Preparing for employment
Complete an employment agreement
While in the FSP, you’re responsible for your employment arrangements and conditions at your approved training site. The RACGP has no jurisdiction over your employment conditions.
Before commencing at a training site, you need to finalise your agreement and employment terms and conditions. You should get in contact with the practice manager or relevant administrative staff member early so that your employment contract is finalised before the term begins. The National Terms and Conditions for Employment of Registrars (NTCER) may be a useful reference when negotiating your contract.
Have a Medicare provider number
It is vital that you have an RACGP issued Medicare provider number (MPN) before you start working at your approved training site. Your MPN gives your patients access to Medicare rebates for all or part of their healthcare. Any time you spend working without an RACGP approved MPN can’t be counted as training time.
The RACGP will facilitate the MPN forms, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they’re completed by all parties and returned to the RACGP in a timely manner. Your provider number won’t be back-dated and can take several weeks to process during peak periods.
What happens if I don’t receive a Medicare provider number in time for my program commencement?
If you haven’t been issued an MPN by the start of GPT1, you won’t be able to commence training and you’ll be placed on Category 4 leave as per the Leave Policy until your MPN is processed. It’s important to note that MPNs won’t be back-dated and patients can’t claim the Medicare rebate unless you have a valid MPN.
What if I change training sites?
If a change of training site is approved by the RACGP, you must apply for a new MPN. MPN processing is handled internally and we ensure your paperwork is sent through to Services Australia, whether it’s at the start of your training or if you’ve requested an extension. We’ll send you a new Medicare provider number application form along with your outcome letter should your change of training site be approved.
Will my training site and the RACGP be notified of my Medicare provider number?
No. Services Australia will send your MPN to you. It’s your responsibility to notify your training site and the RACGP of your MPN as soon as you receive it to ensure you can start at your training site as planned.
The RACGP requests that you send a copy of your finalised paperwork from Medicare to approvedplacement@racgp.org.au.
How long is my Medicare provider number valid?
The RACGP authorises MPN end dates for six months beyond the education component of your FSP. We’re able to assist with extensions to your provider number for the duration of the training program, which consists of the education phase and consolidation phase, providing you continue to meet training program progression requirements. If we withdraw you from the FSP or you withdraw voluntarily, your RACGP issued MPN will be cancelled.
It’s your responsibility to monitor when your MPN is due to expire and apply for extensions where appropriate. Neither Medicare nor the RACGP will issue reminders.