A1, A2 and A7 Medicare Rates
This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our Medicare blog here.
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Date Updated: 2024-10-09
Why are there different Medicare Rates?
The A1, A2, and A7 Medicare Rates were created to reflect recognised levels of expertise, reward and incentivise investment in postgraduate specialist qualifications, and encourage more doctors to work in regional, rural and remote areas.
What are the differences between these Rates?
A1 Medicare rates are the highest amounts Medicare will pay for a service. For example, for a standard A1 consult, Medicare will pay $42.85.
A2 rates operate at 60% of the A1 Medicare rate, meaning that for a standard consult, a doctor billing A2 rates will only receive $21.
A7 rates operate at 80% of the A1 Medicare rate, meaning that for a standard consult, a doctor billing A7 rates will receive $34.25.
You will also need to bill different item numbers depending on what A rate you are eligible for.
What A-Rate are you eligible for?
Vocationally Registered General Practitioners and Doctors on a Fellowship Training Program such as RVTS, AGPT, FSP, RGTS, or ACRRM Independent Pathway are eligible to bill A1 Medicare Rates.
For Non-Vocationally Registered doctors, the rates you are eligible to bill depend on where you work and what services you provide.
- For Non-VR Doctors working in a MMM 1 location, you will, for the most part, be billing A2 Medicare Rates. However for some longer consults, health assessments and other services you will be eligible to bill at the A7 rate.
- For Non-VR doctors working in a MMM 2-7 location, you will be eligible to bill A7 Medicare Rates.
We have created a quick reference for you that gives a snapshot of commonly billed items for General Practitioners. Check out our MBS Items Quick Reference Guide here.
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!
