A reassessment has changed the Modified Monash Model classification for 17 regions and brought in 15 new fully DPA-eligible locations.
A swathe of GP clinics will now be able to attract higher incentives or overseas-trained doctors, following updated census data being applied to the Modified Monash Model classification and the district of workforce shortage systems.
A total of 17 regions were evaluated to be more rural on the Modified Monash scale, and another 17 had their designated priority area (DPA) status increased to either “full” or “partial”.
No areas were deemed to be lessrural than in previous years; anywhere that was already an MM7 region will stay at an MM7 and anywhere that already had DPA status will retain it.
The five new MM2 regions are Mulgoa (NSW), Murwillumbah (NSW), Wallacia (NSW), Wallalong (NSW), Jacobs Well (QLD), Hopetoun Park (VIC) and Sutton (NSW), all of which were previously entirely or partially classified as MM1 metropolitan.
The bulk-billing incentive for clinics in these areas will now be worth 150% of what they were previously, going from $21.35 to $32.50 for a face-to-face level B consult.
Practices will be eligible to participate in a range of programs, including the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program, the Rural Generalist Training Scheme and Single Employer Model trials.
Myrniong, in Victoria, was the only area to transition from an MM2 to an MM3.
Practices in this area will now be able to access rural loadings in the Practice Incentive Program, and bulk-billing incentives rise to 160% of the metropolitan value, at $34.50.
Toongabbie (VIC), Stanthorpe (QLD) and Woodend (VIC) are now classified as MM5 small rural town locations; bulk-billing incentives rise to 170% of the metropolitan value, at $36.65.
Related
Hopetoun (VIC), Green Head (WA) and Leeman (WA) transitioned from MM5 to MM6 regions, while Bourke (NSW), Lamb Island (QLD) and Streaky Bay (SA) went from MM6 to MM7 areas.
Bulk-billing incentives in an MM6 region rise to 180% of the metropolitan value, making it $38.70, while MM7 areas rise to 190%, which is $41.10.
Fifteen regions gained full DPA status and can therefore attract overseas-trained doctors working out their rural moratorium under a Section 19AB exemption, while another two gained partial DPA status.
The locations which went from entirely non-DPA to full DPA included Molonglo (ACT), Maroochy (QLD), Noosa (QLD), Surfers Paradise (QLD), Cockburn (WA), Gosnells (WA), Mundaring – Swan View (WA) and Wannaroo – Quinns Rocks (WA).
The areas which went from partially DPA to full DPA were Palmwoods (QLD), The Gap (QLD), Mount Barker (SA), Armadale (WA), Byford (WA), Kalamunda (WA) and Swan (WA).
Campbelltown (NSW) and Joondalup (WA) went from non-DPA to partial DPA.
