Your MIPS membership classification determines the extent of your practice that is indemnified by MIPS.
Your membership classification is stated on your most current Member Benefit Statement (tax invoice) or Certificate of Membership (insurance) and provides a summary on page two of your previous practice details. You must ensure your membership classification/s accurately reflects both your previous and current healthcare practice to ensure you do not prejudice your membership benefits including insurance cover.
For further information regarding your category, basis and endorsements refer to Membership Classification Guide in the Member Handbook.
Complete our Membership Classification Update form to advise MIPS of any changes to your practice including:
- estimated annual billings and/or salary
- commencing a training program or registrar position
- obtaining a specialist qualification
- practice location.
Once this information is received, your membership details will be assessed, which may result in a change to your membership classification and/or fee.
Employer indemnified practice refers to practice where your employer has agreed to indemnify you (to meet your AHPRA registration indemnity requirements) for any civil claims as a result of your acts, errors and omissions in carrying out your duties. This type of practice is usually undertaken in a public hospital setting however you may also be indemnified by your employer in a private setting.
If you are uncertain of your indemnity arrangements, you should seek confirmation from your employer as MIPS cannot provide that confirmation.
Refer to the Member Handbook for further information.
Non-employer indemnified practice refers to practice where you are not indemnified by your employer and you are personally liable regardless of whether or not these services are undertaken in a public or private setting.
For any non-employer indemnified (private) practice such as surgical assisting, after hours deputising services or gratuitous / volunteer services you will need to ensure your membership classification provides cover (including the appropriate level) for those services.
To update your practice details complete a Membership classification update.
If you are undertaking an accredited registrar training program or dental specialist training you may be eligible for the ‘Registrar’ or ‘Dentist in training’ membership classification. To update your membership details, complete the Registrar or Dentist Training Program Form
When undertaking non-employer indemnified (private) practice MIPS requires you to provide estimated billings and or salary to determine the level of cover required for that practice.
- Billings generated by you from all areas of your private practice whether retained by you or otherwise, and before any apportionment or deduction of any expenses and/or tax.
- excludes any billings where indemnity is provided by your employer
- if your billings are unknown you can provide your gross salary instead of billings.
- Salary you receive for private practice where billings are not generated under your provider number (or billed by a third party on your behalf). You should also include any salary you receive for supervision of other practitioners.
- excludes any salary where indemnity is provided by your employer
- excludes any salary for practice where you have already provided estimated billings for that practice.
Members are required to notify MIPS as soon as they become aware that their estimated hours, billings and/or salary does not accurately reflect the level of cover required for the membership period.
To update your estimated gross private billings and / or salary complete a Membership classification update.
The benefits of MIPS membership apply throughout all Australian states and territories.
Your practice location should reflect where you generate the majority of your non-employer indemnified (private) practice gross billings/ and or salary in a membership period or where you undertake the majority of your practice (hours) if you are employer indemnified.
If you undertake work (eg locums) in multiple locations, you should provide the state where you intend to undertake the majority of your work in a membership period.
To update your practice location complete a Membership classification update.
Has your practice changed?
You may risk delays in access to support and advice when you need it the most if your Membership Classification does not provide cover for your practice.
MIPS receives thousands of calls from members each year. Some of these calls are for minor questions but some relate to serious matters that could result in a significant claim.
Your invitation to renew your MIPS’ membership will be issued in May 2023. To avoid delays in updating your membership details during this busy time, review your classification now and contact MIPS if a change is required. This way, you don’t risk any delay in getting assistance when you need it the most.
What do you need to check?
- Are your billings correct?
To determine your correct level of cover, MIPS requires your estimated annual gross billings for practice where you are not indemnified by your employer. If you also undertake practice where no billings are generated, you need to provide your salary for that practice (e.g. salary you receive for the supervision of other practitioners where those services are not employer indemnified). For more information, refer to the Classification guide.
- Is your practice employer indemnified?
Employer indemnified practice refers to practice where your employer has agreed to indemnify you (to meet your AHPRA registration indemnity requirements) for any civil claims as a result of your acts, errors and omissions in carrying out your duties. If you are uncertain of your indemnity arrangements, you should seek confirmation from your employer.
If your classification is ‘Employer indemnified only’ and you have commenced practice not indemnified by your employer, you need to provide details by completing the Membership Classification Update .
- Are you still eligible for ‘Registrar’ classification (medical only)?
If you have obtained your specialist qualification or you are no longer enrolled in an accredited specialist training program, you need to update your membership classification by completing the Membership Classification Update .
- Do you undertake cosmetic services?
Most categories exclude cover for cosmetic practice, including minor cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and dermal resurfacing. Refer to the Classification guide for more information and contact MIPS if you undertake cosmetic practice not covered under your classification.
Insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. The information provided is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances or needs. You should review the Member Handbook Combined PDS and FSG and/or contact MIPS on 1800 061 113 before making a decision. Information is current as at the date published.
