January 2010—Australian Optometry article
Check-list for new grads
Medicare Australia has prepared a check-list to give to your graduate to help them when preparing to work with Medicare Australia. This check-list should be completed before the graduate starts working, so their consultations are eligible for Medicare benefits.
Encourage your graduate to submit their paperwork before the end of the year. Your graduate needs to:
- submit an Application for an initial Medicare provider/registration number for an Optometrist form to Medicare Australia
- submit an additional form to indicate whether they want to become a participating optometrist or a non-participating optometrist
- become a participating optometrist by signing and submitting the Common form of undertaking—Participating Optometrist form. This form can be used even if they intend to practise as an employee of an optometrist or organisation that has a signed an undertaking of their own
- be a non-participating optometrist by signing and submitting the Schedule of optometrists on whose behalf optometrical services are provided by a non participating optometrist form.
The application forms must include the date they plan to start consulting at a particular practice.
Medicare Australia will make payments for consultations by the graduate from the date nominated, even if they have not received their provider number by that date.
The graduate must not submit Medicare claim forms (for example DB-2 or DB-1) or issue invoices for services they have rendered until they have received their provider number. Graduates are encouraged to retain the paperwork for their patients until they have received their provider number, and then they can submit the claim forms.
Optometrists cannot use any other provider number apart from their own.
To download these forms go to the Apply for provider number page.
For more information call Medicare Australia on 132 150* and ask to speak to an optometric adviser.
* Call charges apply.
Last updated: 18 March, 2010