To use Medicare services, you’ll need to apply to us to be recognised as either a nurse practitioner or midwife.
You’ll need to do this if you want to access the following services:
- request diagnostic and pathology services
- refer patients to services covered by Medicare
- bill patients so they can claim a Medicare benefit or you can make a claim.
Who is eligible
To apply for recognition as a nurse practitioner or midwife, you need to meet the eligibility requirements in all of the following:
- Health Insurance Act 1973
- Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Determination 2011
- legislation for your field.
This includes being registered and endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as either an eligible:
- nurse practitioner
- midwife.
If you’re a nurse practitioner your registration must state both of the following:
- profession - nurse
- endorsement - nurse practitioner.
If you’re a midwife your registration must state both of the following:
- profession - midwife
- endorsement - scheduled medicines.
How to apply
To use Medicare services, you’ll need to apply for a Medicare provider number. You’ll need to complete the Application for a Medicare provider number and/or PBS prescriber number for a midwife or nurse practitioner form.
You’ll also need to use this form if you’re applying for an additional provider number.
If you need to claim Medicare benefits
Once you’re recognised as a nurse practitioner or midwife, you can claim Medicare benefits if you meet all of the following:
- work in private practice
- work in a public facility that has an exemption under subsection 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973
- have a collaborative care arrangement in place.
You can find information about collaborative arrangements on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.