Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has proven to be a valuable treatment for various medical conditions, but many individuals are curious about the associated costs. While providing an exact figure is challenging due to the variability in factors, we can explore the influences on the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The price for each treatment can vary depending on factors such as location, provider, number of treatments required, and other variables. Here, we will discuss key cost factors and help you understand what to expect.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Insurance covers the cost of approximately 14 medical diagnoses for which HBOT is recommended. However, insurance does not typically cover the cost of HBOT for a number of diagnoses that HBOT has been shown by research to help heal.
If insurance covers your condition, we’ll help you ensure coverage. If you are a self-pay patient, several elements contribute to the overall cost of HBOT. These include session duration and frequency, the type of facility, clinic location, type of hyperbaric chamber used, and the medical condition being treated. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.
Session Duration and Number of Sessions
The duration and number of sessions play a crucial role in determining the cost of HBOT. Typically, hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. The number of treatments required depends on various factors, such as the severity and type of medical condition being treated.
For example, severe conditions, such as a severe diabetic ulcer, may require more frequent sessions than acute conditions, such as recovery from plastic surgery. The duration of each session can also vary, with some treatments lasting 60 minutes and others lasting 90 minutes.
Facility or Clinic Location
The facility's geographic location or clinic providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly affect costs. Urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living may have higher treatment expenses than rural locations.
Big cities generally have higher costs for medical services, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This is because the cost of living, rent, and other expenses are higher in these areas. In contrast, smaller towns or rural areas may have lower costs for HBOT due to lower overheads.
Type of Hyperbaric Chamber Used
The type of hyperbaric chamber utilized during therapy also contributes to cost variations. Hard hyperbaric chambers, constructed with durable materials and offering higher pressure capabilities, have a higher cost than soft hyperbaric chambers that offer what is called mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy or MHBOT. The challenge is that soft or mild hyperbaric chambers simply cannot heal significant medical conditions. In fact, they are not approved by the FDA, the AMA or Medicare to treat most conditions.
According to the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, the governing board for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, “Hyperbaric treatment at minimally elevated chamber pressures (mild hyperbaric oxygen) is unproven. Generally, these treatments are not physician-prescribed or supervised. The recent interest in and commercial growth of these treatments has led to the use of unsafe and unapproved chamber vessels outside medical facilities and often in commercial properties in malls or shopping centers.
These facilities often operate without the appropriate adherence to fire safety and chamber construction standards, putting those exposed at risk for serious injury and even death. These facilities typically deliver sessions in these low-pressure vessels for a spectrum of medical disorders or complaints, including those for which standard hyperbaric medicine has been found to be effective, but also including disorders for which there is no scientific proof for any type of hyperbaric oxygen treatments.”
Bay Area Hyperbarics uses only hard-sided chambers that permit higher pressures and 100% oxygen. We could use soft or mild hyperbaric chambers but choose not to. Our goal is to heal our community and to use chambers and protocols that have been approved by the UHMS, the FDA, the AMA, and Medicare.
Generally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions within hospital settings run much higher than the costs in standalone clinics. The costs within standalone clinics can also vary greatly, based on whether the clinic has medical personnel onsite and the quality of the facility. For example, some facilities may have state-of-the-art chambers with advanced features that can affect the overall cost.
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we have a facility fully approved by the Fire Marshall, and we exceed all recommendations and requirements for safety. We also have full staff of medical personnel, as well as specialists to help you with insurance, scheduling and other requirements.
The Medical Condition
Lastly, the type and severity of the medical condition being treated can also influence the cost of HBOT. Some conditions may require additional staff during therapy sessions, increasing the overall cost.
Start Your Journey To Better Health
As we have seen, several factors can influence the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT can effectively treat various medical conditions, although it is challenging to provide an exact number. It is crucial to understand the effectiveness of HBOT in treating different medical conditions. If you are considering this therapy, it is best to consult a healthcare provider and discuss the specific costs associated with your unique situation.
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we strive to provide affordable and accessible hyperbaric oxygen therapy for our patients. As the country's longest-running independent hyperbaric chamber clinic, we are committed to delivering safe and effective treatments while maintaining a friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
