Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Columbia MO

Treatment Experience

Hyperbaric treatments usually last one to one and one-half hours and are painless. The patient may experience a sensation of “fullness” in the ears, similar to driving down a mountain, flying or scuba diving. The “full” feeling occurs as the eardrums respond to the change in pressure. The HBOT technician demonstrates how to relieve this fullness before treatment.

Once a patient is in the chamber and the door is closed, the oxygen begins to circulate. This starts a gradual increase in pressure-called compression. There may be some slight warmth, but that is temporary. The HBOT technician remains by the chamber throughout the treatment to adjust the rate of compression according to patient tolerance and to coach the patient on relieving the “full” sensation in the ears. Compression generally lasts 10-15 minutes depending on how effectively one can clear his or her ears. When the interior of the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, the sensation of “fullness” in the ears will cease and the patient is free to rest or watch TV. The temperature in the chamber remains at room temperature.

Near to the end of the treatment, the HBO technician will gradually decrease pressure that was added at the beginning. This is decompression, which generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes. During decompression, there may be a slight “popping” sensation in the ears as a result of the changing (decreasing) pressure. This “popping” is a normal adjustment, similar to what happens when driving up a mountain or ascending in an airplane. It is usually much easier to equalize ear pressure during decompression than during the compression phase.

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After Effects

Generally patients experience no after effects from HBOT. However, some patients report a “cracking” sensation in their ears between treatments as oxygen behind the eardrums is absorbed into the blood stream. This can be relieved in the same manner as clearing the ears during compression and decompression. Also, some patients report feeling light headed for a few minutes immediately following a treatment, but this is brief, and they are quickly able to continue with their normal daily activities such as working or driving.

As with all medical procedures and treatments, some potential side effects may result from exposure to hyperbaric oxygen. These are rare, but will be discussed in detail by the doctor before treatment.

Does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments?

A question we’re often asked is “Does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?”

The short answer is yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be covered by Medicare and commercial insurances depending on the medical condition.

Most insurances will require prior authorization to cover HBOT treatments. How much you pay out-of-pocket depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans require patients to pay a copay, while others require patients to pay towards a deductible or coinsurance.