Question 1

What is the difference between locum and permanent GP work?

Accepted Answer

Locum GP work is short term, covering a colleague's leave, a vacancy or a busy period, usually booked in blocks from a few days to several months. Permanent GP work is an ongoing role in one practice, with an agreed billing arrangement, patient list and, in many cases, a pathway to partnership. Many GPs use locum work to trial a location or practice culture before committing to a permanent role.

Question 2

Do I need to work in a DPA location to bill Medicare as a GP?

Accepted Answer

If you completed your GP training in Australia, no, standard Medicare billing rights apply wherever you work. If you are an internationally trained GP within your first ten years of Australian practice, you generally need to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) to access Medicare billing rights immediately. See our full guide to working as a GP in Australia for the detail on DPA locations and moratorium rules.

Question 3

How much notice do GP practices usually need before a locum booking?

Accepted Answer

It varies, some practices need cover within days for unplanned leave, others plan locum bookings months ahead for scheduled leave or busy seasons. Register your availability with Wavelength and we will match you to bookings that suit your notice period, from short-notice gap cover to bookings planned well in advance.

Question 4

Can internationally trained GPs apply for these roles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of the GP roles we recruit for suit internationally trained doctors, particularly in DPA locations. Our in-house regulatory team supports your RACGP Fellowship recognition and AHPRA registration alongside your job search, see our dedicated page on working as a GP in Australia for the full pathway.

General Practice jobs

GP jobs across Australia, locum and permanent roles to suit your life

Where GPs work with Wavelength

Locum or permanent, whichever suits where you are right now

Locum GP work, cover on your terms

Permanent GP roles, build a practice you love

Why doctors choose Wavelength for GP roles

A GP team who knows DPA from non-DPA

We negotiate your billing arrangement, not just your rate

Credentialing and Medicare provider numbers, handled in-house