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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Evaluations

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• Dr. Howell’s HBO evaluation includes screening for risk factors, examining the patient, reviewing medical records, recommending additional testing if necessary, communicating with other physicians involved, and assisting if needed in referring to an HBO facility based on geographic location and medical condition.

• This unique assessment is beneficial when patients do not want to go to a hospital wound center unless necessary, when there is a long wait to be scheduled at a wound center or there are problems with referrals to the wound center, or when there is a question about whether HBO would be helpful for a patient (whether for an approved diagnosis or a possible “off label” condition.)

• Insurance may or may not cover hyperbaric oxygen treatments depending on many factors. Authorizations may be declined due to HBO being considered “not medically necessary.” This doesn’t necessarily correlate with what is accepted as proven indications from reputable sources such as UHMS (Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society).

• Insurance coverage for HBO is very complex. Evaluation by Dr. Howell does not guarantee insurance coverage or payment. Insurance authorization must be done at the treating hyperbaric facility.

•  Some HBO facilities may offer direct pricing while most bill insurance.

 

Contact Tay Sha Howell, MD for more information

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Some common examples of HBO indications that are frequently not covered by insurance:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Certain traumatic wounds

• Jawbone (mandible) decay due to medications

• Pretreating irradiated areas prior to surgeries/dental extractions

• Ulcers associated with circulation problems

• Other unusual ulcers or inflammatory conditions

• Various other diagnoses

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