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Doctors become eligible for an initial payment when they meet a qualifying period of service. They progress by completing active quarters in categories if eligible rural and remote locations, each with different qualifying periods, as shown in the table below.
Where doctors have been active in different categories, progress is calculated on a pro-rata basis. Once they qualify, doctors become eligible for subsequent payments every four active quarters, if the provide a reasonably continuous service.
Payments are based on doctors' locations and workloads over their last four active quarters preceding eligibility for a payment. Maximum payment rates for each category of location are shown in the table below.
Where their four last active quarters have been completed in different categories, an average is calculated, based on their location for each quarter.
Doctors' clinical workloads over their last four active quarters are taken into account, as reflected by the schedule fee value of claims processed for their services in eligible locations.
If the value of claims is $80,000 or more, they are entitled to the maximum annual payment for their locations.
Where the value of the claims is less, they are entitled to a pro-rata payment (down to a minimum level of 20% of the Maximum Annual Payment Rate).
Retention Payment Category |
Qualifying Period |
Maximum Annual Payment Rate |
A |
6 years |
$5,000 |
B |
5 years |
$10,000 |
C |
3 years |
$15,000 |
D |
2 years |
$20,000 |
E |
1 years |
$25,000 |
For more information on the Central Payments System visit the Department's website by clicking here.
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