5 May Temporary changes to Medicare Program requirements under s19AA and 19AB of the Health Insurance Act May 5, 2020 By Danielle Cranefield Announcement, Department of Health 0 To support doctors responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health is implementing a number of short term measures to waive or streamline Medicare program requirements. These will ensure eligible doctors can continue to satisfy their obligations under section 19AA and 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 and provide Medicare services to patients in their current practice. There will be an automatic 6-month extension of s3GA placements and 19AB exemptions expiring from 1 May 2020, including extension of locum placements. These extensions will be processed on a month-by-month basis (approximately 6 weeks in advance of expiry) and all extensions will be confirmed with each doctor via letter or email. No application form will be required for these extensions. Note that there are some conditions attached to these changes, which are detailed in the below Summary. In addition, doctors who are within 6 months of reaching the maximum participation period will be reviewed by the Department before an extension is granted. The review will include consideration of a doctor’s prior 3GA program participation and progress to fellowship (including exam history). Doctors who are not granted an extension will be notified by email/letter by the Department. The Department is also waiving program requirements that can no longer be met due to the current circumstances, including: All program milestones will be suspended for 6 months ie doctors will not need to complete fellowship exams or apply to college led fellowship programs Extensions will not count towards program participation maximum For current AMDS doctors, evidence of Advanced Life Support re-certification will be waived for 6 months. The Summary of Changes document explains the changes and any conditions. The Q&A document provides information on possible questions individuals may have. While it is anticipated these extensions will continue for up to 6 months, the Department will review the need for such changes regularly and will cease these measures when no longer required. Any placement already extended will remain in place until the amended expiry date. Related Articles Independent review of health providers’ access to Medicare card numbers This review examined access by Health professionals to Medicare card numbers by using the Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) system or by calling the Department of Human Services. Temporary changes to Locum Tenens National Immunisation Program changes from 1 July 2020 My Health Record – Australians to decide on a smarter and safer way to share their important healthcare information By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If people choose not to have a My Health Record, they will be able to opt out of having one created for them during a three-month period, starting on Monday 16 July and ending on October 15 2018 DVA: Veteran Health Checks Program The Veteran Health Check is a comprehensive health assessment for veterans with GPs Commonwealth government announces extension of Medicare-subsidised telehealth Comments are closed.