For referring physicians
Clinical guidance on how HBOT works, when it may be appropriate, what treatment involves and how to refer a patient.
Collaborative patient care
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) combines increased ambient pressure with high-concentration oxygen. Under pressure, more oxygen dissolves in plasma and can reach tissue beyond normal hemoglobin transport. This change can affect tissue oxygenation, swelling, host defense and repair.
We assess each patient, select the treatment protocol and keep the referring physician informed. HBOT is used alongside the diagnosis and care plan already directed by the patient’s clinical team.
Mechanisms of action
The response to HBOT varies with the prescribed pressure and duration, the number of sessions, the tissue being treated and the underlying condition. Several of the mechanisms below may occur at the same time.
Pressure increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma and other body fluids. This gives oxygen another route into hypoxic tissue when red-cell delivery is limited. The effect depends on tissue perfusion, oxygen demand and the prescribed pressure.
HBOT changes oxygen availability and redox signaling inside cells. Studies suggest effects on mitochondrial respiration, ATP metabolism and antioxidant responses, although results vary by protocol and disease model. These findings explain a possible mechanism. Individual response remains uncertain.
Hyperoxia causes vasoconstriction while the extra oxygen dissolved in plasma remains available to tissue. In selected conditions, that may help control edema. HBOT also affects inflammatory signaling and the interaction between white blood cells and vascular endothelium. Timing and tissue state influence the response.
A small human study found an increase in circulating CD34-positive cells after a course of HBOT. The finding points to a possible role in repair signaling. The biomarker result cannot be translated directly into an equivalent increase in healing.
Repeated HBOT sessions can affect growth-factor signaling, fibroblast activity, collagen production and new blood-vessel formation. These processes unfold over time and still depend on perfusion, infection control, wound care and the rest of the patient’s treatment plan.
Higher tissue oxygen levels can improve oxygen-dependent killing by white blood cells. They may also inhibit some organisms or make them more susceptible to treatment. For selected infections, HBOT is used as an adjunct to source control and antimicrobial therapy.
Clinical indications
Clinical suitability still requires individual evaluation, even when the diagnosis is an accepted indication. Insurance coverage is a separate decision and varies by diagnosis, plan and medical-necessity criteria.
Established clinical uses
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society recognizes the following uses of HBOT. Its list is a clinical reference. Treatment and coverage decisions still depend on the individual case.
Evidence varies by application
Evidence and clinical acceptance differ across these applications. This list makes no claim of effectiveness or FDA clearance for HBOT. Each case requires physician review and informed consent.
Treatment environment
A soft-sided chamber and a medical-grade hard chamber deliver different exposures. Operating pressure, oxygen delivery, device clearance and clinical supervision determine the dose a patient receives.
Mild hyperbaric
Medical-grade HBOT
Referral pathway
Use the secure digital form or printable referral. Include the diagnosis, relevant history and current care plan.
Our clinical team reviews the patient’s candidacy and contraindications. We will request any records needed to make an informed recommendation.
When HBOT is appropriate, we coordinate treatment with the referring physician and the patient’s existing clinicians.
Relevant treatment information and follow-up needs can be shared with the referring clinician to support continuity of care.
Refer a patient
Complete the embedded form below or download the printable version. You can also open the digital form in a separate tab.
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Practical guidance
A patient rests inside our hard-sided Fortius420 chamber and breathes normally throughout the session. Most appointments last about 80 minutes, though the prescribed pressure and duration can vary.
HBOT has known risks and is performed under medical supervision. Before treatment, our care team checks contraindications. Consent covers the expected benefit and available alternatives, along with risks relevant to the prescribed protocol.
The most common adverse effect is pressure-related discomfort or barotrauma involving the ears or sinuses. Some patients experience temporary visual changes during a treatment course. Oxygen toxicity is uncommon, which is why the prescribed dose and clinical monitoring matter.
We give each patient chamber-specific instructions before the first session. Clothing and personal items must meet chamber requirements. Cosmetics and hair products should be removed, along with jewelry and anything else restricted by the chamber protocol. Patients should also tell us about tobacco or nicotine use because it can impair oxygen delivery.
Patients should tell the clinical team about any change that could affect pressure tolerance or safe monitoring, including:
Use the digital form on this page or download the printable referral. Every patient is clinically evaluated before treatment, and our team can coordinate the HBOT plan with the referring physician.
References
These references provide clinical context for the science and indications discussed on this page. Patient selection still requires individual medical evaluation.
This page is intended for physician education and referral coordination. Treatment recommendations, coverage decisions and outcomes depend on the individual case.
At MD Hyperbaric, our goal is to provide advanced treatment options to optimize your patients’ recovery and well-being.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive medical treatment that significantly enhances the body’s natural healing processes. By delivering 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, HBOT dramatically increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream, leading to profound therapeutic benefits for a diverse range of medical conditions.
HBOT works by accelerating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, fighting infection, and stimulating cellular regeneration. We are committed to providing a supportive and complementary service to your practice, integrating seamlessly with your patients’ current treatment protocols.
The information here will guide you in identifying suitable candidates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. As a referring physician, you will remain an integral part of your patients’ ongoing care, with continuous collaboration and clear communication from our team.
Autism
Cancer Adjunct
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Dementia
Endometriosis
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Inflammatory Autoimmune Conditions
Lyme Disease
Mold Toxicity
Musculoskeletal Care
Neuropathy
Neurosensory Hearing Loss
Post Stem Cell Therapy
Post Stroke
PRP Adjunct
MD Hyperbaric utilizes the FDA-cleared Fortius420, the largest chamber on the market (91in. long 42in. diameter). Patients simply breathe normally to deliver 100% oxygen to the body while relaxing, sleeping, or reading. A typical session lasts around 80 minutes.
HBOT is performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks, like all medical treatments, when performed appropriately, HBOT is extremely safe. The risks will be discussed with you before you sign your consent form for therapy.
The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to clear their ears during compression. Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity, which is caused by administering too much oxygen. At MDHyperbaric, we follow treatment protocols to avoid any such issues.
Only clean, cotton clothing is allowed in the chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, or jewelry are allowed in the chamber. Patients should give up all tobacco and nicotine products, as they interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
Patients are accepted either by self referral or by physician referral. Patients are evaluated by our staff and treated based on their specific conditions.