An evidence-based list of wound dressing options would stop GPs and patients wasting money on unnecessarily expensive products, the RACGP says.

The college has told an MBS Review Taskforce working group into wound management that “unusual or expensive” dressings are not always necessary despite the claims of manufacturers.

“Industry influence, through direct marketing to patients or clinicians, means that patients may purchase unnecessary, expensive dressings,” it says in its submission to the task force.

“Many practices buy dressings in bulk and on-sell them to patients. This approach has problems regarding wastage and storage.