Other Medical Practitioners Extension program (OMPEP)
The Australian Government has extended the OMPEP program until 30 June 2030. 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 2026 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 satisfy the requirements of the ROMPS legacy program.
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.
Rural Other Medical Practitioners (ROMPs) program
The ROMPs program was permanently closed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on 30 June 2023. Medical practitioners participating in the ROMPs program on that date were automatically transitioned to the Other Medical Practitioners Extension Program (OMPEP).
The ROMPs program applied to medical practitioners without specialist registration in General Practice 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.
Eligible participants may remain on the OMPEP until 30 June 2030, provided they continue to meet the above requirements of the ROMPs legacy program.
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.
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.
The MOMPs program applied to prescribed medical practitioners who were registered with the medical board before 1 November 1996 and provided services in areas of workforce shortage.
Medical practitioners who completed the requirements of the program by 31 December 2023 retain access to specialist general practice Medicare rebates, provided they maintain relevant registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
MOMPs program enquiries can be directed to Services Australia on 132 150.
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