Other Medical Practitioners Extension program (OMPEP)
The Australian Government has extended the OMPEP program until 30 June 2026. This extension will enable eligible medical practitioners currently enrolled in OMPEP to continue providing services which attract a higher Medicare rebate.
The OMPEP commenced on 1 July 2023 and participation was limited to medical practitioners, who, on 30 June 2023, were registered and actively billing in one of the following legacy programs:
- After Hours Other Medical Practitioners (AHOMPs) program
- Outer Metropolitan Other Medical Practitioners (OMOMPs) program
- Rural Other Medical Practitioner (ROMPs) program.
The extension of OMPEP provides access to higher Medicare rebates for medical practitioners without specialist registration in general practice who were actively enrolled in OMPEP on 30 June 2025 and who continue to meet the requirements of the legacy program that provided their eligibility on the OMPEP.
OMPEP participants may be approved for further placements if the medical practitioner and the required location satisfies the legacy program guidelines dated 1 July 2025.
After Hours Other Medical Practitioners (AHOMPs) program
The AHOMPs program was permanently closed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on 30 June 2023.
Participants on the AHOMPs were provided 6 years from their initial date of enrolment to attain fellowship of the:
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or
- the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
AHOMPs participants who did not attain fellowship within the 6-year period were not extended on the OMPEP beyond 30 June 2025
See the AHOMPs program guidelines.
Rural Other Medical Practitioners (ROMPs) program
The ROMPs program was permanently closed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on 30 June 2023.
The ROMPs program applied to medical practitioners without specialist registration who delivered GP services in locations in:
- categories 4 to 7 of the Rural, Remote Metropolitan Area (RRMA) classifications
- approved category 3 RRMA locations with significant medical workforce shortages.
See the ROMPs program guidelines
Outer Metropolitan Other Medical Practitioners (OMOMPs) program
The OMOMPs program was permanently closed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on 30 June 2023.
The OMOMPs program applied to medical practitioners without specialist registration who:
- provided GP services in an outer metropolitan area
- were registered with a medical board before 1 November 1996
- were enrolled in a pathway to specialist registration.
See the OMOMPs program guidelines.
Medicare Plus for Other Medical Practitioners (MOMPs) program
The MOMPs program was permanently closed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on 31 December 2023.
Participants who completed 20 active quarters of eligible Medicare billing prior to 31 December 2023, can access the higher Medicare Benefit Schedule rebates indefinitely.
See the MOMPs program guidelines
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