Distribution

Priority Areas

for GP´s in Australia.

01

WHAT IS A DISTRIBUTION PRIORITY AREA (DPA)?

New Measures Introduced to Address Oversupply of GPs in Metropolitan Areas.
In response to concerns over an alleged oversupply of General Practitioners (GPs) in metropolitan areas, the Department of Health has implemented a series of measures aimed at better distributing these medical professionals to regions with a higher priority. These efforts come in the form of the new DPA (Distribution Priority Area) Australia classification system, which focuses on identifying locations experiencing a shortage of medical practitioners and facilitates the placement of international medical graduates (IMGs) in rural areas and communities where the need for GPs is more substantial.
Effective from July 1, 2019, the DPA classification system is replacing the previous District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system for GPs. This transition reflects the Department of Health's dedication to ensuring an efficient allocation of healthcare professionals across the country, with a particular emphasis on underserved areas.
Under this new system, overseas GPs who wish to work in Australia will undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their suitability and alignment with areas of greater need. By identifying locations with a deficiency of medical practitioners, the DPA classification system serves as a vital tool for redirecting the allocation of resources and efforts toward addressing healthcare gaps in regional and rural communities.
With the introduction of this system, the aim is to facilitate the placement of IMGs in areas where GPs are urgently required, thereby mitigating disparities in access to primary healthcare throughout the country. By strategically positioning international medical graduates in rural communities and isolated regions, the Department of Health ensures that these underprivileged areas receive the medical attention and support they deserve.
Ultimately, the DPA Australia classification system marks a significant step forward in achieving a more balanced distribution of GPs across Australia. By employing a targeted approach to address the alleged oversupply of GPs in metropolitan areas, the Department of Health aims to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system, guaranteeing that areas of higher priority and greater need receive the attention and medical expertise they require.

02

HOW ARE DPA LOCATIONS DETERMINED?

The new DPA classification system doesn't use the same GP-to-population ratio as DWS. Instead, it looks at things like the gender, age, and socio-economic status of patients in a GP's area.

Under the new DPA system the following rules apply:

  • Inner metropolitan areas are deemed non-DPA.

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

  • The Northern Territory is deemed DPA

  • Locations with a lower level of health services will also be classified DPA if standards don’t meet specific benchmark.s

03

WHAT DOES THE NEW DPA AUSTRALIA CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MEAN FOR IMG´s AND BONDED DOCTORS?

To qualify for Medicare access under section 19AB of Australia's Health Insurance Act 1973, international medical graduates specializing in General Practice must practice in a distribution priority area. This updated process also impacts Australian-trained bonded doctors. Through the BMP Scheme, the Government grants Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) at Australian university medical schools. In return for these medical placements, graduates are required to work in a DPA location to gain access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

04

WHAT CHANGES APPLY TO SPECIALISTS?

The DWS (Distribution Priority Area) system for specialists, which governs the allocation of healthcare professionals in underserved areas, has maintained its core structure with only a few minor adjustments over the years. In order to secure a Medicare Provider Number, international medical graduates specializing in various fields must fulfill the mandatory requirement of working in a DWS-designated location. This prerequisite ensures that medical practitioners are distributed evenly across the country, addressing the healthcare needs of both urban and rural communities. By working in these areas, specialists not only gain invaluable experience in diverse practice settings but also contribute to bridging the healthcare gap that exists between different regions.

05

DISTRIBUTION PRIORITY AREAS MAP

We have diligently examined numerous major cities using the powerful Health Workforce Locator in order to ascertain the specific regions that have been designated as Distribution Priority Areas (DPA). By applying this comprehensive tool, we have been able to identify the locations where there is a pressing need for healthcare professionals, allowing us to better understand the areas where healthcare services are in high demand.

06

DISTRIBUTION PRIORITY AREAS MAP

We have diligently examined numerous major cities using the powerful Health Workforce Locator in order to ascertain the specific regions that have been designated as Distribution Priority Areas (DPA). By applying this comprehensive tool, we have been able to identify the locations where there is a pressing need for healthcare professionals, allowing us to better understand the areas where healthcare services are in high demand.

07

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