What is a Distribution Priority Area (DPA)?

Due to an alleged oversupply of GPs in metropolitan areas, the Department of Health has introduced new measures for overseas GPs who want to work in Australia, to better distribute them to areas of higher priority. The new DPA Australia classification system identifies locations with a shortage of medical practitioners and facilitates the placement of international medical graduates (IMGs) in rural areas and communities where there is a greater need for GPs.

The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system has replaced the District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system for GPs from 1st July 2019.

Alecto helps you navigate the changes

Whether you are confused or unsure about the recent DPA GP changes, please feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your concerns and questions.

At Alecto, we always keep up with the latest rules & regulations and are happy to help you navigate the ramifications and regulations.

How are DPA locations determined?

The new DPA classification system is not based on a GP-to-population ration like DWS. Instead, the new system considers factors such as gender, age and socio-economic status of patients in a GP catchment area.

Under the new DPA system the following rules apply:

  • Inner metropolitan areas are automatically deemed non-DPA.
  • An area is automatically deemed DPA if it falls into MM 3 – 7 (Modified Monash Model)
  • Northern Territory is automatically deemed DPA
  • Locations with a less than favourable level of health services will also be classified DPA if standards don’t meet a specific service benchmark.

What does the new DPA Australia classification system mean for international medical graduates and bonded doctors?

In order to access Medicare under section 19AB of Australia’s Health Insurance Act 1973, international medical graduates who are GPs need to work in a distribution priority area.

The new system also affects Australian-trained bonded doctors. Under the BMP Scheme, the Government provides a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at a medical school at an Australian university. In exchange for a medical place, graduates are obliged to work in a DPA location to access the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

What changes apply for specialists?

The DWS system for specialists remains largely unchanged and international medical graduates who practice in specialties are required to work in a DWS location to be able to obtain a Medicare Provider Number.

Distribution Priority Areas Map

We have looked at all major cities with the Health Workforce Locator to find out which areas are classified as DPA.

View more info about Distribution Priority Areas Map locations

Female staff having a meeting. Locum GP

DPA GP Jobs Vacancies

General Practitioner Jobs in Perth
Cottesloe
GP Job, Private Cottesloe Practice
Privately owned Boutique Medical Centre
Visiting specialists, including Cardiology, Plastic Surgery and Gynaecology
70% of Billings + Private Billing (Strong earnings)
Canberra
GP for Aboriginal Health Service
Guaranteed hourly rate, $220 p/hr
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
Community-focused, high-quality Primary Health Care
Canberra, ACT
DPA GP positions - Canberra
Enhanced relocation incentives available for eligible GPs
Strong patient demand from day one, ensuring full books
Opportunity to help shape and grow a new urgent care service
GP Jobs in Canberra - Hot air balloons over the Canberra lake
Canberra
DPA GP Opportunities across Canberra ($20K Relocation)
70-75% of billings
Mixed Billing Practice
GP Owned, well established practice
View of Coastal Melbourne
Dromana
DPA Location - GP Opportunity in Dromana
Mixed billing practice
Established patient base
Potential for substantial sign-on bonus (contract dependent)
Yarra River in Melbourne
Brunswick
VR GP required for busy inner Melbourne practice
Sign on bonus available
70% Billings & Minimum guarantee for 3 months
Excellent location, only 5km north of CBD
Benalla
MM4 job 2 hours from Melbourne
DPA – Regional MM4 location
Established patient base with strong earning potential ($400k+ per annum)
Minimum income guarantee offered
DPA Vacancy
Frankston
Bayside GP Job with DPA
Average billings per consulting hour: $360- 480
GP Owned with Supportive team of GPs
DPA location
Deer Park, VIC
GP Opportunity – DPA Near Deer Park
70% Mixed Billing + $180 p/hr guarantee
Support for special interests including women’s health and minor procedures
Multidisciplinary team with nursing, allied health, and pathology onsite
picture of a beach in tweed heads NSW
Frankston
DPA GP Role – Frankston
Strong Management and fellow GP support
Immediate patient demand with 70% of billings
Huge earning potential with sign on bonuses

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Why Alecto?

At Alecto Australia, we are committed to finding GP jobs that suit your individual preferences and needs. Because we specialise in sourcing the best GP jobs for the best GPs, we have access to the largest number of permanent GP jobs in Australia.

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