Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Anchorage, AK
Find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Anchorage, AK. Providence Alaska and Alaska Regional serve the state. Medicare coverage and what rural Alaskans should know.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the medical center of the state. For the vast majority of Alaskans who need hospital-based HBOT, Anchorage is where they’ll go. The options here are fewer than in most lower-48 cities of comparable population, and wellness-oriented HBOT is minimal. What exists is practical, hospital-based care.
Finding HBOT Providers in Anchorage
Providence Alaska Medical Center is the largest hospital in the state by bed count and the main academic-affiliated hospital in Anchorage. It operates under Providence Health & Services. Alaska Regional Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare system, is the other major acute care hospital in the city.
Both hospitals operate wound care services. Contact the wound care departments at each to ask whether hyperbaric therapy is offered on-site. Hospital-based HBOT in Anchorage is focused on medically indicated uses — chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and similar FDA-approved conditions.
The military also has a presence in Anchorage through Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), which provides medical care to active duty personnel and their dependents. JBER’s medical facilities are not open to the general public, but military families should ask their military treatment facility what hyperbaric services are available through the TRICARE network in Alaska.
Wellness-oriented HBOT clinics offering cash-pay sessions for off-label uses are minimal in Anchorage compared to lower-48 markets. This is a smaller, more geographically isolated market. The UHMS maintains a provider directory at uhms.org. For questions to ask before booking, see our guide to choosing a clinic.
A Note for Rural Alaskans
If you live outside Anchorage, access to HBOT is a real logistical challenge. Alaska’s geography means that rural communities — Fairbanks, Juneau, the Mat-Su Valley, and more remote villages — don’t have local hyperbaric facilities. Anchorage is the only practical option for most Alaskans needing this treatment.
If your physician refers you for HBOT and you live far from Anchorage, talk to the referring hospital or clinic about travel coordination. Many Alaska hospital systems have patient services staff experienced with helping rural patients arrange travel and temporary housing for extended treatment courses.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Anchorage
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient departments. The rules are federal and apply the same way in Anchorage as anywhere else. Rates change annually — verify current figures with the billing team at Providence or Alaska Regional.
Denali KidCare and Alaska Medicaid may cover approved indications depending on managed care plan and coverage tier. Call your plan and the facility before scheduling to confirm what’s covered.
Commercial insurers require prior authorization. Get it in writing before starting a course of treatment.
Off-label HBOT for wellness, athletic recovery, TBI, or long COVID isn’t covered by any payer. Cash-pay only for those uses, and those options are limited in Anchorage.
Full details: insurance guide | cost guide
What to Expect at Your First Session
Sessions run 60 to 90 minutes at pressure. You breathe 100% oxygen through a mask or hood at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA. Ear pressure during pressurization is the main sensation. Staff will show you how to equalize before your first session.
Read: first session guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Anchorage? Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital are the two main hospitals in Anchorage. Contact their wound care departments to ask about hyperbaric services. The UHMS provider directory at uhms.org lists accredited facilities in Alaska.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Anchorage? Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Federal rules apply in Anchorage the same as everywhere. Verify current rates with the facility’s billing team, as Medicare rates change annually.
Do rural Alaskans have access to HBOT? In most cases, rural Alaskans who need HBOT must travel to Anchorage. The state’s geography and sparse hospital infrastructure mean that Anchorage holds the only realistic access point for most Alaskans needing hyperbaric therapy. Coordinate with your referring physician and your hospital’s patient services team about travel and lodging assistance if needed.
See more providers in Alaska: /providers/alaska/
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.