Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT heals damaged tissue by helping the body grow new skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

How Does HBOT Work?

Patients lay inside a clear-sided chamber filled with 100% oxygen that is pressurized to greater than sea-level pressure.

The pressure is not uncomfortable or even noticeable for most people after they get used to the feeling.

The hyperbaric chamber is comfortable with clear sides and a soft bed. If you are anxious, the doctor can prescribe medicine to help you relax.

Specialized Wound Care

Due to an aging population, increasing rates of chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, and vascular disorders, millions of Americans are living with a chronic or non-healing wound.

Our expert providers and nurses follow you through your entire course of care. Your progress will be evaluated by our staff together with your personal physician.

Ask your doctor to evaluate your wound and consider any coexisting medical conditions affecting your ability to heal. Or call the Columbus Regional Health Wound Center directly at 812-375-3516 to request an appointment.

Some conditions that are treated with HBOT:

• Diabetic wounds/ulcers
• Bone and skin infections
• Radiation injuries
• Gangrene
• Compromised skin graft/flap
• Crush injuries
• Radiation cystitis

Healing Benefits of HBOT:

• Reduces swelling
• Increases oxygen levels
• Improves tissue perfusion (the passage of blood through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to organs or tissue)
• Promotes healing
• Combats infection

Frequently Asked Questions

If your doctor recommends HBOT for you, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Is HBOT covered by insurance?
Medicare has approved coverage for HBOT for several types of chronic wounds and other medical conditions. Many private insurance companies follow Medicare rules. We can help you review your plan’s coverage.

How long do treatments last?
Most treatments last between 90-120 minutes. People receiving HBOT treatment are typically scheduled every day, Monday-Friday, for five to six weeks. Your doctor will tell you if you need more than one treatment a day.

How many treatments will I need?
Your individual plan of care will be based on your wound type, health conditions, and healing progress. Most patients receive between 30 to 40 treatments.

What will I do during treatment?
You can take a nap or watch a movie or TV show. When you are in the clear chamber, you can see out in all directions.

What should I wear to the Wound Center?
We will provide clothing to wear while you are in the HBOT chamber. You cannot have anything in your mouth during the treatment, such as gum, candy, or loose-fitting dentures.

Be sure to tell your doctor and HBOT technician about the following medical conditions:

Battery-operated medical devices
If you have an internal battery-operated medical device, such as a pacemaker or pain pump, the staff will check to make sure your device can be used in the chamber.

If you have an external battery-operated medical device, it cannot go into the chamber. Your HBOT physician will contact your doctor for instructions on how to deal with this device.

Diabetes
Your doctor will discuss blood sugar control with you. The HBOT technician will check your blood sugar before and after treatment.

Chemotherapy
Tell your wound care physician if you are currently being treated with chemotherapy or have previously received treatment.

Please DO NOT wear any of the following:
Makeup, wigs or hair pieces, deodorants, contacts, skin lotions, hair sprays or oils, nail polish (polish must be on longer than 10 hours), perfume, cologne, or aftershave, jewelry (including watches and earrings), or hand sanitizer prior to HBOT.