What a Partially Comparable Specialist GP Means for Your Practice

A Partially Comparable Specialist GP is an overseas-trained doctor or international medical graduate (IMG) who has already completed specialist GP training and is working through the RACGP’s PEP Specialist Stream toward full FRACGP recognition in Australia.

  • Billing: Full Medicare A1 rates from the first shift, no ramp up period.
  • Location: Available to practices in the MM2 to MM7 range, which covers most regional and outer metro areas.
  • Supervision: A minimum of six months full time equivalent supervised practice, starting at Level 3 oversight and easing over time. One supervisor can support up to four Partially Comparable GPs at once.
  • Commitment: A two-year minimum on the pathway, offering stronger retention than many other GP hires.
  • Support: Alecto Australia manages registration, visas and compliance at every step.

There is a real shortage of GPs, especially in rural and regional areas, and it affects clinics, existing doctors and patients alike.

At the same time, there is an underused pool of talented, already specialised GPs eager for the chance to help grow your practice.

Partially Comparable Specialist GPs are doctors most practices have not properly considered yet. They are already qualified specialist GPs overseas, working through Australia’s assessment process on the way to full FRACGP recognition, and often ready to start sooner than you would expect. The right doctor is out there waiting. Let Alecto Australia help you connect with them.

10 Reasons Your Practice Should Hire a Partially Comparable Specialist GP

Already trained as specialists

Unlike GPs on the standard pathway, who are still building toward specialist recognition, these doctors have already completed a full specialist GP training program overseas. The clinical judgement your patients need is already there. Unlike noncomparable doctors who require extensive supervision and PESCIs, as well as years of work prior to exams, Partially Comparable GPs are ready to provide quality care from the outset.

The newest stream of overseas doctors joining Australia’s GP recruitment for MM2 areas includes exceptional Partially Comparable GPs. What sets them apart? Not only do these GPs bring their wealth of experience after completing specialist qualifications in their home country, but they also boast the unique ability to bill at the same A1 rates as their Australian GP counterparts.

Partially Comparable GPs under the RACGP’s PEP Specialist Stream are a distinct cohort. This pathway to work in Australia and ultimately FRACGP is unique to General Practice. Typically commencing with level 2 or 3 supervision from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), these doctors quickly integrate into the Australian healthcare landscape. Unlike non-comparable doctors who require extensive supervision and PESCIs, as well as years of work prior to exams, these Partially Comparable GPs are ready to provide quality care from the outset.

One of the other key advantages of recruiting Partially Comparable GPs is their ability to remain at your practice without the need for periodic transitions common among registrars. These doctors are committed to long-term engagement, offering stability and continuity to your healthcare team.

Imagine the impact on your bottom line when you not only attract highly qualified specialists but also maximize billing potential. Our Partially Comparable GPs present an unparalleled opportunity to enhance both the clinical and financial aspects of your practice.

While our Partially Comparable GPs operate similarly to substantially comparable GPs or their Australian counterparts, there is an extra step to their journey – the completion of the FRACGP exams after their first year in Australia.

FAQs

What is a partially comparable GP?

GPs deemed Partially Comparable by the RACGP and are eligible to work under the PEP Specialist Stream. These GPs hold specialist GP qualifications from countries such as Malaysia, Netherlands, Phillipines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and those holding the international version of the UK’s MRCGP.

How do partially comparable GPs differ from substantially comparable GPs under the PEP Specialist Stream?

Partially comparable GPs are essentially the same as substantially comparable GPs except that they are required to complete the RACGP’s fellowship exams prior to be granted FRACGP. They can apply for their exams after 6-12 months in Australia.

Where can partially comparable GPs work?

They are able to work in DPA locations that are also classified as MM2+

What level of supervision is required for partially comparable GPs?

Partially comparable GPs are recommend to have level 3 supervision (supervisor is available by phone) from the RACGP, however their supervision level is determined by AHPRA. Depending on that GPs individual work experience and history, AHPRA may ask that they commence on level 2 supervision (supervisor is onsite for 80% of the time) for their initial few months in Australia.

How does billing work for Partially Comparable GPs?

Under the PEP Specialist Stream, partially comparable GPs can bill full A1 Rates. They can therefore earn the same as a substantially comparable or Australian trained doctor.

Can a partially comparable doctor stay at my practice long-term?

Yes, unlike the disruptive nature of registrars coming and going from your practice, partially comparable GPs can remain at your practice permanently (as long as they pass their FRACGP after 2 years).

How long will it take the GP to complete the registration process and start work?

This largely depends on where they are at in the registration pathway when they speak to your practice and whether they are good with paperwork. Generally it can take 6-8 months for doctors starting from the beginning of the process. However recent changes in the industry are attempting to make the process quicker and more streamlined.

How does Alecto support the registration process?

Alecto’s dedicated registration team assists with all paperwork and processes related to the employment of partially comparable doctors, facilitating a smooth transition to starting work.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to tap into this fresh market of doctors looking to move to Australia. Embrace the advantage of specialist GPs who not only bring experience and skills but also contribute to the financial prosperity of your practice by billing on par with substantially comparable or unrestricted GPs.

Get in Touch with Alecto

If you are a GP looking for vacancies in MM2+ areas then click GP Jobs in MM2 Locations for information.