District Workforce Shortage

A District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) is an area in which the general population’s need for healthcare has not been met. DWSs are determined by the Department of Health and Ageing and are linked to the provision of Medicare provider numbers. In general, a location is deemed a DWS if it falls below the national average for the provision of medical services. DWS only applies to medical jobs that need to provide services that attract Medicare rebates, for example, General Practitioners.

Medicare provider number restrictions apply to all overseas trained doctors (OTDs). By restricting the Medicare provider numbers issued to OTDs to Districts of Workforce Shortage, the Department of Health and Ageing aims to achieve an equitable distribution of medical services across Australia.

An exemption from the Medicare provider number restrictions may be granted for locations that have been identified as a DWS. This exemption enables a doctor to be granted a Medicare provider number and bill for services that will attract benefits from Medicare.

The restrictions are in place for a maximum period of ten years, known as the ten year moratorium.