A popular Perth GP has lost his job after his employer was informed he was no longer able to access Medicare benefits for his patients after becoming a permanent resident. 

Originally from the United States, Dr Matthew Moore moved to Kalamunda two years ago and was practicing at Stirk Medical Group in Lesmurdie.

To work as a doctor in Australia, a Medicare provider number is needed so patients can claim Medicare rebates for services doctors provide.

However, Section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act 1973 means Dr Moore is unable to practice due to the law introduced by the Howard Government in 1997.

The law bars doctors who enter the country after 1997 from billing under Medicare for 10 years unless they had worked in rural towns. 

According to the Department of Health, medical practitioners who are restricted by Section 19AA of the Act are unable to access Medicare benefits unless they “apply and participate on an approved training or workforce programme under section 3GA of the Act.”  

“I sure wasn’t aware of it,” Dr Moore said.

“Nor was Stirk Medical Group’s practice manager or the owner himself.

The Department of Health contacted Stirk and informed them Dr Moore was unable to work due to this law. 

“Once they figured out why Medicare wasn’t paying benefits, they notified me that I no longer had a job there.”

“The situation is tough any way you look at it. I’m out of a job, Stirk loses a good doc, and the community loses a competent practitioner.

The law leaves Dr Moore with the prospect of having to move to a rural area to continue practising in Australia. 

“I was really bent out of shape as I’m now looking to uproot my family and leave the home that we love.” 

Stirk Medical Groups Medical Director Mike Civil said the practice has had to seek doctors from overseas to ensure they can meet the medical needs of their patients in the Hills area.

“Being an area of District Workforce Shortage, we have been eligible to consider employing overseas doctors when no local graduates are available to fill vacancies within the practice,” he said.

Mr Civil said Stirk provides support for doctors they employ from overseas.

“When appointing doctors from overseas, we support their applications to obtain visas and give guidance in the necessary and due process needed to obtain registration with AHPRA [Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency].”

One of Dr Moore’s patients, Adele Standeven started a petition which has gained more than 1,000 supporters in a few days.

While Dr Moore has been unable to work, she told Radio 6PR his patients have been suffering.

“I’ve got four blood conditions I’m suffering from. We need him back,” Ms Standeven said.  

Gary, a patient of Dr Moore’s told Radio 6PR he was “extremely pissed off” with the situation.

“He’s an absolutely fantastic guy, you can talk to him about anything… he has great knowledge,” he said.

Mr Moore also works with youths at risk of suicide and, according to Ms Standeven, “these are bloody good reasons to fight for [his job].”

Dr Moore was thankful for the online petition to have him reinstated but didn’t believe it would have the desired effect. 

“I’d love to return to work, but don’t think that’s possible anytime soon.

“The petition is a wonderful thing put in place by a happy patient, that is all,” he said.

Mr Civil said Dr Moore’s reinstatement at the Stirk is “entirely out of our hands.”

“Once he has a valid provider number and can therefore be recognised by the Medicare system, he would be welcome to return to the practice.”

“There has never been any question regarding Dr Moore’s clinical skills and acumen, by the practice.”

WA Health Minister Kim Hames’ office said they were not in a position to comment as the case involves GPs and Medicare, which is a federal responsibility.