A recent update to the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system and the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status means that some GPs and local communities could benefit from increased Medicare support through increased bulk billing rates or a wider pool of doctors to recruit from.
Reclassification
Green Head and Leeman in WA have both been reclassified from Small rural town (MM5) to remote (MM6), which increases the Medicare rural loading applicable.
DPA status
The DPA update has given the following WA locations full DPA status: Armadale, Byford, Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Mundaring-Swan View, Swan, and Wanneroo-Quinns Rocks. Joondalup was assigned partial DPA status. This change in status allows general practices in these areas to recruit from a wider pool of doctors, including those doctors recruited internationally.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Health Workforce Locator now reflects changes to the DPA and MMM geographical classification systems. These updates will be implemented in Services Australia’s system on 13 April 2025, taking effect from that date.