GPs should be allowed to charge for bandages and dressings given to patients in bulk-billed consultations, an MBS review committee says.

There have been long running demands from doctors to end the ban on charging for wound dressings used during bulk-billed consults, a ban that frequently results in practices losing money every time they provide wound care. 

Now, an expert committee for the MBS Taskforce Review is calling for a major overhaul.

In a draft report, it says the Federal Government should carry out economic modelling on creating new items to fund dressings for wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries and non-healable wounds.