(03) 9349 7800

What We Offer

WIP Doctor Stream

Foster Medical Centre GP & Patient

Workforce Incentive Program Doctor Stream

Changes to the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) – Doctor Stream from 1 January 2024 for non-vocationally registered doctors

As of 1 January 2024, the payment that non-vocationally registered doctors who are not on an approved training pathway will receive, will be 80% of the value of WIP – Doctor Stream payments. The value of payments will range between $3,600 and $48,000, depending on a doctor’s activity levels, location and duration of active services within the program.

About the Program

The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) Doctor Stream promotes careers in rural medicine by giving doctors financial incentives to practise in regional, rural and remote communities by providing direct payments to doctors who deliver eligible services in eligible locations.

Services Australia uses two payment systems to handle Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) Doctor Stream payments. Some doctors may provide services under both payment systems.

  • Central Payment System (CPS). Most doctors are paid automatically through the CPS. You do not need to apply to be paid through the CPS. Services Australia automatically calculates what is due to you based on your eligible MBS billing records in eligible locations.
    For further information on the CPS refer to https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/workforce-incentive-program/doctor-stream/payment-systems#central-payment-system
    Note that RWAV does not have any involvement with the Central Payment System. For CPS enquiries please contact the Department of Health and Aged Care.
  • Flexible Payment System (FPS). You need to apply under the FPS if some or all of your activity is not reflected in MBS records. This happens if you provide eligible non-MBS services, and/or undertake general practice (GP) training (under approved training pathways). If you have received a payment under the CPS, you can apply for a ‘top-up’ payment under the FPS if you fit into the eligibility criteria.

The following information is relevant to the Flexible Payment System (FPS)

Eligibility

For doctors to receive incentive payments, they must provide eligible services in eligible MM locations as per the Health Workforce Locator.

To be eligible for the Doctor Stream, you must:

  • provide a minimum amount of eligible primary care services or undertake eligible General Practitioner (GP) or Rural Generalist training under an approved training pathway in MM 3 to 7 locations
  • meet the required number of active quarters for payment
  • have an eligible current Medicare provider number, and
  • have provided current bank account details to Services Australia specifically for the WIP Doctor Stream through the Health Professional Online Service (HPOS).

Eligible primary care services are listed as clinical services from the following sections of the MBS:

  • Category 1: Professional attendances
  • Category 2: Diagnostic procedures and investigations
  • Category 3: Therapeutic procedures
  • Category 7: Cleft lip and cleft palate services

Payment amounts

You can receive incentive payments of between $3,600 and $60,000 per year, depending on activity levels, location, and how long you have been part of the program.

Applications

To apply for payment, use the FPS application form which contains detailed guidance.

Email your FPS payment application to RWAV at rwav@rwav.com.au or to the state or territory where you provided most services over the application period.

Further Information

For further information on the Workforce Incentive Program Doctor Stream FPS, refer to https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/workforce-incentive-program/doctor-stream or contact RWAV on 03 9349 7800.

 

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Kate’s extensive experience working with all levels of government, the community and stakeholders across the sector have provided her with insights into the challenges rural communities and health professionals face. Kate has led the design and delivery of many innovative and strategic health promotion and grants programs, supporting better access to health services, health information and activities across communities. Whilst at RWAV, Kate has led the transformation of the RWAV grants program, enhanced the administration of a number of programs and developed the RWAV allied health portfolio. She has also led the development of the RWAV research program of activities.

Having worked at RWAV since 2020, Kate will continue positively influencing the rural healthcare workforce and access to services.

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With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.

Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.

Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.

Martin is a governance professional and lawyer with experience in private practice and in-house legal roles. He has been a company secretary for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries including VicTrack, Regis Healthcare Limited and Dairy Australia Limited. He holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and is a fellow of the GIA.

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Andrea has significant experience in leading teams across culture, capability, diversity, equity, leadership, organisational development and learning programs as well as core human resources partnering.

With a strong focus on building and maintaining psychologically safe organisations, Andrea’s team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.

BCom, MPP, EdD, DipEd, Claritas/CFA Investment Certificate, MAICD

Rosemary has had a varied career as an academic teaching economics, public policy and industrial relations, and as a consultant, advocate, health union official and as a director. She brings strong governance and strategic skills to the Board, as well as knowledge and depth of experience in health policy, economics and investment.
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Roger is an experienced CEO, Chair, non-executive director, board consultant and course/workshop facilitator, with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, regional economics, disaster relief, education, transport and environmental industries. He has sat on and chaired numerous private company, public sector and not-for-profit boards and audit and risk committees. Roger has also consulted with numerous boards, published numerous articles and conducted webinars on corporate governance, risk and strategy. He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development.
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RWAV special responsibilities:
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BMBS, MBA, FRACP, FRACMA, FAICD

Grant is a retired physician and gastroenterologist whose specialist
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RWAV special responsibilities:
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BMed, MMedSci, FRACGP, FARGP, FACRRM, DipPractDerm, DipMedHyp, DipFP, DipBusAdmin, GAICD

Morton is an experienced GP and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practised in rural Victoria for 10 years. Morton is Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaborative and a past Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Association and is a board member of the Mental Health Professionals Network. He is also the Medical Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria. He is a member of the RACGP Victoria Council.

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BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM

Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. Lauren has been an integral part of the RWAV team since 2018, demonstrating a remarkable strategic vision to improve access to health care in rural Victoria. As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, she is committed to finding practical solutions to address the challenges preventing communities in rural Australia from accessing affordable and safe healthcare. For over 20 years, Lauren has designed and implemented innovative programs with communities, health professionals and government agencies that continue to have a lasting benefit. Many of these programs relate to primary healthcare, general practice, workforce, First People’s health and community engagement. 

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