Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) | What Is It | Healogics

• Updated on: 2024-03-21
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that increases the amount of oxygen blood cells can carry. It has been used for more than 70 years to improve healing in tissues deprived of oxygen. Studies show it significantly improves healing for some types of chronic wounds.

Ask your doctor to evaluate your wound and consider any coexisting medical conditions affecting your ability to heal. You can also call a Wound Care Center® directly to request an appointment.

Patients lay inside a clear-sided chamber filled with 100% oxygen that is pressurized to greater than sea-level pressure. The pressure is not uncomfortable or even noticeable for most people after they get used to the feeling. Blood-oxygen levels can increase by nearly three times. When blood carries this extra level of oxygen throughout the body, it helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of growth factors that promote healing.

Medicare has approved coverage for HBOT for several types of chronic wounds and other medical conditions. Many private insurance companies follow Medicare rules. We can help you review your plan’s coverage.

Your individual plan of care will be based on your wound type, health conditions and healing progress. Most patients receive between 30 and 40 treatments.

Most treatments last between 90 and 120 minutes. People receiving HBOT treatment are typically scheduled every day, Monday – Friday, for five to six weeks. Your doctor will inform of your particular schedule based on your treatment.

You can take a nap, read or watch TV. When you are in the clear chamber, you are able to see out of the chamber in all directions. If you are anxious, the doctor can prescribe medicine to help you relax.

For your safety, we will provide clothing to wear while you are in the HBOT chamber. Please DO NOT wear any of the following:

Additionally, you cannot have anything in your mouth during treatment, such as gum, loose-fitting dentures or candy.

Be sure to tell your doctor and HBOT technician about the following medical conditions:

If you have an internal battery-operated medical device such as a pacemaker or pain pump, the staff will check to make sure your device can be used in the chamber.

If you have an external battery-operated medical device, it cannot go into the chamber. Your HBOT physician will contact your doctor for instructions on how to deal with this device.

Your doctor will discuss blood sugar control with you. The HBOT technician will check your blood sugar before and after treatment. Take your medicine as prescribed. Eat before HBOT.

Tell your wound care physician if you are currently being treated with chemotherapy or have previously received treatment.

Prior to HBOT you will change into a plain cotton gown and your vital signs will be checked. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar will also be checked. Please let the staff know if you are in any pain or feel sick or congested.

For more information about HBOT, visit our Wound Science Initiative webpage to download our recent white paper about HBOT.

If you or a loved are a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the first step is to find a Wound Care Center near you.

Read a white paper on how hyperbaric oxygen (HBO therapy) is used as a lever for reducing unwarranted clinical variability.