A doctor who holds AHPRA general registration and is on an eligible temporary visa can apply for a Medicare provider number and work in a GP practice without being enrolled in any of those programs. This route operates under a distinct legal mechanism — a section 19AB pathway exemption — rather than the section 3GA “approved placement” pathway used by the training programs.

In our previous guide, Navigating Your Medical Practice Setup: A Complete Guide to PRODA for Newly Arrived GPs in Australia, we outlined the standard online registration process using three identity documents. For many overseas-trained doctors, the ideal combination includes a foreign passport with activated Australian visa, an Australian driver’s licence, and a Medicare card. But what happens if you have just landed and do not yet have a Medicare card or an Australian drive

Congratulations — you’ve completed your RACGP Fellowship exams. This is a massive milestone that officially marks the end of your training journey and the beginning of independent practice as a Fellowed GP. However, passing the exams is only the first step. To actually consult independently, bill Medicare, and practise at your full scope, you need to complete a clear sequence of administrative steps to upgrade your registration and secure Medicare access.

This guide walks you through exactly why PRODA matters and how to set it up as quickly as possible after landing.

Ready to finish your registration? Learn how to transition from your visa to RACGP Part C and secure your Medicare Provider Number to get you practice ready.

Medicare Provider Number Application - PEP Specialist PathwayMedicare Provider Number Application - PEP Specialist Pathway

Healthcare in Australia is delivered by public and private sector entities and is funded by all levels of government, private health insurers, and out-of-pocket payments by individuals. The Federal Government doesn’t directly fund health service provisions, it funds Medicare benefits. It also jointly funds public hospitals with the States and Territories and provides financial assistance.

Your Practice Manager requires the following identifiers to set you up to be ready to commence seeing patients: Medicare Provider Number; Prescriber Number; and HPI Number . You may need to call Medicare to ask for your Provider Number.