Can I get a Non- VR Doctor using a replacement exemption?

This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our 19AB & IMGs blog here.

Need help understanding your pathway?

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Date Updated: 2025-04-01

If a doctor who started at your practice when you were classified as DPA decides to leave, then you can replace them with an incoming doctor using a ‘replacement exemption’. Any VR Doctor or Non-VR Doctor (except if they are restricted by 19AA) is eligible to take over this exemption.

If a Doctor is restricted by 19AA, then they’re automatically not eligible for a replacement exemption.

Aside from these, you should also know that the incoming doctor must replace the leaving doctor who:

• Held an indefinite s19AB(3) exemption that enabled unrestricted Medicare access at the medical practice
• Provided consistent Medicare-subsidised services at the practice within the last 12 months
• Ceased practising at all locations in the catchment area and closed each of the related provider numbers
• Provided a written statement to confirm that they have ceased, and have no intention of returning to, private practise within the catchment area

How to apply?

Follow these steps when applying for replacement exemption:

• Make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements:
  • Practice is Non-DPA
  • Leaving and Incoming Doctors are subjected to 19AB

• The leaving doctor submitted a Statutory declaration or a written signed statement to the practice that verifies they have stopped and do not intend to return to private practise within the catchment area whilst under their moratorium.

• Apply for Medicare provider number along with supporting documents for replacement exemption to Services Australia. Supporting documents include:
  • 19AB Exemption Letter
  • Medicare Letter of Support
  • A Statutory Declaration or a signed written statement for closure of all provider numbers of the outgoing doctor
  • For the incoming doctor:
    • HW019 Medicare Application Form 
    • AHPRA Certificate
    • Visa
    • Passport

• Wait for results. Exemption applications takes around 28 working days to process, and you will be notified of the results by Services Australia.

If you need help in preparing your documents, feel free to contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the button below! As always, we look forward to supporting you in your journey!

We Can Help You

Here at People Medical Consulting, we have a passion for guiding medical practitioners through their career pathways to Australia. We have extensive experience in assisting medical facilities in recruiting doctors from local and overseas who will best suit their requirements.

We provide Document Assistance for those requiring support for their PESCI with IME, ACRRM or RACGP, registration and all other mandatory AHPRA requirements, fellowship program related forms and letters, application for Medicare provider and prescriber numbers, application for 19AB or 19AA exemptions and preparation of employment documents.

If you want to talk to someone about your pathway or practice management—book a consultation with us below, or if you need Recruitment or Document Assistance, contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the buttons below. We’d be glad to help you!

Information from this blog has been taken directly from:

• 19AB restricted doctors – Access to Medicare provider numbers as of 21 August 2021 – 11 April 2024 – 1 April 2025
• Section 19AB exemptions – 12 March 2025 – 1 April 2025
• Section 19AB restricted doctors and access to Medicare – 24 October 2024 – 1 April 2025

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