What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a pressurized environment, at a level higher than atmospheric pressure. Increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve and saturate more effectively into the blood plasma, enabling it to reach deeper areas of the body where red blood cells (due to size) cannot, which yields a broad variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This non-invasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body.
We provide mild-HBOT services using a Vitaeris320 soft-chamber from Oxyhealth. Mild-HBOT is a much simpler procedure that consists of entering a hyperbaric chamber and experiencing an increase in pressure to 1.3 atmospheres (4 PSI). This serves as the highest pressure approved by the FDA for private use that allows for an extremely safe increase in tissue oxygen levels. Through experiencing a lower depth of pressure and not using high oxygen concentrations, mild-HBOT is an extremely safe way to enhance the body’s innate ability to heal and regenerate.
How do I get started with HBOT?
To begin HBOT services you must complete the HBOT Intake Form. This form should be mailed or dropped at our office along with a $25 non-refundable deposit. After your intake form is reviewed by our physician, you will be contacted to schedule your HBOT initial evaluation, which includes a 20-minute test dive (your $25 deposit will be applied toward the evaluation fee). After your initial evaluation, you will begin your HBOT dive schedule as set forth in the evaluation. Upon completion of your dive schedule, you will have an HBOT followup evaluation to review the results of the therapy.
HBOT Pricing
Please note that all HBOT services are cash-only, and are not covered by third-party payers.
Initial Evaluation, $55. This is a 20-minute evaluation with our physician to determine the suitability of HBOT for your condition(s) and/or symptom(s), followed by a 20-minute test dive to establish your comfort in the mild-HBOT chamber.
60-minute, a l’carte Dive, $75
60-minute, 10-dive Package, $600 ($60/dive)
60-minute, 20-dive Package, $1000 ($50/dive)
60-minute, 40-dive Package, $2000 ($50/dive)
Followup Evaluation, $45. This is a 20-minute evaluation with our physician to review the results of your therapy.
- A dive package must be paid for in full at the time of your first scheduled dive.
- Any package dive not canceled at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled time will be forfeited. If you wish to make up any forfeited dive, you may do so at the end of your schedule at the a l’carte price of $75 per dive.
- Any a l’carte dive not canceled at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled time will be accessed a $55 no-show fee.
- If you are late to your dive appointment, your “at pressure” time will be reduced by the amount of your tardiness; if you are more than 20-minutes late you forfeit your dive.
What should I expect during my dive?
Your session will begin with a quick diagnostic evaluation by our nurse to determine if any acute issue(s) or symptom(s) is present that may negatively impact your dive.
If you are suffering from any head or sinus congestion prior to your scheduled dive, please reschedule your session as soon as possible. Please note if you arrive with an obvious, acute issue that prohibits you from having your session, you will be required to forfeit your dive.
After closing you into the mild-HBOT chamber, the chamber will be pressurized. This process takes approximately 5-10 minutes during which time you will “pop” your ears to equalize the pressure in your ears. You will remain at pressure (1.3 atmospheres or 4 PSI) for approximately 30-40 minutes, dependent on the time required to pressurize/depressurize the chamber. Lastly the chamber will be depressurized. This process takes approximately 5-10 minutes during which you will again “pop” your ears to equalize the pressure in your ears.
You should not endure any ear discomfort during your session; if you are unable to equalize the pressure in your ears or you continue to experience pain in your ears, the chamber pressure can be reduced to a comfortable level or the session discontinued.
You will be monitored by a nurse during your entire session, and the nurse will instruct you on using the pressure control knob should you need to lower the chamber pressure or slow the pressurization/depressurization cycle.
What do I bring?
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing. Although fresh air will be passing through the chamber, the chamber will warm up during your session, which is normal.
- Small pillow or travel pillow to support your head as you lay in the chamber.
- Book, magazine and/or “smart” device to help you pass the time; a nap is always a good option. We have guest wi-fi available so your “smart” device can remain connected during your session.
What can I not have in the chamber?
- Shoes
- Any sharp object, including keys and belt buckles
- Any writing instrument, i.e. pencils, pens, crayons, markers, etc.
- Any food or drink