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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a physician-supervised medical treatment used for selected conditions after clinical evaluation.

Some uses of HBOT remain investigational or are reviewed case by case. When HBOT is being considered outside common recognized indications, our medical team reviews the diagnosis, available evidence, risks, goals of care, and other treatment options before making a recommendation.

Coverage depends on the diagnosis, medical documentation, treatment plan, and payer requirements. When coverage is not available, patients may ask about self-pay options or foundation assistance. Medical appropriateness is reviewed separately from financial assistance.

Recognized indications

The conditions below are commonly reviewed for HBOT when supported by the diagnosis, medical record, and physician treatment plan. Coverage varies by payer and may require specific documentation. Medicare criteria are not the same as every commercial plan.

For the most up to date list click here. For conditions covered by Medicare, click here.

  • Air or Gas Embolism An air or gas embolism occurs when bubbles enter the bloodstream and block blood flow to vital organs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps reduce the size of these bubbles and improves oxygen delivery to affected tissues, supporting stabilization and recovery.
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Including Smoke Inhalation) Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from binding to red blood cells, depriving tissues of oxygen. HBOT accelerates the removal of carbon monoxide from the body and restores oxygen delivery, reducing the risk of long-term neurological injury.
  • Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene) This severe, rapidly progressing infection produces toxins that destroy tissue. HBOT inhibits bacterial toxin production, enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics, and improves oxygen delivery to infected tissue, supporting limb and life-saving treatment.
  • Crush Injury / Compartment Syndrome / Acute Traumatic Ischemia Severe injuries can restrict blood flow and cause dangerous swelling. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to compromised tissues, reduces swelling, and supports tissue survival during the critical early phases of injury.
  • Decompression Sickness Also known as ‘the bends,’ this condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body after rapid pressure changes. HBOT reduces bubble size and restores normal circulation, making it the standard of care for this condition.
  • Arterial Insufficiencies When blood flow through arteries is blocked or severely reduced, tissues can quickly become oxygen-deprived. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery even in low-flow states, helping preserve tissue viability and function.
  • Severe Anemia In situations where blood transfusion is not an option, HBOT can temporarily increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma, helping meet the body’s oxygen needs until other treatments are possible.
  • Intracranial Abscess A brain abscess is a serious infection that can lead to swelling and increased pressure. HBOT supports antibiotic effectiveness and improves oxygenation in affected brain tissue, aiding recovery.
  • Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections These aggressive infections spread rapidly and destroy tissue. HBOT helps slow bacterial growth, improves immune response, and supports surgical and antibiotic treatment.
  • Refractory Osteomyelitis Chronic bone infections can be difficult to treat due to poor blood supply. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to bone tissue, supporting healing and improving response to antibiotics.
  • Delayed Radiation Injury Radiation therapy can damage healthy tissue months or years after treatment. HBOT promotes new blood vessel formation and tissue repair, helping restore function and reduce pain.
  • Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps When surgical grafts or flaps are not receiving adequate blood flow, HBOT can improve oxygen delivery, supporting tissue survival and healing.
  • Thermal Burns Severe burns can lead to significant tissue damage and swelling. HBOT reduces edema, improves oxygen delivery, and supports wound healing.
  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers For selected diabetic foot ulcers, HBOT may be used alongside standard wound care to improve oxygen delivery to the wound area and support healing. Treatment depends on wound severity, vascular status, documentation, and payer criteria.

Investigational and case-by-case uses

Some conditions have emerging or mixed evidence for HBOT. These uses are reviewed case by case and should not be presented as established treatment. Insurance coverage is not guaranteed.

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Post-Concussion Syndrome TBI can disrupt brain function through inflammation and reduced oxygen utilization. HBOT may support brain metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in recovery for select patients.
  • Stroke After a stroke, areas of the brain may remain at risk due to reduced oxygen supply. HBOT may help improve oxygenation in these areas and support neurological recovery in certain cases.
  • Anoxic or Hypoxic Brain Injury When the brain is deprived of oxygen, injury can occur rapidly. HBOT may enhance oxygen delivery to vulnerable brain tissue and support recovery in carefully selected patients.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) HBOT for ASD remains investigational. It should not be presented as a standard treatment or as a way to improve autism symptoms.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) MS is a chronic neurological condition involving inflammation and nerve damage. HBOT has been explored as a supportive therapy, though results are mixed and not definitive.
  • Lyme Disease In patients with persistent symptoms, HBOT has been studied for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, though evidence remains limited.
  • Migraine and Chronic Headaches HBOT may help reduce the frequency or severity of certain headaches by improving oxygen delivery and reducing inflammation, though it is not a standard treatment.
  • Sports Injuries and Recovery HBOT may support recovery from certain injuries by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, though its use in this area is still evolving.
  • Long COVID / Post-viral Syndromes HBOT for persistent post-viral symptoms remains an emerging area of research. Patients should understand that evidence is still developing and individual results vary.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome HBOT for chronic fatigue syndrome is investigational. It should be reviewed carefully with the medical team, including evidence limits, cost, risks, and other treatment options.

Important Information

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment prescribed and supervised by a physician. Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, medical history, safety screening, and goals of care. Not every patient is a candidate, and outcomes vary.