Does Denver's high altitude affect hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

No. Denver's elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level has no effect on HBOT treatment. Hyperbaric chambers pressurize well above ambient atmospheric pressure — the therapy works by creating a high-pressure oxygen environment inside the chamber, not by relying on local atmospheric conditions. A session in Denver delivers the same therapeutic pressure as a session at sea level.

Which health systems in Denver offer HBOT?

UCHealth (University of Colorado Health) and SCL Health (now part of Intermountain Health) are the two major systems in the Denver metro. Both operate hospital-based wound care programs that may include HBOT for qualifying patients. Use the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org to find currently active hyperbaric programs in the Denver area.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Denver?

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-approved facilities in Denver for qualifying conditions — including diabetic foot ulcers, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury, and decompression sickness — with a physician referral and documented medical necessity. Wellness HBOT isn't covered. Medicare rates change annually; verify current figures with your facility's billing team.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Denver, CO

Denver is the clinical HBOT hub for Colorado. UCHealth (University of Colorado Health) and SCL Health / Intermountain Health are the two dominant systems in the metro, and both operate wound care infrastructure that includes hyperbaric programs for qualifying patients. Denver’s high altitude — 5,280 feet — is a common question from patients new to HBOT. The short answer: it doesn’t matter. The chamber controls the pressure environment independently of local elevation.

Finding HBOT Providers in Denver

UCHealth’s flagship is the University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, just east of Denver. It’s one of Colorado’s top academic medical centers and a primary referral destination for complex cases. UCHealth also operates community hospitals throughout the Denver metro with wound care programs.

SCL Health merged with Intermountain Health and now operates as Intermountain Health in Colorado. Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and other metro facilities are part of this network. Wound care programs at these facilities may include HBOT for patients with qualifying conditions.

The Denver metro also has standalone wellness HBOT clinics serving the recovery and performance market. These clinics typically use lower-pressure chambers for off-label uses and don’t bill insurance.

Use the UHMS provider directory to find accredited hyperbaric programs in Denver. Program availability changes, and that directory reflects current listings. Our provider selection guide covers what to ask before you commit to a facility.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Denver

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-participating facilities in Denver for qualifying conditions. The most common covered indications are diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed with standard care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury, and decompression sickness. Your physician documents medical necessity, and the facility must be Medicare-approved.

Colorado Medicaid coverage varies. If you’re on Colorado Medicaid, ask your provider’s billing team to verify benefits before treatment begins.

Commercial insurers in Denver — including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Anthem BCBS of Colorado, and others — may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization. The prior auth process can take time, so start it early if your physician has already recommended treatment.

Off-label HBOT isn’t covered by any insurer. Wellness clinic sessions are self-pay. See the insurance guide and cost guide for full detail. Medicare rates change annually — confirm current figures with your facility.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At a Denver hospital-based program, your first visit starts with a physician evaluation. The hyperbaric medicine doctor will review your diagnosis, confirm you’re medically cleared for HBOT, and walk you through the process. Sessions run 90–120 minutes, typically at 2.0–2.4 ATA for most wound care indications.

You’ll wear cotton clothing (no synthetics), avoid petroleum-based products, and learn how to equalize ear pressure during pressurization. Most patients find this manageable after the first session or two.

See the complete first HBOT session guide for a detailed walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does altitude affect how I feel after an HBOT session in Denver? HBOT itself doesn’t interact with altitude in a way that creates specific risk in Denver. Some patients feel tired after sessions regardless of location, especially early in a treatment course. If you have concerns about altitude and HBOT, ask your hyperbaric physician directly.

Can patients from Boulder or Colorado Springs come to Denver for HBOT? Yes. Denver is the primary referral center for complex HBOT in Colorado. Boulder is 30–45 minutes northwest and Colorado Springs is about 70 miles south. Patients from both cities commonly access Denver facilities for specialized care. Daily commutes for a 20–40 session course are common.

Are there wellness HBOT clinics in Denver proper? Yes. Denver has standalone wellness and recovery clinics offering HBOT alongside other services. Quality and physician oversight vary. If you’re booking a wellness session, verify the supervising physician’s credentials and confirm the chamber pressure level. Use the clinic selection checklist before booking.

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.