How do I find a locum?
Optometrists Association Victoria does not currently keep a register of locum optometrists. The inherently changing nature of locum work means it is difficult to ensure that a register is current and up to date. Some people want to provide locum services only for limited or specific periods of time. Others may provide locum services only under some circumstances, or in specific geographical locations.
We recommend people looking for locums to utilise the online classifieds available at at www.optometrists.asn.au.
For people who wish to advertise locum services, ads can be placed free of charge to OAA members on this website.
What about Medicare provider numbers?
Medicare Australia recognises there can be some difficulties for locums in obtaining practice-specific provider numbers, particularly for those working for short periods of time at different practices. Many optometrists are professional locums, and this is their pattern of work.
An optometrist who has signed a common form of undertaking and is to provide services at a practice location as a locum for more than two weeks, or will return to the practice on a regular basis for short periods, should apply for a provider number for that location.
Medicare Provider Numbers for Short Term Locum Arrangements
If the locum is to provide services at a practice for less than two weeks, the locum can use their own provider number or can obtain an additional provider number for that location.
Locums must either sign an undertaking, or ensure that their employer has an undertaking in place. Locums not using their own undertaking must notify Medicare Australia in writing before starting at the practice and must also provide details of the participating optometrists for whom locums are providing services. Medicare Australia has a form specifically for this purpose. Not having an appropriate undertaking may affect eligibility for Medicare benefits.
Medicare Australia will pay Medicare benefits to the optometrist performing the service unless advised otherwise. If a locum wants payment to be made to a third party, a pay group link must be set up or the appropriate section on the DB1 form filled out. The DB1 facility can only direct payments to an optometrist who has a provider number. These requirements also apply to all electronic claiming.
Are there standard fees or awards for locum services?
There are no awards and no set or recommended hourly fees for optometry locums, and Optometrists Association Victoria does not have a policy or make recommendations on this.
Locum fees should be set at an hourly rate that is acceptable to both parties. This should include consideration or additional payments to cover any travel and/or accommodation, plus any special or additional services the locum may be asked to provide, as relevant.
How are locums paid?
Fees for a locum are generally paid on invoice, following the completion of the agreed locum period.
Does a locum need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?
We recommend that locum optometrists obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the Australian Taxation Office.
It is not compulsory for locums to have an ABN, but if the locum does not quote an ABN on the invoice, the business paying the locum must in that case withhold tax on the payment at a rate comprised of the top marginal tax rate plus the Medicare levy, and forward this to the tax office.
If an ABN is quoted, the business simply pays the the full amount invoiced, and it will be up to the locum to pay the appropriate amount of tax on this income.
Is GST charged for locum services?
The Australian Government requires that individuals and businesses be registered for the GST (Goods and Services Tax) if they have a ‘GST turnover’ of more than $75,000. GST turnover is sum of the values of all supplies (not just taxable supplies) that an individual or business has made or is likely to make during a 12-month period.
If you have been paid more than $75,000 for invoiced services provided in the previous year (not including any salary or any money earned as a salaried/PAYE employee), or you expect to earn $75,000 or more for invoiced services in the next 12 months, you will need to register for GST.
If you are registered for GST, you will need to quote your ABN on your invoices and clearly mark them ‘Tax Invoice’. You will then need to charge an additional GST component of 10% on your services.
Register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office.
How do I find a locum?
Optometrists Association Victoria does not currently keep a register of locum optometrists. The inherently changing nature of locum work means it is difficult to ensure that a register is current and up to date. Some people want to provide locum services only for limited or specific periods of time. Others may provide locum services only under some circumstances, or in specific geographical locations.
We recommend people looking for locums to utilise the online classifieds available at at www.optometrists.asn.au.
For people who wish to advertise locum services, ads can be placed free of charge to OAA members on this website.
What about Medicare provider numbers?
Medicare Australia recognises there can be some difficulties for locums in obtaining practice-specific provider numbers, particularly for those working for short periods of time at different practices. Many optometrists are professional locums, and this is their pattern of work.
An optometrist who has signed a common form of undertaking and is to provide services at a practice location as a locum for more than two weeks, or will return to the practice on a regular basis for short periods, should apply for a provider number for that location.
Medicare Provider Numbers for Short Term Locum Arrangements
If the locum is to provide services at a practice for less than two weeks, the locum can use their own provider number or can obtain an additional provider number for that location.
Locums must either sign an undertaking, or ensure that their employer has an undertaking in place. Locums not using their own undertaking must notify Medicare Australia in writing before starting at the practice and must also provide details of the participating optometrists for whom locums are providing services. Medicare Australia has a form specifically for this purpose. Not having an appropriate undertaking may affect eligibility for Medicare benefits.
Medicare Australia will pay Medicare benefits to the optometrist performing the service unless advised otherwise. If a locum wants payment to be made to a third party, a pay group link must be set up or the appropriate section on the DB1 form filled out. The DB1 facility can only direct payments to an optometrist who has a provider number. These requirements also apply to all electronic claiming.
Are there standard fees or awards for locum services?
There are no awards and no set or recommended hourly fees for optometry locums, and Optometrists Association Victoria does not have a policy or make recommendations on this.
Locum fees should be set at an hourly rate that is acceptable to both parties. This should include consideration or additional payments to cover any travel and/or accommodation, plus any special or additional services the locum may be asked to provide, as relevant.
How are locums paid?
Fees for a locum are generally paid on invoice, following the completion of the agreed locum period.
Does a locum need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?
We recommend that locum optometrists obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the Australian Taxation Office.
It is not compulsory for locums to have an ABN, but if the locum does not quote an ABN on the invoice, the business paying the locum must in that case withhold tax on the payment at a rate comprised of the top marginal tax rate plus the Medicare levy, and forward this to the tax office.
If an ABN is quoted, the business simply pays the the full amount invoiced, and it will be up to the locum to pay the appropriate amount of tax on this income.
Is GST charged for locum services?
The Australian Government requires that individuals and businesses be registered for the GST (Goods and Services Tax) if they have a ‘GST turnover’ of more than $75,000. GST turnover is sum of the values of all supplies (not just taxable supplies) that an individual or business has made or is likely to make during a 12-month period.
If you have been paid more than $75,000 for invoiced services provided in the previous year (not including any salary or any money earned as a salaried/PAYE employee), or you expect to earn $75,000 or more for invoiced services in the next 12 months, you will need to register for GST.
If you are registered for GST, you will need to quote your ABN on your invoices and clearly mark them ‘Tax Invoice’. You will then need to charge an additional GST component of 10% on your services.
Register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office.