Can I reduce my moratorium by working rurally?

Here at People Medical Consulting we like spreading what we know and giving you a clear pathway to your career. We’re answering a different question each week based on queries raised via our Facebook & Instagram profiles.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION…?

Can I reduce my moratorium by working rurally?

The Short Answer

Yes- Medicare and the Department of Health introduced ‘Scaling’ in 2009 which means the more rural a GP works, the faster they will get through their moratorium.

How does it work?

The Scaling is based of the ‘RA’ system. This chart gives you a bit of an idea how the scaling works- the reduction would only be if you meet the minimum monthly requirement in billing (see below), and if you work the full time there (for the ‘years’).

e.g. if you work 7 years in an RA 3, then you’ve finished your moratorium time.

To be eligible, you must be

working in an eligible location in a DWS (or hold an exemption) and be claiming Medicare; and

achieve a minimum monthly billing threshold of $5,000.00

A Few Points to Note!

Scaling does not count prior to 1st July 2010
Roles that do not attract Medicare benefits will not have access to Scaling
You can keep track of your scaling through HPOS! It is updated at the end of every month.
if you’re working across multiple locations, they will apply the scaling from the location where you billed the most during the month.
You need to be working a minimum of 20 hours per week for scaling to apply.

How Can We Help?

Our team help General Practitioners both with finding jobs and helping with the full applications process including finding the best pathway to fellowship for you and your life goals. If we can help, please contact us at admin@peoplemedical.com.au.

People Medical Consulting are a team of professionals with a passion for guiding those specialising in the Medical industry to find their career pathway and settle into Australia. Working with both Australian trained and Overseas trained professionals, we have extensive experience in Recruitment of General Practitioners, and Document Assistance for those requiring support with RACGP, AHPRA, 19AA and 19AB Medicare Exemptions.