Changes to GP access to Medicare based on Ahpra registration

Commonwealth Government changes to the Health Insurance Act 1973, mean access to Medicare rebates is linked to specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia. From 16 June 2021, Services Australia will use Ahpra’s Register of Medical Practitioners to determine GP access to Medicare rebates. From this date, GPs with a fellowship qualification from RACGP or ACRRM must hold specialist registration with the Medical Board to access Medicare rebates.

GPs who are a fellow of RACGP or ACRRM and do not hold specialist registration in general practice, will need to apply to Ahpra for specialist registration by 21 May 2021 to continue to access to GP Medicare rebates for their patients.

For more information and to update GP registration status click here.