Which hospitals in Tucson offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Banner University Medical Center Tucson (a University of Arizona affiliate) is the primary academic medical center and the most likely source of clinical HBOT in the market. Carondelet Health Network and Tucson Medical Center also serve the area. Use the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org to confirm which facilities currently offer hyperbaric programs, as availability changes.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Tucson?

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-participating facilities in Tucson for qualifying conditions — including diabetic foot ulcers, chronic bone infections, and decompression sickness — when a physician certifies medical necessity. Coverage rules apply nationally, but you must receive treatment at an approved facility. Medicare rates change annually; confirm current figures with your facility's billing team.

Should I travel to Phoenix for HBOT instead of staying in Tucson?

Tucson is a smaller market than Phoenix and has fewer HBOT facilities overall. If you need a specialized program — such as for radiation tissue damage or a complex wound — Phoenix's larger hospital systems may offer more options. But for many patients with standard qualifying conditions, a Tucson-based program will be sufficient. Talk to your referring physician about whether local care is appropriate for your situation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Tucson, AZ

Tucson has a smaller HBOT market than Phoenix, but the city has solid academic medical infrastructure. Banner University Medical Center Tucson — affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine — anchors the clinical side. Carondelet Health Network and Tucson Medical Center round out the major hospital options in the area.

Finding HBOT Providers in Tucson

Banner University Medical Center Tucson is the primary academic referral center for southern Arizona. Its affiliation with the University of Arizona puts it in the category of an academic medical center, which typically means more specialized clinical programs including hyperbaric medicine for qualifying patients.

Carondelet Health Network (now part of Tenet Health) and Tucson Medical Center both serve the community. Whether either operates a dedicated hyperbaric program at any given time varies — hospital wound care programs open and close, and availability isn’t always current on general websites.

The most reliable way to find an active provider is the UHMS provider directory. It lists currently accredited facilities. For Tucson patients who don’t find a local option that meets their needs, Phoenix is roughly 1.5 hours north and has significantly more clinical HBOT infrastructure.

Our guide on choosing an HBOT provider covers what to ask before booking.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Tucson

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions at approved facilities in Tucson. Common covered indications include diabetic foot ulcers, chronic refractory osteomyelitis (bone infection), delayed radiation injury, and decompression sickness. Your physician must document medical necessity and the condition must meet Medicare’s specific criteria.

Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage for HBOT depends on your specific plan and condition. Not all AHCCCS plans cover HBOT, and those that do typically require prior authorization. Ask your provider’s billing team to run a benefits check before you begin treatment.

Commercial insurers serving Tucson — including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna — may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization. The prior auth process can take time, so don’t wait until the last minute if your physician has already recommended treatment.

Off-label HBOT for wellness, sports recovery, or anti-aging isn’t covered by any insurer. Expect to pay out of pocket for those sessions. See our full insurance guide and cost breakdown for more detail. Medicare rates change annually — always verify current figures with your billing team.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At a hospital-based program, you’ll start with a physician consultation before your first treatment. The doctor will review your medical history, confirm your diagnosis qualifies for HBOT, and walk you through the safety checklist. You’ll change into cotton clothing (no synthetics near pure oxygen), and a technician will guide you through entering the chamber.

Sessions typically run 90–120 minutes in a clinical setting. You may feel ear pressure during pressurization — similar to what you feel on an airplane — and the technician will coach you through equalizing. Most patients find sessions straightforward after the first one or two.

Our first HBOT session guide covers the full process in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tucson have wellness HBOT clinics separate from hospitals? Tucson has a smaller wellness HBOT market than Phoenix or Scottsdale. Some standalone clinics may operate in the area, but the market is more limited. If you’re looking for wellness-focused HBOT, Phoenix and Scottsdale have more options. Use the UHMS directory to find verified clinical providers.

How long does a typical HBOT treatment course last in Tucson? Treatment length depends on your condition. Wound care programs often run 20–40 sessions over several weeks. Radiation injury protocols may be longer. Your physician and the hyperbaric program’s medical director will set a treatment plan. There’s no standard course length that applies to everyone.

Will my referring physician in Tucson coordinate with the hyperbaric facility? In most cases, yes. Hospital-based programs are used to coordinating with referring physicians. You’ll likely sign a release allowing the two offices to share records. If you’re self-referring to a wellness clinic, you’re responsible for sharing any relevant health history.

See more providers in Arizona: Arizona HBOT Providers

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. It’s not medical advice and doesn’t create a doctor-patient relationship. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy carries risks and isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk to a licensed physician before starting any HBOT treatment. Always verify provider credentials and facility accreditation directly.