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Registrations, provider numbers and claiming

The registrations you need to open a private practice in Australia: ABN, business name, Medicare provider number, PRODA and claiming.

Before you see your first client you need a registered business and, if you are eligible and want clients to claim rebates, a Medicare provider number. Allow up to six weeks for a NEW provider number or 24 hours for an additional provider number.

Your business

  1. Choose a business structure. Most practitioners start as a sole trader. See the table below.
  2. Apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register. You need it to invoice clients.
  3. Register your business name with ASIC if you trade under a name other than your own. Check it's available first with the ASIC name search.
  4. Buy a matching domain and social handles so clients can find you consistently.
  5. Register for GST only if your turnover will reach $75,000 a year. Most health services are GST-free, so check with your accountant.
Structure Good for Watch out for
Sole trader Simple and cheap to set up You're personally liable for debts
Partnership Sharing costs and expertise Joint liability and potential disputes
Company Limiting personal liability, growing a team Higher setup and admin costs
Trust Tax planning Needs a solicitor and formal setup

Speak to an accountant before you choose; this is general information, not advice.

Medicare and claiming

  1. Create a PRODA account. PRODA is the government's online login for allied health professionals. Create or login to your PRODA account.
  2. Apply for your Medicare provider number online through PRODA (Health Professional Online Services). You need a provider number for each location you practise from or linked to the practice management software of your choice. If you are just providing telehealth appointments, your provider number can be attached to the software you use, if it allows for it. Apply through Services Australia.
  3. Set up online claiming. HealthBank lodges Medicare and private health claims through Tyro Health, so clients get their rebate on the spot. (see How do I set up online claiming in HealthBank?)

Optional registrations

  • HPI-I number: your healthcare provider identifier, needed to use My Health Record. Apply through PRODA.
  • NDIS: register if you want to see NDIA-managed participants. Self-managed and plan-managed participants don't need you to be registered.

Get listed: add your practice to your professional body's directory and other directories so clients can find you.

To set up online claiming through HealthBank, you can visit this help article taking you through each step: How do I set up online claiming through Tyro Health?