Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Arkansas: How to Find a Provider

Arkansas has medical-grade HBOT available primarily through hospital wound care programs, with Little Rock serving as the main hub. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) anchors the state’s academic medical capacity. Providers also operate in Fayetteville and Fort Smith, though rural areas of the state have limited local access.

Where to Find HBOT in Arkansas

Hospital-based wound care centers are the most common HBOT setting in Arkansas. These programs operate inside hospital systems and treat FDA-approved conditions — diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue injury, chronic non-healing wounds, and related diagnoses. They coordinate directly with your referring physician and handle insurance prior authorization.

UAMS in Little Rock is the state’s primary academic medical center. It serves patients from across Arkansas and handles the most complex HBOT cases in the state. If your condition requires specialist oversight, this is likely where a referral will lead.

The Fayetteville and Fort Smith areas in northwest and western Arkansas have hospital systems with wound care capabilities. These serve large regional populations and are more accessible for patients in the northwestern part of the state than making the trip to Little Rock.

Wellness clinics offering mild hyperbaric therapy (1.3 ATA soft chambers) exist in larger Arkansas cities. These aren’t medical-grade programs. If you have a diagnosed medical condition, confirm you’re booking at a hospital-based facility running a medical-grade chamber before proceeding.

The best starting point: use the UHMS (Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) provider search at uhms.org. It lists accredited facilities across Arkansas.

Browse our full provider directory for more guidance on what to look for.

Major Areas in Arkansas Where HBOT Is Available

Little Rock is the primary hub. UAMS and the surrounding hospital network make Little Rock the strongest option in the state for medical-grade HBOT. Most complex referrals route here.

Fayetteville and the broader northwest Arkansas corridor (Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville) have grown significantly as regional medical centers. Hospital-based wound care programs in this area serve northwest Arkansas and parts of Missouri and Oklahoma near the border.

Fort Smith serves western Arkansas and patients near the Oklahoma border. Hospital systems here may include wound care programs with HBOT capability.

Rural Arkansas has limited HBOT availability. Patients in smaller communities should expect a referral to Little Rock or the nearest regional hospital with a hyperbaric program. Ask your primary care physician about the referral process before searching independently.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before you book, ask every provider these questions.

• Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
• Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
• Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
• Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
• Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

In rural Arkansas, your primary care physician may need to issue a formal referral to an urban facility. Confirm this referral process with your insurance before traveling for treatment.

Read our guide to your first HBOT session before you go.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in Arkansas

Coverage for HBOT in Arkansas follows national standards.

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. This applies in Arkansas just as it does in every other state.

Arkansas DHS Medicaid coverage for HBOT varies by condition and managed care plan. Contact the facility’s billing department to confirm coverage before scheduling.

Commercial insurers like Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter, and Aetna generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required.

Off-label uses (including TBI, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and autism) are not covered by any insurance in Arkansas or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Want to know what treatment costs? See our HBOT cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Arkansas?

The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Hospital-based wound care centers in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith are a good starting point. UAMS in Little Rock is the state’s main academic medical center.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Arkansas?

Yes. Medicare coverage rules are federal and apply equally in all states, including Arkansas. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. See our insurance guide for full details.

Does Arkansas Medicaid cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Arkansas DHS Medicaid coverage for HBOT varies by condition and managed care plan. Coverage is most likely for FDA-approved indications such as diabetic foot ulcers and chronic non-healing wounds. Contact the facility’s billing department before scheduling to confirm your specific plan’s coverage.

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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.