What is a VR GP and a Non-VR GP?
This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our The Recruitment & Retention of General Practitioners in Australia blog here.
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Date Updated: 2026-07-28
A VR GP is a GP who has completed Fellowship and a Non-VR GP is a GP who has not completed Fellowship.
What is a VR GP?
VR GP stands for Vocationally Registered General Practitioner. What does ‘Vocationally Registered’ mean? When referring to General Practitioners, it means that they have sat their Fellowship exams via RACGP or ACRRM and becoming a Fellow in General Practice. This is also referred to as being a “VR” or “FRACGP” or “FACRRM.”
These are Fellow GPs that are allowed to work in any area, may it be a metropolitan or a rural location, providing they meet any other restrictions they have, such as 19AB.
What is a Non-VR GP?
Non-VR GP is an acronym for Non-Vocationally Registered General Practitioner. These are Doctors who are not yet Fellows, and have restrictions on where they work and Medicare rates:
- They should generally work in a rural area. However, they can work in a metro location as long as it is classified as DPA and they are not restricted by 19AA, or wishing to participate on a GP Training Program.
- For Medicare rates for standard consultations:
- Non-VR GPs in MM1 locations can bill A2 rates.
- Non-VR GPs in MM2 – 7 areas can bill A7 rates.
- Non-VR GPs on an approved GP Training Program can bill A1 rates.
If the Doctor is a Non-VR GP and a Permanent Resident, then they are restricted by 19AA and must participate in an approved 3GA program to access Medicare benefits.
If you’re a practice manager and you want to know which doctors you can recruit for your practice, read more about it in our blog here or book a consult with us below!
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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