DPID matching for Medicare enrolments 011-44100010

This document outlines information about Delivery Point Identifier (DPID) matching for Medicare enrolments.

Medicare address and DPID

When a new or existing enrolment address is added or modified, it is matched against an address on the postal address file (PAF) provided by Australia Post. When a Medicare address is matched with a PAF address, a Delivery Point Identifier (DPID) is allocated and an individual barcode (related to that DPID) printed on correspondence.

It is important when adding or modifying an address on enrolment and patient claims screens that every attempt is made to ensure that a DPID can be allocated to that address.

The 6-CHK ADDR message displays when an address is keyed in a non-standard format. An address in a standard format has a greater chance of finding a matching address on PAF and, therefore, of allocating a DPID.

DPID matching

The DPID/PAF has been installed on the Services Australia systems to create savings in postage to the organisation, increase data integrity and enhance customer service by using the recognised address from Australia Post. Whenever a Service Officer fails to accept the address provided, this undermines the integrity of the DPID/PAF matching process.

It is important that when adding or modifying an address on enrolment and patient claims screens, every attempt is made to ensure that a DPID can be allocated to that address.

Update address to match DPID

The following describes how to update an address to match the DPID in a new or existing enrolment.

If a new or existing enrolment address is made by mail, select Accept

Record is updated with DPID address

If a new or existing enrolment address is made in person by telephone or at a Medicare Service Centre, or the address given does not match the DPID and you are able to speak to the applicant in person or by phone

Inform the applicant that their Services Australia address must be updated to match the address given by Australia Post. Tell them what the DPID address is and ask for confirmation that this is their address
If applicant strongly objects to using the DPID address, see the information under 'Applicant objects to DPID address' below
If they do not object, select Accept. Record is updated with the DPID address

Applicant objects to DPID address

If an applicant strongly objects to their Services Australia address being updated to match the DPID address:

Select Continue/Change to override the DPID. System continues with the address keyed.
Update record with applicant's preferred address.
Endorse 'DPID not allocated by the system' on one of the following:

CDMS Commentary
Note: notate spreadsheet that comments have been added to CDMS Operator batch record form
Medicare Enrolment form

Error message continues to display

If the message 6-NO DPID? still displays and the address is confirmed as correct, override the address as follows.

For enrolment processing, use existing override procedures
For claims processing, use:

A indicator for permanent address
B indicator for temporary address change

The return message 6-CHK ADDR remains unchanged.

The 6-CHK ADDR message continues to display when an address is keyed in a non-standard format. An address in a standard format has a greater chance of finding a matching address on PAF and, therefore, of allocating a DPID.