FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your ultimate guide to understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and their answers to help you determine if HBOT is right for you or your loved ones
The Basics
New to hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Start here for clear answers on what HBOT is, how it works, what a session feels like and what to expect during your first visit.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Core questions about HBOT treatment — how sessions are structured, the science behind pressurized oxygen delivery and why it differs from breathing oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure.
Hyperbarics, also called hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT, is a medical therapy approved by the FDA and Medicare to heal a variety of medical conditions. A patient sits or lies down in a hard-sided, pressurized chamber, and breaths 100% oxygen, which heals the body and brain. It is safe, effective and painless.
We do not offer treatment in soft chambers. We could, but choose not to, because soft chambers only provide up to 31% oxygen and up to 1.3 ATA of pressure (we provide 100% oxygen at up to 2.8 ATA). Treatment in soft chambers, also called mild hyperbaric (mHBOT) chambers are also not at this time approved by the FDA, and insurance companies, including Medicare, do not reimburse for mHBOT in soft chambers.
Hyperbaric means high pressure, and most often refers to a medical treatment. In hyperbaric medicine, patients sit or lie down in a pressurized, full-body hyperbaric chamber, where they breathe 100% Oxygen. This oxygen under pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the body’s plasma, saturating it with 1200x more oxygen than normal.
Medicare and other insurance companies cover a number of conditions, such as radiation damage to the skin, bladder, jaw, and breast, and non-healing wounds such as diabetic or failing grafts or flaps. Insurance also covers treatment of bone infections, and many other conditions.
Hyperbaric medicine, also called hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT, is a medical treatment where a patient sits or lies in pressurized chamber and breathes 100% oxygen. In HBOT, oxygen dissolves into the blood, thus raising the oxygen concentration to very high levels. This increased oxygen is a primary building block for tissues, muscle, and bone repair. Among other benefits, it kicks off cell reproduction, heals injuries and infection more rapidly, and decreases inflammation.
Undersea and hyperbaric medicine includes both medicine that addresses diving and undersea medical issues, as well as medical treatments in hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that is used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to problem wounds, infections, and radiation damage to tissue, muscle, nerves and bones. HBOT is also used to heal sudden deafness, sudden blindness, burns, failing flaps and grafts, abscesses in the brain and carbon monoxide poisoning, in addition to numerous other conditions.
A hyperbaric treatment is a session of hyperbaric therapy where a patient is in a full body hyperbaric chamber, where they receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During this treatment, the chamber is slowly pressurized and the patient breaths pure oxygen. This treatment cures a large number of illnesses and infections, and many treatments are covered by Medicare and insurance. To find out if your condition is covered, give us a call.
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last a lifetime. For example, patients who suffer from radiation injuries have their injuries healed with HBOT, and they almost never return.
Hyperbaric medicine stimulates increased cell reproduction that can continue for up to two months after a series of multiple successive hyperbaric sessions.
There are many other effects that occur for variable periods of time and depend upon many conditions, including the patient’s health status, the severity of the problem and the patient's age and sex. For example, a 78-year-old with diabetic wounds who would otherwise require amputation of their toes would most likely find their wounds healed. However, because the diabetes itself does not go away, this patient may need additional sessions several months later.
Hyperbaric treatment affects many parts of the body, disease processes and physiology. It boosts your immune system and supercharges your body's healing process. It stimulates stem cell reproduction, gene expression and red blood cell growth, heals certain brain injuries and radiation damage throughout the body, kills infections, and heals your skin, bones, muscle and organ tissues. If you have questions about whether hyperbaric treatment can help with your condition or that of a family member, give us a call. We would love to talk it through with you.
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last a lifetime. For example, patients who suffer from radiation injuries have their injuries healed with HBOT, and they almost never return.
Hyperbaric medicine stimulates increased cell reproduction that can continue for up to two months after a series of multiple successive hyperbaric sessions.
There are many other effects that occur for variable periods of time and depend upon many conditions, including the patient’s health status, the severity of the problem and the patient's age and sex. For example, a 78-year-old with diabetic wounds who would otherwise require amputation of their toes would most likely find their wounds healed. However, because the diabetes itself does not go away, this patient may need additional sessions several months later.
For these reasons, patients are followed by their health professionals during their treatments.
Understand the mechanisms of HBOT
Go deeper into the biology. Learn how HBOT stimulates stem cells, reduces inflammation, grows new blood vessels and repairs damaged tissue at the cellular level.
