare professional with an unrestricted provider number, indicating they either have a valid 19AB exemption or are not limited by section 19AB.

  • Your partner, who is a skilled migrant, has secured a skilled occupation visa within the past 10 years. Additionally, they are required to be actively employed, engage in volunteer work, or partake in a training program related to the occupation for which the skilled occupation visa was awarded.

    19AB After-Hours Exemption

    One can potentially work in an after-hours role anywhere in Australia. This includes working during the hours of 6pm to 8am on weekdays, as well as throughout the entire weekend and on public holidays.

04

  • Overseas Trained Doctors (IMG/OTDs) and foreign graduates of a recognized medical school (FGAMS) who are limited by Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 will experience the impact of 19AB restrictions. This means that if you acquired your primary medical qualification in a foreign country or began your studies in Australia before becoming a citizen, you may be subject to 19AB restrictions.

  • Section 19AB limitations and Distribution Priority Areas serve as vital tools for the Australian Government to ensure fair allocation of medical services throughout the country.

  • With the exception of spousal exemptions, all other requests for 19AB exemptions are handled concurrently with the application for your Medicare Provider Number by submitting the required supporting documents. Services Australia will then forward your 19AB exemption application to the Department of Health on your behalf. Working with GP recruitment specialists like Doctoru offers the advantage of being guided through the entire process and ensuring that all the necessary documents are prepared for your 19AB exemption application. If you need assistance with your 19AB Exemption application, feel free to reach out to us.

  • It may take several months from securing a job to obtaining a Medicare provider number, so it's best to begin the process as early as possible. For the 19AB exemption, the Medicare application process can be approved within a maximum of 6 weeks. In our experience, we frequently secure approval for our GPs in approximately 3 weeks.

  • Item description

  • The new DPA classification system for General Practitioners differs from the District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) in that it does not rely on a GP-to-population ratio. Instead, it takes into account factors such as gender, age, and socio-economic status of patients within a GP catchment area.

    So, how are DPA determined?

    Inner metropolitan areas are considered non-DPA.

    An area is classified DPA if it falls into MM 3 – 7 (Modified Monash Model)

    The Northern Territory is deemed DPA

    Locations with inadequate access to health services are typically classified as Districts of Workforce Shortage (DWS) if the provision of health services does not meet a predetermined standard.

  • You may use the Health workforce Locator to check the DPA status of a specific location.

    Access the Health Workforce Locator tool.

    Health-related geographic distribution classifications are regularly revised by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) and typically become effective on 1 July each year. Nevertheless, in exceptional situations, such as when a community faces an unanticipated health workforce scarcity, a DPA classification review can be requested. At Doctoru, we follow DPA classification changes closely and therefore we are frequently updating records of DPA changes.

  • As per the guidelines from the Department of Health, you will be granted a 19AB exemption (DPA) if the location was classified as a DPA at the time of contract negotiation.

  • If you have any more questions about 19AB restrictions, exemptions or finding an attractive GP in Australia, please get in touch with us.

    At Doctoru we are very experienced with 19AB, 19AA and DPA having worked in the industry for years and specialising in all types of exemptions.

    We have a number of DPA vacancies across Australia, including rural and regional locations, as well as more sought-after metro DPA positions in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. To see what’s available right now, visit our GP jobs page.

FAQ´S

05

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