How do 19AA exemptions work?

We've broken down the ins-and-outs of section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act of 1973 (more commonly known as the Act), so what about 19AA? This fact sheet will provide you with the details of this section and explain the implications for overseas doctors.

What is 19AA?

Section 19AA isn't a new thing. It was introduced as a part of the Act in 1996 as a way to achieve two primary goals:

• Recognising and supporting GP roles as vocational specialities
• Providing a framework for accomplishing long-term improvements in the quality of doctors practicing in Australia

In its simplest form 19AA requires any Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen who is not vocationally registered, to gain registration on an approved 3GA program prior to starting work. If they aren't, they won't be able to gain access to Medicare benefits. The legislation applies to both Australian-born citizens and those who obtained citizenship after immigrating from overseas.

All medical practitioners are subject to restrictions of section 19AA of the Act if they:

• Held medical registration by an Australian Medical Board on or after 1 November 1996
• Are Australian permanent residents or Australian citizens
• Do not hold continued recognition by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, or a recognised specialist college.

What does this mean for you?

The key thing to know is that there's a list of training programs that will allow GPs to work, bulk bill and ensure their patients can get a rebate from Medicare. These programs include:

• AGPT
• RLRP
• AMDS
• SAPP
• RVTS
• ACRRM Independent Pathway

You can read more about these options here.

There are a few other areas of note when it comes to 19AA, remember that:

• After sitting your fellowship exams and being recognised as a specialist doctor, this restriction will no longer apply.
• If you're billing 100 per cent privately, and your patients do not expect to get a rebate from Medicare, this restriction doesn't apply.
• 19AA restrictions only apply to those who want to be able to bulk bill and whose patients have the ability to claim on Medicare.

What are the next steps?

This is a brief summary of the effects of 19AA, it's important that you understand the legislation in its entirety before making any decisions about working as a GP in Australia.

Make sure to check out our fact sheet of 19AB for further information! 

HOW DO 19AB EXEMPTIONS WORK?

When you decide to make a move in your medical career there are a lot of legal requirements to consider. Sections 19AA and 19AB impact doctors transitioning from hospital medicine into GP and those coming straight into Austra…https://t.co/GtsGDKCIdu

— Careers Connections (@careersconnects) February 19, 2018