Blog #42 - Streamlining the transition into private practice for graduates
At the beginning of every year, new graduate physiotherapists take the leap into starting a career in private practice. Many business owners that hire graduates have done so before and should know the drill.
Those that are diving into the unknown and hiring a graduate for the first time, this information is for you and a graduate to make the transition as smooth as possible in the early days.
The most important information you will need to practice on day 1 in physiotherapy private practice is the following:
1. AHPRA Registration
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance
3. Provider Number
Without this information, you will not be seeing patients on day 1 in private practice.
Let's walk you through some tips we have learnt over the years to make sure you have this information in January when you want to start your job and not have to wait until March. (This is a real scenario if you do not follow this information)
1. AHPRA Registration
A high volume of graduates finalise their courses at the end of the year and want to start work in January of the following year. This results in AHPRA having a back log of applications for registration and hence a long wait time to receive this vital document.
You can apply for health practitioner registration six weeks before completing your course. So count back from the last day you will finish university, not when you will receive your certificate.
Go to the AHPRA website to Graduate Applications
Complete the following:
Create your AHPRA account.
Complete your online application and upload your supporting documents.
Pay and submit your application.
Your application for registration will be assessed while they wait for your education provider to advise them that you are eligible to graduate. Keep checking online at the AHPRA National Register because new graduates that have registered with AHPRA are eligible to start work as soon as their name is published on the national register. You do not need to wait for official paperwork in the mail.
When you apply, if you can show an official 'Letter of Offer' with a start date, your application will be fast tracked.
If you do not hear from AHPRA or see your name on the online register, be proactive and contact AHPRA to be sure they received you application.
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance
This one is easy.
Option 1- you can become an APA Member and have the combined insurance package as a graduate physiotherapist.
Option 2 - you can source your own insurance provider for professional indemnity. An excellent provider for physiotherapists is Guild Insurance.
You can apply and pay for this online with an immediate policy number.
3. Provider Number
You will need a provider number in private practice for:
- your patients to claim a health fund rebate
- to order investigations
- to see Medicare rebated patients e.g Chronic Disease Management Plans
- to see DVA clients
- to see Workers Compensation Clients
- to see NDIS clients
You can not apply for this until you have your AHPRA registration number. You can work in private practice without a provider number, but you will be very limited to the clients you can see. Your business owner may choose to delay your start date until you have all this information.
A provider number is issued per location, so if you will be working in multiple clinics you will need a provider number for each clinic. Getting a first time provider number can take some time and fuss, if you are applying for an additional location provider number it is an easier process.
Your business owner will have the relevant paperwork for you to apply for a provider number as they will have to add business details to this application. As soon as you get your AHPRA Registration, let your employer know so that you can get the ball rolling with a provider number.
