Rural Health Services

Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program

The Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program improves access to specialist services in rural and remote Australia.

The Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP) improves the access of people living in rural and remote Australia to medical specialist services by complementing outreach specialist services provided by state and Northern Territory governments.

This is achieved by providing specialists with financial assistance to cover some of the costs associated with delivering outreach services, such as travel, accommodation and consulting room hire costs, as well as for upskilling and/or professional support to local general practitioners, specialists and other health professionals, such as allied health professionals.

The delivery and support of outreach medical specialist services has achieved considerable success over the last four years. The MSOAP provides more than 1,375 specialist services annually to rural and remote communities.

The Government has committed additional funding of $9 million over three years, commencing in 2008-09, to support the expansion of the MSOAP to improve rural and remote community access to a range of medical specialist services. This additional funding will provide opportunities for new and expanded MSOAP services, and reduce waiting lists for people in rural and remote communities to obtain treatment.

For more information about the Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program please contact the relevant office of the Department of Health and Ageing or the State or Northern Territory fundholders. Alternatively, contact the Department's rural health information line on 1800 020 787 or by email.

Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program - State/Territory office contacts
Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program - State/Territory fundholder contacts