Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Mobile, AL
Find HBOT providers in Mobile, AL. Mobile Infirmary, USA Health, and coastal Alabama facilities. Diving-related HBOT and Medicare coverage explained.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Mobile, AL
Emergency note: If you suspect decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism after diving, call 911 immediately. Contact DAN (Divers Alert Network) at 1-919-684-9111 for emergency hyperbaric guidance. Do not delay emergency care.
Mobile is Alabama’s only port city and sits on the Gulf Coast. The area has a modest recreational diving and water sports community, which means decompression sickness, though rare, is a real clinical scenario for the region’s health systems. Mobile also has a high prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which drives demand for wound care HBOT programs.
Finding HBOT Providers in Mobile
Start with the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org/find-a-hyperbaric-facility.html. Accredited facilities have passed a clinical review for physician oversight, equipment standards, and safety protocols. That accreditation status matters more than proximity when you’re choosing where to receive treatment.
Mobile Infirmary is one of the region’s largest community hospitals and serves a broad Gulf Coast catchment area. USA Health, the clinical enterprise of the University of South Alabama, operates multiple facilities in Mobile and serves as the area’s academic health system. USA Health University Hospital handles complex cases including those requiring specialized wound care.
For diving-related emergencies, the relevant question isn’t which clinic to call. It’s whether the nearest hospital has a functioning hyperbaric chamber that can be activated quickly. The UHMS directory and DAN’s emergency line (1-919-684-9111) are the fastest ways to locate operational emergency hyperbaric capacity.
For planned HBOT for wound care, radiation injury, or other FDA-approved conditions, read our guide to choosing a clinic before scheduling. Confirm physician credentials and chamber pressure rating.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Mobile
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Covered indications include diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue necrosis, compromised grafts, gas gangrene, crush injuries, and decompression sickness. These are national rules.
Reimbursement rates change annually. Get current figures directly from the facility’s billing team.
Alabama Medicaid may cover HBOT for qualifying patients. Eligibility depends on the condition and the specific plan. Ask the facility’s billing coordinator to verify and run prior authorization before your first appointment.
Commercial insurers serving the Mobile market include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans generally follow Medicare’s clinical criteria. Prior authorization is required. Off-label uses won’t be covered under any plan.
Our insurance guide explains how prior authorization works. Our cost guide covers typical out-of-pocket costs for patients with and without coverage.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Your first appointment starts with a medical intake evaluation. A hyperbaric physician reviews your history, confirms the HBOT indication, and screens for contraindications. This takes 30 to 60 minutes before any chamber time.
Treatment involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber at 2.0 to 2.4 ATA for 90 minutes. Compression and decompression each take about 10 minutes. Total visit time is usually under two hours.
Ear pressure during compression is the most common sensation. Staff will demonstrate equalization techniques before your first session.
Read our first session guide for a complete walkthrough of what to expect from your first appointment through the end of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Mobile?
Mobile Infirmary and USA Health (University of South Alabama) are the two major health systems serving coastal Alabama and the Mobile metro. Use the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org to find accredited HBOT facilities in the Mobile area.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Mobile?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Coverage rules are federal and apply the same way in Mobile as in any other state. Off-label uses are not covered. Reimbursement rates change annually, so verify current amounts with your facility’s billing team.
Can Mobile area divers get treatment for decompression sickness?
Decompression sickness is an FDA-approved indication for HBOT. If you or someone with you experiences symptoms of decompression sickness after diving, call 911 immediately and contact DAN (Divers Alert Network) at 1-919-684-9111 for emergency guidance. Do not delay seeking emergency care to call a clinic. Time matters significantly in DCS treatment.
See more providers in Alabama: Alabama HBOT Provider Directory
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before pursuing any medical treatment.