District of Workforce Shortage

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) may only access the Medicare Benefits Schedule if they agree to work in a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) area. A DWS is an area in which the general population’s need for health care is not being met, and is assessed when applying for a Medicare Provider Number.

For the purpose of a DWS evaluation, geographic divisions set by the Australian Bureau of Statistics are used. Please check the DWS database (only for GPs) on the Doctor Connect website to establish whether a practice location is currently listed as a DWS.

For further information please refer to Medicare.