How To Obtain A Medicare Provider Number Quickly

Posted 30th May 25

Updated 5 days ago

Obtaining a Medicare provider number is a crucial step for healthcare professionals in Australia, especially for those working in locum positions. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your provider number quickly through the PRODA website, with detailed screenshots and instructions to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 1: Access Provider Number Section

PRODA Login Page - First step to accessing your Medicare provider number

Go to the PRODA website.
Navigate to 'My Details'.
Click on 'My Provider Numbers'.

Step 2: Create a New Provider Location

Select 'Create a New Provider Location'.
Confirm your eligibility to proceed.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Options

Provider Location Type Selection — Selecting the appropriate provider location type - avoid Medicare Urgent Care Centre option

Do not select 'Medicare Urgent Care Centre'.
Choose the correct type (not home or school).

Step 4: Enter Postcode

Hospital Postcode Entry — Entering the hospital postcode - Example shown for Inverell Hospital (2360)

Find the postcode for the Hospital — This was Inverell Hospital: 2360.

Step 5: Enter Location Details

Hospital Address Details — Entering the hospital's street address and location details

Enter the street number and type.
Click 'Next'.

Step 6: Input Contact Information

Hospital Contact Information — Adding the hospital's contact telephone number (02-67-21-95-67)

Enter the telephone number: 02-67-21-95-67.
Mobile number is optional.

Step 7: Fill in Additional Information

Deployment Details — Specifying deployment date and type for the provider number

Enter today's date.
Specify the deployment type.

Step 8: Add Contracting Organisation

Organisation Search — Searching for the hospital's ABN in the NSW database

Click 'Add Organisation'.
Search for New South Wales ABN.
If hospital outside of NSW, then type it in here

Step 9: Ensure No Spaces in Entries

Entry Format Check — Verifying that all entries are properly formatted without extra spaces

Make sure there are no spaces in the entries.

Step 10: Submit Location

Bank Details and Submission — Adding bank details for potential surgical assistance payments

Put in your bank details (this is in case your assist at an operation and require payment
Review all entered details.
Click 'Submit Location'.

Step 11: Confirmation of New Medicare Number

Medicare Number Confirmation — Success! Your new Medicare provider number is ready for use

You will receive confirmation of your new Medicare number.
The entire process took approximately six minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work without a Medicare provider number?

No, you cannot work without a Medicare provider number. It is a requirement for all healthcare professionals in Australia. If you're working in a locum position, you'll need to obtain a provider number before you can start practicing.

How long does it take to get a Medicare provider number?

The online application process through PRODA typically takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. Once submitted, your provider number is usually issued immediately and can be used right away. This is much faster than the traditional paper application method which could take several weeks.

Do I need a new provider number for each hospital?

Yes, you need a separate Medicare provider number for each location where you practice. This is because provider numbers are location-specific, unlike prescriber numbers which stay with you throughout your career. If you're working at multiple hospitals, you'll need to apply for a provider number for each one.

What if I make a mistake in my provider number application?

If you notice an error in your application before submitting, you can simply go back and correct it. However, if you've already submitted the application and received your provider number, you'll need to contact Medicare directly to make any corrections. It's best to double-check all information carefully before final submission to avoid any delays in getting your correct provider number.

Summary

Obtaining a Medicare provider number is a quick and straightforward process that can be completed online in just a few minutes. The key steps involve:

Creating a PRODA account
Completing the Medicare provider number application
Adding your practice location details
Submitting your bank details
Receiving your provider number immediately

Remember that you'll need a separate provider number for each location where you practice, but the process is the same for each application. The online system makes it much faster than the traditional paper application method, allowing you to start working sooner.

For more information about Medicare provider numbers and how they differ from prescriber numbers, check out our comprehensive guide on Medicare provider and prescriber numbers.