Cost of treatment
Understand pricing, insurance coverage and payment options. We accept Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care and many more for qualifying conditions.
The cost of a hyperbaric chamber depends on several factors, primarily on whether you purchase a soft-sided or hard-sided chamber. Soft-sided chambers are generally less expensive but only provide up to 1.3 ATA pressure and 31% oxygen, while hard-sided chambers provide up to 2.4 ATA (up to 2.8 in some cases) and 100% oxygen, which has been shown to give medically significant results. Soft chambers require oxygen concentrators, while hard chambers need air compressors, oxygen storage, and medical-grade air setups. Before purchasing, we encourage you to call us to discuss the optimal chamber, because each treatment protocol may require specific pressures and oxygen concentrations. We’re here to support your healing.
Hard-sided hyperbaric chambers often cost well over $100,000. Soft-sided chambers are significantly less expensive, but they cannot provide high enough pressures or 100% oxygen to treat most medical conditions. While some patients report feeling better after using soft chambers, only hard-sided chambers are backed by research for medical outcomes. We recommend hard-sided chambers for best results. For more information, reach out to us and we’ll help guide you through your options.
The cost of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) varies based on the number of treatments, your diagnosis, and your insurance coverage. The FDA and Medicare approve HBOT for 14 medical conditions. Call us to discuss your diagnosis and coverage options—we are here to help you navigate the insurance process or discuss self-pay options if needed.
The CPT code for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is G0277.
As of December 2019, insurance does not typically cover the purchase of a personal hyperbaric chamber. However, Medicare and many insurance plans do cover medically necessary treatment at certified clinics like Bay Area Hyperbarics. Please call to discuss your situation and available coverage with us.
Medicare will cover the cost of hyperbaric treatments at Bay Area Hyperbarics for diagnoses that are approved. Call us to see if your condition qualifies for coverage and to review treatable diagnoses.
Yes, Medicare pays for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy if you have a covered, approved condition. See our list of insurance-approved conditions for more information.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is covered by insurance for specific diagnoses. We also offer treatment to patients without coverage—call us and we’ll help determine if your condition qualifies for insurance payment, or discuss our out-of-pocket packages and discounts. For help, call us at (408) 356–7438.
Yes, Medicare covers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for approved diagnoses, and many insurance plans do as well. If your diagnosis isn’t covered, ask us about special rates! Call us at (408) 356–7438—we're happy to review your options with you.
Purchasing a hyperbaric chamber can range from several thousand to well over $100,000 depending on type and features. Interested in buying? Contact us – we’ll help you select the right chamber for your needs and condition.
If your condition is covered, Medicare or insurance will often pay for treatments. If not, Bay Area Hyperbarics offers affordable rates, bundle discounts, and special rates! Please call us at (408) 356–7438 for personalized pricing and packages.
For conditions not covered by insurance, Bay Area Hyperbarics offers affordable rates, bundle discounts, and special pricing options. Call us at (408) 356–7438 to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you feel your best.
Before you visit a HBOT clinic
How to prepare for your first appointment — what to bring, what to wear, what to eat beforehand and what questions to ask your physician about HBOT.
Side effects of HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Understand the mild, rare side effects, safety protocols and what to expect during and after sessions.
The most common complication of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is barotrauma to the ears or sinuses, which can feel similar to the pressure changes on an airplane. This is usually mild and temporary, and steps are taken to help patients equalize pressure safely. Serious complications are rare and HBOT is generally very well tolerated.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is considered a very safe medical treatment. Most people experience no side effects, but mild and temporary effects can occur, such as ear pressure or sinus discomfort, mild fatigue, or lightheadedness. Rarely, side effects can include temporary vision changes (nearsightedness) or, in extremely rare cases, oxygen toxicity or lung barotrauma. Your care team will review all safety protocols and monitor you throughout treatment.
The most frequent side effects of hyperbaric treatment are mild and temporary, such as feeling pressure in the ears or sinuses, similar to what you might feel when flying. Other rare side effects include temporary changes in vision, mild fatigue, or sinus discomfort. Severe side effects are very rare due to strict safety protocols and patient monitoring in every session. The majority of patients find the treatment painless and comfortable.
Locations to find HBOT
Where to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Learn about certified clinics, what makes Bay Area Hyperbarics different and what to look for in a quality HBOT provider.
