RLRP Provider Numbers

Please Note: The Rural Locum Relief Program (RLRP) will remain based on the RRMA classification system until 31 December 2010. The RLRP is currently undergoing review. It is anticipated that a replacement program will commence from 1 January 2011 and will be based on the ASGC-RA classification system.

Ever wanted to do a GP rotation?

The Rural Locum Relief Program (RLRP) can:

Help you access a Provider Number to experience rural General Practice
Offer you a chance to try out general practice before you commit to a specialty
Allow you to try a few locum positions in rural NSW and experience the real NSW
Provide GP recognition - if used in conjuction with an alternative pathway
Allow you to try out other practices while you are on GP training

If you think your options are limited due to Provider Number restrictions because you:

completed your internship or year of supervised training after November 1996,
have not gained specialist recognition, and
are an Australian Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident...

you may still be able to try General Practice in a supportive and stimulating environment before you commit to a training program.

You may also be eligible for the higher A1 Medicare rebates through ROMPP while enjoying rural general practice (and putting the additional income to good use!). You may even be able to gain Visiting Medical Officer rights to a local hospital while on the RLRP. If you decide that rural general practice may be for you, the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) may even be able to assist you with relocation expenses through our GP Grants scheme.

What do I need to do to work in rural General Practice?

To obtain a Provider Number to work in rural general practice through the RLRP, you will need to work in an eligible rural area, which is an area designated as being RRMA 4-7. You can view RDN's vacancy database on our website or contact RDN for assistance in identifying these eligible communities. You will need to meet the RDN guidelines to ensure that you get the mentoring and support you need while you are on this program.

Before we can approve a placement, we need to be sure that:

Arrangements for your clinical support are in place,
You are willing to participate in appropriate CPD activities, and
You have at least two years post graduate experience in an environment appropriate for Australian general practice.

To work in solo practice you will need at least three years post graduate experience appropriate for Australian general practice, including 12 months experience in an environment clinically similar to Australian general practice.

Will the RLRP bind me to rural General Practice?

No, the RLRP is a very flexible program. There are currently no restrictions regarding the length of your tenure. The ideal placements are probably for periods of between three months and two years, but you can discuss this with your employing practice.

I may be subject to the 10-Year Moratorium - will this make a difference?

If you are an Overseas Trained Doctor or a former overseas medical student, you may be affected by the 10-Year Moratorium on Provider Numbers. This doesn't exclude you from the RLRP. RDN can still advise and assist you in locating a suitable practice.

How can the Five Year Program help me?

The Five Year Program (5-Year Scheme) recognises the difficulty in recruiting doctors in small to medium sized inland locations by reducing the length of time eligible doctors are required to complete the 10 Year moratorium. Read more about the Five Year Program.

For more information on the RLRP please call the Recruitment Officer on 02 4924 8060 or email medirec@nswrdn.com.au