What if I am PR or a citizen and I cannot move to a rural location?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK…
What if I am PR or a citizen and I cannot move to a rural location?
We contacted the Department of Health to understand what would happen to a GP who was non-VR and whose restrictions mean they must move to a rural location.
To access Medicare benefits, an IMG is restricted to working in a DPA and a Non-VR Permanent Resident or Australian Citizen must be on an approved 3GA training program.
For doctors with extenuating circumstances, the Department of Health suggested that they should seek employment opportunities that do not require Medicare access, or practice in a private capacity.
While there are exemptions from 19AB that will allow a VR General Practitioner to remain working in a metro location, there are no exemptions from 19AA, which means if you have this restriction then according to the Department of Health, you either relocate or you find alternate employment opportunities.
Working as a privately billing Doctor means that you and your patients cannot access Medicare benefits, which can financially impact the patient, the practice and the Doctor.
How Can We Help?
Our team offer General Practitioners assistance with finding jobs and a career pathway, and Medical Facilities to find a new Medical Practitioner. We also help with the full application process with AHPRA, RACGP, ACRRM, Department of Health, Medicare including 19AA & 19AB. If we can help, please contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au.
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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.
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