DPAs and DWS: Your Essential Guide to Australia's Healthcare Skills Shortage

28/02/2025

Australia’s healthcare system is designed to ensure that medical services are available where they are most needed. To achieve this, the government has implemented classification systems such as District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) and Distribution Priority Area (DPA). While these terms may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in directing healthcare professionals, particularly international medical graduates (IMGs), to areas experiencing shortages. Understanding these classifications is essential for healthcare professionals, employers, and communities seeking to address medical workforce disparities.

What is a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS)?

A District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) applies to non-GP medical specialists, such as cardiologists, psychiatrists, and anaesthetists. A DWS designation indicates that there is a shortage of specific specialist services within a defined geographical catchment.

How is DWS Determined?

The Australian Government assesses the availability of medical specialist services using data on:

• Population demand vs. specialist supply in the area
• Historical access trends for specialist services
• Healthcare needs of the community

If the level of service provided by specialists in a given area is below the national average, the area is classified as a DWS for that specialty. This designation allows international specialists to work in these regions under specific visa and Medicare provider conditions.

What is a Distribution Priority Area (DPA)?

A Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification is specifically for general practitioners (GPs). It identifies regions where GP services are below a benchmarked level, ensuring equitable access to primary healthcare.

How is DPA Determined?

The DPA status is calculated using several key indicators:

1. Medicare Billing Data – Analysing service levels based on GP billings.
2. Socioeconomic Status – Recognising areas with higher barriers to healthcare.
3. Remoteness (Modified Monash Model - MMM) – Locations classified as MM 2 to MM 7 (excluding MM 1 inner metropolitan areas) are automatically designated as DPAs. The Northern Territory is also classified as a DPA by default.
4. Patient Flow Data – Analysing where patients seek medical services and whether local healthcare providers meet demand.

If an area does not meet the minimum benchmark for GP services, it receives a DPA classification, allowing IMGs to work there under Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973.

DPA vs. DWS: Key Differences

Why These Classifications Matter

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

• IMGs must work in a DPA to gain access to Medicare billing under Section 19AB.
• Specialists must work in a DWS if they wish to obtain Medicare benefits in Australia.

For Employers and Healthcare Providers

• Understanding DPA vs. DWS can help in recruitment strategies.
• Employers in these areas may be eligible for government incentives to attract doctors.

For Local Communities

• More GPs in DPAs mean improved access to primary healthcare.
• More specialists in DWS areas address specific service gaps in the healthcare system.

How to Check a Location’s Classification?

The Health Workforce Locator, an online tool provided by the Australian Department of Health, allows users to check:

• DPA classifications for GPs and IMGs
• DWS classifications for specialists
• MMM (Modified Monash Model) classifications for rurality

How to Use the Health Workforce Locator: A Quick Guide

The Australian Department of Health’s Health Workforce Locator is an invaluable tool for understanding where healthcare services are most needed. Whether you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) or a specialist doctor, this locator can help pinpoint Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) for GPs and Districts of Workforce Shortage (DWS) for specific specialties.

Access the Health Workforce Locator

1. Start with an Overview

   • When you first load the locator, you’ll see a broad map of the region. No areas are shaded yet, allowing you to choose which classifications—such as DWS for Psychiatry or DPA for GPs—you’d like to view.

     

2. Toggle Specialty or DPA Settings

   • Click the relevant specialty (e.g., Psychiatry) under “District of Workforce Shortage for Specialists” to reveal the areas shaded in blue, indicating a shortage.

   • To see where IMGs can work as GPs, switch to “Distribution Priority Area for GPs” and select “IMGs/FGAMS.” The map will highlight regions in need of GP services.

     

3. Interpret the Shading

   • Blue shading signals locations requiring more medical professionals, whether that’s specialists (DWS) or general practitioners (DPA). These areas often come with incentives or specific regulations for IMGs.

     

Find the Right Opportunity with Medlo

Understanding DWS and DPA classifications is crucial for IMGs and healthcare providers seeking to work in Australia. These designations influence where medical professionals can practice, impacting career opportunities and access to Medicare benefits.

At Medlo, we specialise in connecting IMGs with positions in DPA and DWS locations. If you are an overseas-trained doctor looking for the right opportunity, or an employer seeking qualified medical professionals, we can help.

Take the next step in your career or recruitment journey today. Get in touch with us here, or Signup here and let us guide you toward a fulfilling medical career in the areas that need your expertise the most.