Full access provider numbers
If you're a medical practitioner you can create an additional full access provider number through HPOS if you either:
- have registered before 1 November 1996
- are not subject to section 19AB, and currently satisfy section 19AA through a postgraduate qualification.
You may also be eligible if all the following apply:
- you have trained overseas
- you are subject to 19AA
- you have a postgraduate qualification.
In these cases, we’ll assess each application to determine if we can apply a 19AB exemption. To find out more, refer to the 19AB exemptions table below.
You must submit an application for both a:
- provider number
- prescriber number.
19AB exemptions
Not all medical practitioners are subject to 19AB and not all 19AB exemptions are available through HPOS.
The following table shows which medical practitioners may be eligible to get a 19AB exemption through HPOS based on both:
- work location
- field of work.
| Work location | Field of work |
|---|---|
|
All locations |
Cardio-thoracic Surgery Dermatology Emergency Medicine Endocrinology Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Gastroenterology and Hepatology General Medicine General Paediatrics Geriatric Medicine Haematology Intensive Care Medicine Nephrology Neurology Neurosurgery Orthopaedic Surgery Paediatric Surgery Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Thoracic (Respiratory and Sleep) Medicine Urology Vascular Surgery |
|
Within a Distribution Priority Area |
General Practitioner |
|
Within a District of Workforce Shortage |
Consultant Physician - Cardiology Consultant Physician - Psychiatry Specialist:
|
|
The Northern Territory |
General Practitioner Consultant:
Consultant Physician:
Specialist:
|
Limited access provider numbers
If you're eligible, you can apply online for additional limited access Medicare provider numbers.
The table below shows which medical practitioners can create a additional provider number through HPOS and under what conditions.
| Medical practitioner | Conditions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
|
Temporary resident medical practitioners. |
Subject to section 19AB who don’t have a postgraduate qualification under the 10 year moratorium. |
Can create a ‘Refer and request only’ provider location number. |
| Permanent resident and Australian citizen medical practitioners. | Don’t have a postgraduate qualification and are subject to section 19AB, under the 10 year moratorium. |
Can create a ‘Refer and request only’ or ‘Refer, request and assist at private operations only’ provider location number. |
|
Permanent resident and Australian citizen medical practitioners. |
Don’t have a postgraduate qualification and aren’t subject to section 19AB. |
A ‘Refer and request only’ or ‘Refer, request and assist at private operations only’ provider location number. |
You can manage your provider locations through HPOS using your PRODA account.
If you can't apply online
You'll need to complete a form if you are applying for an additional provider number in the same location. This includes if you're a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) health professional providing UCC Services.
Find out how to apply for additional provider numbers.