HBOT is FDA-approved and widely used to treat a variety of conditions. Our providers will assess whether HBOT is an appropriate treatment for your specific situation. They will discuss the established indications for which HBOT has shown positive results, such as wound healing, radiation injuries, and sudden vision or hearing loss. For more detailed list of conditions please visit the “conditions” page here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a specially designed, pressurized chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is increased to a level higher than normal air pressure.
How does HBOT work?
The increased pressure and higher oxygen concentration allow the body’s tissues to absorb more oxygen, which is essential for healing and fighting infection. The extra oxygen helps the body repair damaged tissues, decrease inflammation, grow new blood vessels, and strengthen the immune system.
Is HBOT safe?
Yes, HBOT is generally considered a safe medical treatment when administered in a controlled environment by qualified personnel. Like all medical procedures, it carries some risks, but complications are rare. The most common side effects are temporary ear pressure changes, similar to what you might experience on an airplane.
What are the potential side effects of HBOT?
Most patients experience no after-effects. However, some individuals may experience a feeling of fullness in their ears between treatments or temporary changes in eyesight. In very rare cases, more serious complications like oxygen toxicity seizures or lung collapse can occur. These will be discussed with you before treatment begins.
What training do providers of HBOT have?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals trained in hyperbaric medicine, including physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and hyperbaric technicians.
Providers delivering care to patients supported by the Hyperbaric Hope Foundation are appropriately trained, experienced, and credentialed, by completing specialized education through programs such as Wound Education Partners, consistent with standards recognized by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
All clinical care is provided by independent medical professionals in qualified treatment settings.
How long does a typical HBOT session last?
Treatment sessions typically last around two hours. This time includes pressurization and decompression within the chamber.
How many HBOT sessions will be needed?
The number of treatments varies depending on the specific condition and how you respond to treatment. Most patients require between 20 to 60 sessions. For acute conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness, fewer treatments may be needed.
What should I wear and how should I prepare for my HBOT session?
Clinic-provided clothing will be given to you prior to your treatment. Wearing 100% cotton clothing is essential to minimize static electricity. Synthetic materials and personal items like jewelry, makeup, and hair products must be removed before entering the chamber. The staff will take the time to educate and explain these requirements to you in detail.
Can I bring anything into the hyperbaric chamber with me?
: It is crucial to refrain from bringing anything into the chamber unless explicitly approved by the staff. This includes items like lighters, matches, electronics, and petroleum-based products. You will be given a list of items allowed and disallowed prior to your first treatment.
What can I expect during an HBOT session?
A typical session will last between 90 and 120 minutes (this includes descent and ascent times) depending on what your physician has prescribed. You will generally feel some sinus pressure which can be relieved by popping your ears (similar to clearing your ears when flying in a plane). If you feel pressure that is normal. Pain is not normal and you should communicate this to the technician immediately. Technicians will be in the room and monitoring your treatment the entire time. Chambers have the ability for you to talk to your technician through a speaker system. During all your treatments, an experienced, trained and credentialed hyperbaric physician or P.A will be immediately available on-site and an experienced, trained and credentialed hyperbaric technician will be in the hyperbaric room with you at all times.
Can I make an appointment and start my HBOT treatments immediately?
A physician or P.A. consultation, exam and prescription/treatment plan (based on your condition and medical history) is required prior to beginning hyperbaric treatment. In rare emergent conditions, where time is of the essence, you may be cleared to start treatments immediately.
Is HBOT covered by insurance and what are the costs?
Generally, HBOT is covered by insurance, especially for FDA-approved conditions (link to Medicare site). Most insurance plans, including Medicare and commercial insurance, will cover at least part of the cost for these approved indications. We will check with your specific insurance provider for details and pursue appropriate avenues for coverage. The clinic will discuss any costs and payment options with you prior to treatment.
Are there age limits to receive HBOT?
There are no specific age limits that are contraindicated but patient age and conditions may change how the treatment is administered.
What type of hyperbaric chambers are used?
The Clinic uses medical grade hard chambers that meet PVHO and FDA standards for safety and effectiveness. Find out more.
