Medical practitioners contracted by regional local health networks

Rural general practitioners (GPs) and medical trainees

The Rural General Practitioner Agreement (GPA) came into effect on 1 February 2024. It reflects the importance of rural GPs in South Australia, and their ever-increasing integral role in delivering the best care to regional communities. The Agreement was negotiated between the Rural Support Service (RSS), the AMA(SA) and the RDASA and represents a positive working relationship and collaboration between GPs and regional Local Health Networks (LHNs).

Highlights of the SA Health Rural GP Agreement 2024-28:

  • A significant increase of 3% to the sessional hourly rates, commensurate with the work and contribution that rural GPs provide local communities.
  • SAMSOF loadings increased by 2.9%.
  • A one-off recognition payment of $5,000 to acknowledge GPs service and ongoing commitment to South Australian rural and regional communities. 
  • The rural attraction payment of up to $50,000 for GPs beginning practice and providing hospital services in MMM 6 and 7 sites continues.
  • The rural attraction payment was expanded to MMM 5 sites, with a payment of up to $10,000. The expansion is to encourage new doctors into more South Australian country towns, including Mount Pleasant, Kapunda, Eudunda, Barmera, Meningie, Mannum, Renmark, Waikerie, Bordertown, Kingston, Millicent, Penola, Clare, Wallaroo, Crystal Brook, and Jamestown.
  • The Non-Clinical Engagement Plan ensures GPs are appropriately remunerated for a range of important and mutually enriching non-clinical commitments and activities in which they participate. For example, regional LHN required meetings, specified teaching, training and supervision, and other essential hospital-based activities.
  • A joint working party between AMA(SA), RDASA and RSS are working together to support the GPA and provide continued collaboration over the life of the Agreement.

The Agreement rates, resources and claim forms can be found here: RSS Rural Doctors Hub (SA Health intranet) 

Access to the Rural Doctors Hub and SA Health Network is available for contracted GPs, practice managers, and support staff. Please complete this form to request access. If you need any help with your access, please email the Rural Support Service at Health.RSSWebAdministrator@sa.gov.au.

Rural Specialists' Agreement (RSA)

A new Rural Specialists Agreement is being developed to provide protection for Rural Specialists who are currently engaged under the South Australian Rural Medical Engagement Schedule, 2016 (SARMES). 

Improvements and benefits provided in the RSA include: 

  • Increased loadings to SAMSOF and MBS items 
  • Expanded payment definitions 
  • Introduction of formal reimbursement for non-clinical activities such as Sunrise training and attending critical incident debrief time

Resources for contracted Rural Specialists, practice managers, and support staff 

For contracted Rural Specialists and support staff, please head to the Rural Doctors Hub (SA Health intranet), where you’ll find more information and resources about the RSA including claim forms. Non-salaried Rural Specialists are also welcome to go to the Rural Doctors Hub for more information about the RSA and contact details.  

Access to the Rural Doctors Hub and SA Health Network is available for contracted Rural Specialists, practice managers, and support staff. Please complete this form to request access. If you need any help with your access, please email the Rural Support Service at  Health.RSSWebAdministrator@sa.gov.au.

Non-RSA Specialists (i.e. under MOUs) and Locums 

The following information and resources are for Non-RSA Specialists and Locums contracted by regional local health networks. 

Contacts

Rural Support Service
Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street
Adelaide SA 5000

For claims payment queries:  

Clinical Workforce Finance Team 

Email: Health.RSSClinicalworkforcefinance@sa.gov.au

To discuss your opportunity to enter into an RSA, or for any other agreement queries, please contact the Executive Director of Medical Services in your regional Local Health Network or visit the Rural Doctors Hub (SA Health intranet).