Medicare provider numbers and PBS prescriber numbers

Find out if you need a Medicare provider number or Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriber number.

Medicare provider number applications

Most Medicare provider number applications are taking up to 21 calendar days to process from the date we get your application. Some applications may take longer if the Department of Health and Aged Care need to assess them.

Medicare provider numbers

You can get a Medicare provider number if you’re an eligible health professional. You’ll need your unique provider number to claim, bill, refer or request Medicare services.

You must first have a registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or an approved body.

We’ll record your name against your provider number exactly as it’s registered with the relevant registration board or professional body.

You can’t use another health professional’s provider number.

You’ll need more than one Medicare provider number if you:

  • deliver health services in different locations
  • have registrations in more than one health profession
  • are a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) health professional providing Medicare UCC services
  • are a health professional working in the reserve of general practitioner respiratory practices.

Read more about Medicare UCCs and how to register on our Health Professional Education Resources website.

Find out how to apply for additional provider numbers if you work in a new practice location, work at a new service at the same location, health profession or new discipline.

PBS prescriber numbers

A prescriber number is a 7 digit number that:

  • uniquely identifies that you’re eligible to prescribe medication under the PBS
  • isn’t location specific.

You’ll need more than one prescriber number if you provide services in multiple health professions.

Find out how to apply for a Medicare provider number or PBS prescriber number.

Page last updated: 12 October 2023.
QC 49106