Background The Australian Government introduced the Rural Retention Program in July 1999 and in June 2003 the Minister advised that the Program will continue in its current form until further advised.
The Program’s aim is to recognise and retain long-serving doctors in rural and remote locations in Australia who are predominantly providing primary care services. These locations are categorised as “ Category A” to “Category E”, “A” being the least remote to “E” being the most remote, using the GPARIA Index.
There are two payment systems under the Rural Retention Program; Central Payments (CPS) and Flexible Payment Systems (FPS).
Central Payments System (CPS) The CPS is an automated payments system based on doctors billing in Retention Categories A to E and paid through the Medicare Australia . Eligibility is assessed by Medicare Australia based on doctors billing data, their locations and clinical workload over a number of years. Doctors become eligible for an initial payment when they meet the qualifying period of service (i.e. Category A = 6 years or 24 active quarters). An active quarter is where the billing is > $4,000 for each 3 month period. Doctor’s progress by completing active quarters in eligible locations each with different qualifying periods as shown in the table below. Once a doctor is eligible they become eligible for subsequent payments every 4 active quarters, if they provide reasonably continuous service. Maximum payment rates for each category of location are shown below.
Flexible Payments System (FPS) There are many doctors out there who are predominately providing primary care services, but unfortunately may be salaried who due to “no” or “low” billing could fall out of the automated CPS process. They may be working in State Government hospitals, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and Royal Flying Doctor Services (RFDS). They may also have taken maternity leave or sabbatical leave or leave due to illness and has caused them to lose accrued eligibility under the CPS. As a consequence the Commonwealth Government introduced the FPS. This FPS assists long-serving providers of primary care who are not adequately catered for by the CPS.
The FPS is administered by the Rural Workforce Agencies in each State and Territory. Health Workforce Queensland administers the FPS in this State. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, on1 July 2002 the Medicare Australia commenced making Flexible Payments System (FPS) payments to eligible doctors. However, Health Workforce Queensland will continue to provide support and assistance to rural doctors for both CPS and FPS and assess their FPS applications. If eligible, Health Workforce Queensland furnishes a request for payment to Medicare Australia and payment is generated by Medicare Australia and paid directly to doctors elected bank by direct deposit.
The Minister agreed to a 25% increase in the Program, which took effect from the September 2002 quarter payments.
Retention Category
Qualifying Period
1 Sept 2002 Max Payment
A
6 years
$5,000
B
5 years
$10,000
C
3 years
$15,000
D
2 years
$20,000
E
1 year
$25,000
Please do not hesitate to contact the Rural Retention Program Officer, John Lees on (07) 3105 7800 to obtain more information or clarification. You can also telephone the Medicare Australlia direct on 1800 010 550.
What is my Rural Retention Category? GPARIA is the index used for the Rural Retention Program, not RRMA. IF you would like to know what your location Category is click on the link below.
Please have a gander at the Rural Retention Program PowerPoint Presentation we have developed to give you an understanding of the Program. Rural Retention Program Overview.ppt
For your convenience, the FPS application form link is provided here: FPS Application Form
The application form also provides you with some information regarding the FPS. After completion of form, mail to:
Mr John Lees Quality and Rural Retention Program Manager Health Workforce Queensland PO Box 2523 BRISBANE Q 4001
Also for your convenience, Medicare Australia Authority for Electronic Funds Transfer form may be downloaded in PDF format using the following link. Electronic Funds Transfer Form
If you are still unsure about your circumstances or eligibility for the CPS or FPS please do not hesitate to contact John Lees on (07) 3105 7800 or email
