HBOT FAQs

HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment, allowing your body to absorb more oxygen, which promotes healing and recovery at the cellular level. This therapy is conducted in a specialized chamber, where the pressure is increased beyond normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.

HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing abilities by utilizing the power of oxygen and pressure. The key to its effectiveness is the pressurized environment, which allows the body to absorb significantly more oxygen than under normal conditions. This increased oxygen dissolves not only into red blood cells but also into the plasma, allowing it to reach areas with restricted blood flow caused by injury or illness. This process supports tissue repair, reduced inflammation, and promotes faster recovery.

Currently, there are 14 FDA-approved conditions for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including gas embolisms, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, crush injury, decompression sickness, non-healing wounds, and others that are typically treated in a hospital environment. More recently, a growing body of scientific research supports the benefits of HBOT for off-label uses such as post-surgical recovery, traumatic brain injury, chronic fatigue, inflammation, athletic recovery, and even general wellness. Our hyperbaric medicine team will evaluate your specific needs to determine if HBOT is the right option for you.  

Yes, when administered under proper medical supervision, HBOT is considered safe. At MD Hyperbaric, your hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment is protocol-driven, backed by science, and is proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for many conditions. We prioritize safety by ensure our staff is certified and trained, and engaging our Medical Director to oversee patient care and treatment plans. We also have an onsite Safety Coordinator trained to manage our daily operations. Each session is carefully monitored by our certified staff, and we continually analyze new studies and clinical outcomes to update our treatment protocols to provide a safe experience for every patient.

Typically, most treatment sessions are approximately 60 minutes (some conditions may require up to 90 or 120 minutes). In addition to the actual treatment time, there is time required for the pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, which may add 20-30 minutes to the overall appointment. The exact duration will depend on your specific treatment plan and the pressure levels used, but you should plan for about 90 minutes for your visit.

The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Some patients may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require a more extended treatment plan. A typical protocol will involve 10-40 sessions. Our Medical Director will recommend a treatment plan to address your goals and needs.

Prior to treatment, please avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks. It’s best to avoid smoking and any other tobacco products during your treatment period, as they may interfere with the body’s ability to transport and absorb oxygen. This can directly affect the time it takes you to heal. Otherwise, there are no restrictions for food or activity before or after your treatment. We encourage you to have healthy meals and stay hydrated.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Try to avoid wearing materials like synthetic fibers, and refrain from using perfumes or heavy lotions/makeup/gels.

Most patients find the experience relaxing during the session. You will rest comfortably in the chamber while breathing 100% pure oxygen through an oxygen mask inside the chamber. The pure oxygen has no smell or taste. During the pressurization and depressurization phases, you may feel the change in pressure, similar to the sensation of airplane travel. Throughout the session, a trained technician will monitor you and check in to ensure your comfort and that the treatment is proceeding smoothly. After your session, we encourage you to resume normal activities, eat, stay hydrated, and rest.

Hard-shell chambers, like the ones we use at MD Hyperbaric, are capable of reaching higher pressure and deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen directly to the patient, significantly enhancing therapeutic benefits. Soft-shell chambers (or mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy) operate at lower pressures and use an oxygen concentrator, resulting in lower oxygen saturation levels. Hard-shell chambers are often preferred for medical-grade treatments due to their superior oxygen delivery, rigorous safety testing, higher pressures, and overall effectiveness.

At MD Hyperbaric, we use the Oxyhealth Fortius420, a hard-shell FDA-cleared chamber pressurized with air and capable of delivering supplemental 100% medical-grade oxygen to the patient through a mask. The chamber operates at pressures ranging from 1.3 to 3.0 ATA, allowing for greater oxygen absorption and enhanced therapeutic benefits. Our chamber is made of steel, has 3 windows, and is 7.5 feet long (so you can sit or lay during your session). The Fortius420 chamber meets the highest safety standards, and is ideal for treating a wide range of medical conditions.

Our team will assess your medical history and specific circumstances through an intake process and initial evaluation with our Medical Director to determine your eligibility for HBOT.

No, you do not need a referral. You will complete confidential medical intake forms for review by our Medical Director and we will assess your needs and goals and then prescribe HBOT if appropriate. However, if you already have a prescription from a referring physician, our medical team will work with your physician to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Conditions like untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), certain respiratory issues, and active cancer may exclude patients from HBOT. Our Medical Director will review your medical history for any potential contraindications.

Yes, children can receive HBOT if approved by our Medical Director. In some circumstances, a parent may accompany the child into the chamber to ensure their comfort during the treatment.

MD Hyperbaric ensures that each patient’s treatment plan is overseen by a dedicated medical director to meet their specific health goals. The medical director will review the patient’s medical history, provide clearance, and offer medical recommendations tailored to the patient’s needs. Additionally, if the patient has been referred by another physician, our team will collaborate with the referring physician to design an optimal treatment protocol.

This is an out-of-pocket treatment and we offer a variety of pricing options to suit the different medical and financial needs and preferences of our patients. For flexibility, patients can opt for the pay-as-you-go plan at a per session rate. We also have several package options that offer sessions at a reduced rate when purchased upfront.

• 5-pack: 5% discount per session

• 10-pack: 10% discount per session

• 20-pack: 20% discount per session

• 40-pack: 30% discount per session

No, most HBOT services are not currently covered by insurances. However, services are eligible for reimbursement through most FSA/HSA programs (we recommend you check with your plan).

MD Hyperbaric is an out-of-network provider, meaning we do not submit claims to insurance providers and patients must pay out-of-pocket for treatment. Generally, there is no coverage for the off-label conditions we treat at our center. However if you have one of the 14 FDA-approved indications for HBOT, the chance of insurance reimbursement is good. While we do not process insurance claims directly, we can provide you with a superbill upon request, which contains all the necessary details you would need to submit a claim to your insurance provider to request reimbursement for your sessions.

You can schedule appointments by calling or emailing the center directly, completing the “request appointment” form, or in-person with one of our staff members.

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Failure to do so may result in a cancellation fee.

Results vary by individuals and conditions. Some patients report feeling better after just a few sessions, while others may see more gradual improvements over time. Our Medical Director will guide you through what to expect.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may undergo HBOT on a daily basis. Our Medical Director will provide you with a recommended frequency, based on your indication and goals.

No, it is not advised to undergo hyperbaric therapy if you are pregnant. Please consult with your physician for alternative treatment options during this time.

We advise you to wait until you recover from your cold or sinus congestion, as changes in pressure can exacerbate these conditions. As soon as you are feeling better we get you back on the schedule!

If you experience any discomfort during your session, notify the staff immediately. A trained technician is always present to monitor your treatment and will take prompt action to address the issue and ensure your comfort and safety.

Like any medical treatment, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. In the context of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this is referred to as "oxygen toxicity”, which can affect both the central nervous system and the lungs. The likelihood of experiencing oxygen toxicity hinges on two critical facts: pressure and exposure time. At MD Hyperbaric, we meticulously control these variables to ensure safety. The risk of oxygen toxicity is extremely low when the pressure is kept below 2.0 ATA, and the time is kept to 60-minutes. When therapy involves pressures above 2.0 ATA or sessions longer than 60-minutes, our certified and trained staff are adept at managing these conditions to keep the risk of oxygen toxicity exceedingly low.