Are Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Costs Covered By Insurance?

Chronic lyme disease

You may have heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a way to treat and heal parts of the body using a chamber to deliver much-needed extra oxygen to cells and tissues. What you may not know for sure is whether your insurance plan or health coverage will finance or help out with hyperbaric oxygen therapy costs.

HBOT is not some new-age pseudo-medical gimmick. It is an FDA-approved treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy as well as conditions including Lyme disease, AIDS, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Many insurance providers, including Medicare, will cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy costs for the following conditions:

  • Acute carbon dioxide intoxication

  • Gas embolism

  • Gas gangrene

  • Decompression illness

  • Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia

  • Necrotizing infections

  • Cyanide poison

  • Certain diabetic wounds

  • Crush injuries and sutured limbs

  • Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency

  • Skin grafting

  • Refractory osteomyelitis

  • Osteoradionecrosis

  • Soft tissue radionecrosis

  • Actinomycosis

Additionally, the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment are being explored for neurological conditions, although insurance companies are less likely to cover the costs in these situations. More exploratory arenas include:

  • Autism

  • Brain Trauma

  • Migraines

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Stroke

  • Near Drowning

  • Multiple Sclerosis

    • Patients and families considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy should know that not all centers or chambers are created equally. In order to meet FDA approval — and thus qualify for insurance coverage — hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers must meet certain standards of quality clearance.

    Nevertheless, HBOT is completely safe when administered by a trained technician and supervised by medical staff. Alert your HBOT provider about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, as well as any current cold or flu symptoms, possible pregnancies, anxiety concerns, or recent dietary or medication changes.

    To get the most out of your hyperbaric oxygen therapy costs, talk with your physician and your insurance provider about available treatment plans, coverage, and options with an HBOT location. Chances are, you’ll be able to find a suitable payment plan no matter your condition or coverage.