Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Alexian Wound Healing Centers
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment that increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, which helps facilitate wound healing.
You receive Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy in an enclosed chamber where you are surrounded with oxygen that is higher than normal atmospheric pressure. For healthy individuals, there is no benefit to increasing the level of oxygen in the body. But, for those with certain medical conditions, such as wounds that are slow to heal, the benefits can be significant.
The oxygen chamber where treatment takes place is a clear acrylic shell that you can see through in all directions. It includes a television you can watch during treatment. The chamber is equipped with a two-way communication device that allows you to talk with the technician at any time. Most people do not feel claustrophobic because the area inside the chamber is large. If you do feel anxious about your treatment, the hyperbaric physician can prescribe medication that will relax you and make your treatment less stressful.
Those who may benefit most from Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy include people with:
- diabetes who have slow or non-healing wounds
- certain bone and skin infections
- radiation injuries
- compromised or failing skin grafts or flaps
Medicare has approved coverage for Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for many types of chronic non-healing wounds. Most private insurance companies follow Medicare's guidelines, as well. We will review your insurance plan with you before therapy starts to make sure you know what your costs will be.
