Generally speaking, yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be covered by Medicare and commercial insurances depending on your medical condition.  At this time, Medicare and most commercial insurance companies will cover HBOT for:

• Air or Gas Embolism
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Chronic Osteomyelitis
• Crush Injury/Other Traumatic Injuries
• Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps
• Decompression Sickness (Bends)
• Diabetic and Selected Wounds
• Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia)
• Gas Gangrene
• Intracranial Abscess
• Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
• Osteoradionecrosis and Radiation Tissue Damage
• Thermal Burns
• Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (covered by select commercial insurance companies)

It is important to note that some of the medical conditions listed above have limitations on coverage.  When you come to R3 for your treatment, we will handle the responsibility of working with your insurance company to determine coverage.  Most insurances will require prior authorization to cover HBOT treatments.

There are numerous studies and scientific evidence showing HBOT as an effective treatment for a range of medical conditions beyond those listed above.  While at the discretion of the insurance company, they will sometimes cover them on an individual basis.

How many HBOT sessions will I need?

Some conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, might be treated in three visits. Others, such as non-healing wounds, may need 20 to 40 treatments. Most people see the best results after completing a treatment plan of one session a day, five days a week. At the least, we at R3 suggest those seeking effective HBOT should commit to three sessions per week.  We will remain fully transparent during the evaluation and treatment process regarding what you may expect with your situation. And, where appropriate, we will fully consult with and provide updates to your physician.

There are many benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy!

• Decreased Edema: Because HBOT stimulates better circulation, it decreases swelling.
• Tissue Hyperoxygenation: When tissue becomes hyper-oxygenated through HBOT treatment, it becomes saturated with the oxygen that can stimulate healing.
• Antibacterial Activity: Antibacterial activity increases as soon as the body is flooded with oxygen through a treatment such as HBOT.
• Increased Angiogenesis: Angiogenesis is the function of creating new blood vessels, which is very important. Without this, tissue can’t survive or undergo repair.
• Synergy with Antibiotics: HBOT maximizes the effects of antibiotics by optimizing oxygen levels in the body and boosting leukocytes to kill dangerous bacteria.
• Stimulate Growth Factors: The growth factors in blood platelets are activated with HBOT treatment.

Unfortunately, there is not a standard answer.  Your out-of-pocket cost for HBOT will vary depending upon your condition or reason for care, your specific insurance plan, and the severity of your symptoms.  We believe in transparency, so we will talk with your insurance company and then discuss your coverage with you prior to treatment to ensure you know what your costs will be.

What are the side effects/complications of HBOT?

There are only a few mild and temporary hyperbaric oxygen side effects, and these will be discussed with you before your treatment. If during the course of your treatment, you notice any issues about the way you feel, you just let your technician know.  Some rare, but possible side effects may include:

• Barotrauma of the ear or lung, from the air pressure (ringing in the ear)
• Temporary change in vision
• Temporary lightheadedness
• Temporary fatigue
• Temporary low blood sugar
• Although it’s extremely rare, patients with underlying brain or lung disorders could experience oxygen toxicity and pressure injury to the lungs

If any of these HBOT side effects don’t go away or seem to worsen, we will consult with your primary doctor.