"Health 24-7 are a lovely team and very supportive when it is needed." - FACEM, Vic

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What can I expect to be paid for a locum?

The rates for locum work vary depending on your discipline and level of experience, the facility for which you are working, and the time of year. RMO’s can expect to earn $70-90p/h, while Registrars can expect $80-100p/h. Specialist rates usually vary between $1500 to $2000p/d. This fee for service is determined by the health care facility, although there is room for negotiation in some instances.

  1. Is medical indemnity required?

Health 24-7 recommends that all of our doctors at least have their own basic medical indemnity. Although the majority of public health care facilities do provide indemnity cover this is not always comprehensive particularly if instances arise where you are covering a private wing in addition to your public duties, or are billing patients privately. In some private hospitals and practices it is mandatory for you to provide evidence of your own medical indemnity to an acceptable level.

  1. What are the advantages of locum work?

Locum work offers you the chance to work in a variety of locations, providing a change of scenery, an opportunity to meet new people, and increase your skill set. Whether you are taking a break to study, looking to supplement your income, or wanting to try something different, locum work is the answer.

  1. What are the benefits of working with Health 24-7?

With Health 24-7 you receive all of the benefits of locum work, without the administrative hassles. We will search for a job to meet your specific needs and keep you updated as new vacancies arise. Your dedicated consultant will assist with any required paperwork, help with registration, look into travel options and follow up invoicing and payment for you.

  1. How will I be employed to do locums?

Employment for locums varies on a case by case basis. There are 2 main methods of engagement. The first is to be engaged as staff. This means you will be a direct employee of the Health Facility, you will accrue annual leave etc on a pro rata basis and you will be paid through payroll with tax withheld. The second is contractual. You do not accrue annual leave etc. Operating through contractual engagement allows you to sign a contract for engagement and submit an invoice for payment and no tax is withheld.

  1. How will I be paid for locum shifts?

You will be paid by the health care facility in which you work (or the Local Health District in some instances within NSW) either by direct deposit or cheque. You will either be paid via payroll or through accounts payable determined by your method of engagement. Payment times vary but as a general guide payroll turn around is 45 days and, accounts payable turn around can vary from 1 week to a month in arrears on a case by case basis.

  1. Is payment the same in all states?

Generally payment is the same in all states. The only exception is for those locums choosing to work as an individual within QLD Health. If you are not PTY LTD and not on payroll you will need to sub contract with Health 24-7 to work in QLD Health. This means Health 24-7 will pay your fee for service upon your invoice to Health 24-7. Again, Health 24-7 will assist with bookkeeping matters in these instances.

  1. Do I need a provider number?

If you are working as a specialist or VMO you will almost always require a provider number. The majority of hospitals require you to apply for a location specific provider number although there are some instances where you may use an existing provider number for a locum provided the locum is less than 14 days. Obtaining a provider number is as simple as completing a form and the process takes approximately five business days to complete. Your Health 24-7 consultant will send you the appropriate form and assist with the application.

  1. Do I need an ABN?

You will require an ABN if you want to locum through contractual engagement (i.e.: non-payroll). A contract prior to engagement in many cases will be drawn up by the Health Facility in your company name (Pty Ltd) or individual name (Sole Trader). You will need to submit an invoice for payment that has your ABN details clearly recorded, we can look after your bookkeeping in this regard if you prefer.

  1. How do I obtain an ABN, and will I need to register for GST?

You can apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number) online by visiting the Australian Taxation Office website (www.ato.gov.au) You will need to register for GST if your annual earnings through your ABN work exceed $75 000 in any one financial year. If you are not registered for GST you can update this on line at any time. If you are not registered for GST your invoice is titled only “INVOICE” and no GST is calculated. If you are registered for GST your invoice is titled “TAX INVOICE”, GST is calculated and you are required to look after your tax obligations quarterly.

  1. What is provided in terms of travel and accommodation?

In most cases the health care facility will arrange or reimburse your travel costs including flights, car hire or mileage. Accommodation is usually provided, and it may be possible to organise couple or family accommodation. However, this is determined by the health care facility and can vary. Your Health 24-7 consultant will look into all of these details for you and make sure everything is taken care of.

  1. How will I be notified of new shifts?

Once you have registered with Health 24-7 you will have access to our extensive database of vacancies on line. Our website is updated daily and you also have the option of joining our mailing list to receive regular email or SMS notification. Our consultants also make regular phone calls to keep you posted on any shifts they know will be of interest to you.

  1. How does National Registration operate?

As of 1 July 2010, medicine (along with nine other health professions) is now operating under a national registration and accreditation scheme. As a result, if you are now registered with the Medical Board of Australia you are able to practice nationwide. If you held current registration with a State or Territory medical board on 30 June 2010, then you would have automatically transitioned to the national scheme. Your national registration will remain valid until the expiry date of your previous State or Territory registration. If you held registration in more than one State or Territory, your national registration will expire on the latest end date of your current registration.

Once your current registration expires, you will be sent a reminder letter by AHPRA and will be required to apply for renewal. The first renewal may be for more or less than 12 months to bring everyone in line with the new expiry date of 30 September, and your fee will be charged pro rata accordingly. Please note, there is now only a one-month grace period for renewal.

The types of registration are now as follows: General registration, Specialist registration, Limited registration, Provisional registration, Non-practising registration and Student registration. You can check your current status and also renew online by visiting www.ahpra.gov.au

PO Box 1100, Mudgee
NSW 2850 Australia