A new incentive payment that rewards investment in specialist qualifications and credentialed skills has become available for GPs with advanced skills working in regional, rural, and remote communities, with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) encouraging applications.
GPs could earn up to $21,000 a year in additional incentive payments via the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) Rural Advanced Skills payment which will commence from January 1 next year, recognising services delivered from January 1 2023 and December 31, 2025.
The new payments consist of two separate streams: Emergency Medicine (from $4000 up to $10,500) for GPs providing a minimum level of emergency care, and Advanced Skills (from $4000 up to $10,500) for those practicing in areas such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, surgery, mental healthcare, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care.
“This is a great incentive for GPs working outside of major cities,” Deputy RACGP Rural Chair, Dr Vicki Mattiazzo, said.
“When you’re a GP working in a rural or remote community, you must have a diverse skill set and be ready for anything. No two days are the same and many patients may not have ready access to non-GP specialists without lengthy travel.
“So, it is welcome news that this payment recognises that GPs working in regional, rural, and remote areas are often required to use additional advanced skills to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they love.”
“For any future doctor considering become a GP in a regional, rural, or remote community – I encourage you to give it a try. You will be immensely valued by a tight knit community, and you will have incredible opportunities to boost your skills in such a wide range of areas. The College is working hard to support GPs who may want to try rural general practice.”
For more information on the WIP Rural Advanced Skills incentive payment and to submit an application, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/workforce-incentive-program/workforce-incentive-program-rural-advanced-skills-stream)
