Refer and Request Medicare Provider Numbers

This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our Medicare blog here.

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Date Updated: 2026-06-16

What is a ‘Refer and Request Provider Number’?

A Medicare provider number is required if you bill, prescribe, refer or request services that are eligible for a Medicare benefit.

A refer and request provider number does not let you bill items to Medicare but will allow you to provide services in a private billing setting as well as refer your patients to other practitioners and send requests for diagnostic tests.

This means that your patients will have to pay your entire bill and will not be able to have the appointment subsidised by Medicare.

Who uses a Refer and Request Provider Number?

Generally, doctors who are subject to 19AA and/or subject to 19AB will apply for a refer and request provider number.

Hospital doctors will also generally hold a refer and request provider number.

How do I apply for a refer and request Provider Number?

You can apply online through your Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account to access Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). You can also go onto the Medicare website and fill out the HW019 form which is for Medical Practitioners. Once you have finished completing the form, you can send it to the address indicated along with your supporting documents.

Important Note!

To pursue Fellowship, you are required to participate in an approved Training Program which is not in line with Refer and Request Provider Numbers.

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!

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Information from this blog has been taken directly from: