Provider Directory System
Functions of the Provider Directory System (PDS)
The Provider Directory System records information about providers whose services directly or indirectly generate a claim for Medicare benefits. PDS holds information concerning the identity of the provider, eligibility under Medicare arrangements, information necessary for the processing and payment of Medicare claims, hospital data and information required for the 90 Day Cheque program and information forms lodged for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.Privacy
Privacy
Medicare Australia respects and protects the privacy of all its customers. With regard to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, Medicare Australia complies with the Information Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), the secrecy provisions of the Health Insurance Act 1973 , the National Health Act 1953 and the guidelines for Federal and ACT Government world wide websites issued by the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner.
Further information is available at Office of the Privacy Commission website
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The information you send to Medicare Australia through PDS is confidential.How secure is PDS?
How secure is PDS?
Authorised providers, authorised data recipients and Medicare Australia staff are subject to tight security processes that control and log all access to the PDS. Multiple levels of access control exist to ensure Medicare Australia staff and authorised external persons and organisations can only access data that they are approved to access. All Medicare Australia information is protected by a secure firewall.
The access/logon process for providers ensures that you are the only one who can access your information. To protect your information, you need to ensure that your log on information remains confidential.
The access/logon process for authorised recipients ensures that you are only given access to data approved in accordance with the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Benefits of PDS
Providers can use PDS to:
- update some personal details and contact information, including date of birth, telephone, fax, email, mobile, pager and preferred mailing address
- close a location along with amending telephone and fax numbers for other locations
- apply and submit an application online for an additional location.
By supplying a preferred mailing address, Medicare Australia can send you important information about Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and other government programs.
Authorised recipients can use PDS to download a copy of limited Medicare provider file data and the latest specialty code listing used by Medicare Australia.
PDS for Providers
Access requirements for PDS
To access PDS a provider needs to:
- have a PKI Individual certificate from the eCertificates, or
- be registered with the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), or
- be registered with the Feedback Reporting Facility (FRF) secure Internet sites.
If you register with eCertificates for an individual certificate to access PDS you will be able to update your details through PDS, and also undertake a number of other functions.
For further information please click on the eCertificates link eCertificates or call the eBusiness Service Centre on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 for more information.
The security provided by your PKI Individual certificate also enables you to submit your Medicare claims, Australian Organ Donor Register and ACIR transactions via the Internet using online claiming.
Information about ACIR and FRF is available from the following links:
- Australian Childhood Immunisation Register
- Feedback Reporting Facility
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)
Recommended Hardware and Software
To access PDS, please check that you have the appropriate hardware and software installed on your PC. The following technical specifications are recommended to access and communicate securely with the site.
| Computer | A PC with a Pentium II processor or better is recommended |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 98, NT, 2000, ME or XP operating systems have been tested and approved by Medicare Australia |
| Memory | Minimum 64 Mb RAM (128 recommended) |
| Browser software | Internet Explorer V5.5 or higher for the PC |
| Modem | A modem to connect to the internet (56 Kbps minimum) |
| Internet access | A connection to an internet service provider (ISP) |
| Screen resolution | Minimum screen resolution 800 by 600 pixels |
How to log on to PDS
Contact information
- If you have problems accessing PDS using PKI, please call the eBsuiness Service Centre on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 or email pki@medicareaustralia.gov.au
- If you have problems accessing PDS using ACIR, please call the ACIR Internet Help Desk on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 or email acir@medicareaustralia.gov.au
- If you have problems accessing PDS using FRF, please call 1800 700 199 and select option 3 or email provider.feedback@medicareaustralia.gov.au
- For any inquiries about your personal information and practice details please contact Medicare Australia Provider Liaison on 132 150 ( 8.30am to 5pm (EST) Monday to Friday) or email medicare.prov@medicareaustralia.gov.au
- If you have problems lodging a NBCSP form within PDS, please call the NBCSP Service Desk on (02) 6124 6779.
PDS for authorised recipients
An authorised recipient is a person or organisation that has applied to Medicare Australia, eCertificates for access to PDS data. Their application must be approved by the Delegate to the Minister for Health and Ageing, authorising release of PDS data pursuant to Section 130 of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Registration requirements for authorised recipients
Authorised recipients are required to lodge an application with Medicare Australia, eCertificates for access to PDS data.
Your application for access to specific data will be considered by the Delegate of the Minister for Health and Ageing and if approval is given a Delegate Certificate will be issued. You will be able to access data as specified in the certificate.
Once your application has been approved you will be issued with a User ID which you will need to access the PDS Home page for authorised recipients.
You will be able to view the details of your registration and any Delegate Certificates on the PDS Home page for authorised recipients.
Access requirements for PDS
To access PDS you need to have a PKI Individual or Location certificate from the eCertificates. The type of transactions that a business wants to undertake online will determine the type of certificate that the business will need.
If you only need to identify that the business completed the transaction then only a Healthcare Location Certificate is required. However, if you need to identify the particular person who completed the transaction then a Healthcare Individual Certificate is also required.
For further information please click on the eCertificates link eCertificates or call the eBusiness Service Centre on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 for more information.
Reference Guide for authorised recipients
Please return your completed application form to:
Privacy and Information Release Section,
Medicare Australia
PO Box 1001
Tuggeranong DC ACT 2901
Contact information
If you have any problems accessing the PDS for authorised recipients using your Certificate, please call the eBusiness Service Centre on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 or email pki@medicareaustralia.gov.au
For information about registering as an authorised recipient, please call the eBusiness Service Centre on 1800 700 199 and select option 3 or email
Postal address:
Privacy & Information Release Section
PO Box 1001
Tuggeranong DC ACT 2901
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Last updated: 28 May, 2008