Is HBOT available in Boulder, or do patients need to go to Denver?

UCHealth Boulder is the primary hospital option in Boulder. It's part of the UCHealth system, which operates larger hyperbaric programs at its Anschutz campus in Aurora. Whether UCHealth Boulder currently has an active hyperbaric program should be verified using the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org. For specialized clinical HBOT — complex wounds, radiation injury — Denver (30–45 minutes southeast) is likely the more robust option.

Does Boulder have wellness HBOT clinics?

Boulder's wellness culture has generated interest in HBOT for recovery and performance, and some standalone wellness clinics may operate in the area. These typically use mild-pressure chambers for off-label uses and are self-pay. Quality and physician oversight vary. Always verify that a licensed physician is supervising care at any clinic before booking, regardless of how the clinic markets itself.

Does insurance cover HBOT in Boulder?

Medicare Part B and commercial insurers may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions at participating facilities in Boulder or Denver. Wellness HBOT is self-pay regardless of location. For clinical HBOT with insurance coverage, you'll need a physician referral and a Medicare-participating or in-network facility. If Boulder doesn't have a qualifying facility for your condition, your physician can refer you to a Denver-area program.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Boulder, CO

Boulder is a smaller market for clinical HBOT than Denver or Colorado Springs. UCHealth Boulder is the primary hospital in the city, connected to the larger UCHealth network with its academic hub at Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Boulder’s strong wellness culture has created demand for HBOT in recovery and performance contexts, with some standalone clinics serving that market.

Finding HBOT Providers in Boulder

UCHealth Boulder is your first call for clinical HBOT in the city. As a UCHealth facility, it connects to one of Colorado’s largest health systems. Specialized or complex cases are often referred to the UCHealth Anschutz campus in Aurora, which is roughly 30–45 minutes from Boulder under normal conditions.

For some Boulder patients, the drive to Denver or Aurora is worth it to access a larger program with more experience in their specific condition. If you have a complex wound, radiation injury, or another condition that benefits from subspecialty wound care, the Anschutz campus is worth asking your physician about.

Boulder’s wellness market has produced interest in HBOT clinics serving the athletic and longevity crowd. If you’re seeking mild-pressure HBOT for recovery, Boulder and the surrounding area may have standalone options. These aren’t clinical HBOT programs — they’re wellness services — and insurance won’t cover them.

Start your search with the UHMS provider directory. For clinical care, your referring physician is the best guide to whether local treatment or a Denver referral makes more sense. See our provider selection guide for what to ask.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Boulder

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions at participating Boulder or Denver-area facilities. The covered indications apply regardless of city — diabetic foot ulcers, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury, decompression sickness, and others. Your physician documents medical necessity, and you need to be treated at a Medicare-approved facility.

Colorado Medicaid coverage varies by plan and condition. Verify with your provider’s billing team before starting treatment.

Commercial insurers serving Boulder — Anthem BCBS of Colorado, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and others — may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization. If you’re referred to a Denver facility for treatment, confirm the facility is in-network for your plan before you start.

Wellness HBOT at standalone clinics is self-pay. Off-label sessions aren’t covered by any insurer. See the insurance guide and cost guide for full detail. Medicare rates change annually — verify with your facility.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Whether you’re treated in Boulder or referred to a Denver-area program, the first session at a hospital-based program starts with a physician consultation. You’ll review your medical history, confirm your diagnosis qualifies, and get a full safety briefing before entering the chamber.

Sessions run 90–120 minutes in a clinical setting. You wear cotton clothing, avoid petroleum products, and learn to equalize ear pressure during pressurization. Most patients adapt quickly to the routine.

See our complete first session guide for the full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Boulder’s altitude affect HBOT treatment? Boulder sits at roughly 5,430 feet above sea level. Like Denver and Colorado Springs, the altitude has no effect on HBOT. The chamber pressurizes independently of local atmospheric conditions. A session in Boulder delivers the same therapeutic environment as a session at sea level.

How far is it to drive from Boulder to Denver for HBOT? Downtown Denver is about 30 miles from Boulder — typically 30–45 minutes by car, though US-36 can have traffic during rush hour. The Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora is about 40–50 miles, adding a bit more time. If you’re doing daily sessions for 4–6 weeks, commute time is a real factor to plan for.

Are Boulder wellness HBOT sessions safe at altitude? Mild hyperbaric therapy at 1.3–1.5 ATA is generally considered low-risk for healthy adults. Altitude doesn’t meaningfully change that risk profile. That said, any HBOT should be supervised by a licensed physician. If you have underlying health conditions, talk to your doctor before booking a wellness HBOT session.

See more providers in Colorado: Colorado 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.