What Is UHMS? The Organization Behind Hyperbaric Medicine Standards

The UHMS — Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society — is why HBOT has standardized indications, trained physicians, and accredited facilities rather than just being another unregulated wellness treatment. Founded in 1967, it’s the professional body that gave the field its clinical credibility.

What UHMS Does

The Society’s four main functions define the structure of modern hyperbaric medicine.

It evaluates evidence and publishes approved indications. A UHMS clinical committee reviews published clinical research for proposed HBOT applications. When the evidence meets their threshold, the indication is added to the UHMS Approved Indications document — the list that currently includes 14 conditions. Medicare’s National Coverage Determination 20.29 follows this document directly. If a condition isn’t on the UHMS list, Medicare won’t cover HBOT for it, and it’s considered off-label.

It trains and credentials physicians. Hyperbaric medicine is a recognized subspecialty. Physicians complete structured training in undersea and hyperbaric medicine and can sit for the UHM board examination. Those who pass earn certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). This credential is the standard indicator that a physician has specialty-level training in hyperbaric medicine rather than just operating a chamber.

It accredits facilities. UHMS facility accreditation means a site has been reviewed against peer-developed standards covering equipment safety, physician supervision requirements, staff training, and clinical protocols. Accreditation isn’t legally required to operate a hyperbaric facility — any licensed facility can run chambers. But accreditation is the meaningful quality signal for patients trying to distinguish clinical facilities from wellness spas.

It publishes and hosts an annual scientific conference. The UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting is the primary professional gathering for the field, where new research is presented and clinical standards are updated.

How UHMS Relates to FDA and Medicare

Three separate organizations regulate different aspects of HBOT, and their roles are often confused.

FDA regulates hyperbaric chambers as medical devices. Chambers require 510(k) clearance before commercial sale. FDA can also act against providers who make false or misleading claims about HBOT. See FDA approval vs. 510(k) clearance for a full explanation.

UHMS evaluates clinical evidence for indications. When evidence supports a new indication, the UHMS list is updated. UHMS doesn’t control FDA or Medicare — it publishes the evidence review that informs them.

Medicare establishes coverage through NCD 20.29. Medicare’s NCD references UHMS indications as the basis for coverage. Conditions on the UHMS list are generally covered. Conditions not on the list are not.

These three systems — device regulation (FDA), evidence evaluation (UHMS), and payment policy (Medicare) — operate independently but inform each other.

Why the Facility Accreditation Matters to You

Wellness centers offering HBOT at lower pressure for biohacking and recovery may or may not be UHMS-accredited. For off-label wellness use, this may matter less. You’re not seeking clinical treatment for a medical condition.

For FDA-approved medical conditions — diabetic wounds, radiation injury, osteomyelitis — you need a clinical-grade facility with physician supervision. UHMS accreditation is the baseline assurance that a facility meets those standards. Non-accredited facilities providing HBOT for medical conditions introduce uncertainty about equipment calibration, physician oversight, and protocol adherence.

The easiest way to find accredited facilities is the UHMS directory at uhms.org. Filter by your state or city to see what’s nearby. Our provider directory also lists HBOT facilities by location.

The UHMS Indications Document

The full UHMS Approved Indications document is publicly available at uhms.org. It’s updated when clinical committee reviews warrant a change. Reading it directly is the best way to understand the current evidence standard for each approved indication rather than relying on summaries.

The document addresses both what the evidence supports and what it doesn’t. For anyone evaluating HBOT for a specific condition, it’s worth reading the relevant section before making a treatment decision.

FAQ

Does UHMS accreditation guarantee good outcomes? Accreditation confirms a facility meets established safety and process standards. It doesn’t guarantee clinical outcomes. Treatment results depend on many factors including the specific condition, patient health, and treatment protocol.

How do I check if a specific facility is UHMS-accredited? Use the facility directory at uhms.org. If a facility claims accreditation, you can verify it through the UHMS directly.

Can a solo physician operate a UHMS-accredited facility? Accreditation requirements specify physician oversight and staff training standards. The specific requirements for solo practices versus larger programs are detailed in the UHMS accreditation standards, available from UHMS on request.

Is UHMS membership the same as UHMS accreditation? No. A physician or facility can be a UHMS member without being accredited. Accreditation involves a formal review process separate from membership.

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Consult a licensed physician for evaluation of any condition requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy.