Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Wilmington, DE

Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city and home to ChristianaCare, the state’s primary health system. For most clinical HBOT needs, Wilmington patients start with ChristianaCare. For complex cases, Philadelphia’s major academic medical centers are 30 miles away.

Finding HBOT Providers in Wilmington

ChristianaCare operates Christiana Hospital and a network of outpatient facilities throughout northern Delaware. Their wound care services handle many of the conditions for which HBOT is most commonly used — diabetic foot ulcers, chronic non-healing wounds, and radiation tissue damage.

Delaware is a small state. Most of the state’s clinical HBOT infrastructure is concentrated in the Wilmington area. Patients in southern Delaware (Dover, Georgetown) often travel to Wilmington or cross into Delaware’s neighboring states for specialized care.

For complex or unusual cases, Philadelphia is the closest major academic medical hub. Penn Medicine (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian) and Jefferson Health both operate active wound care and hyperbaric programs. Some Wilmington-area patients with complex needs are referred to Philadelphia.

Find currently accredited hyperbaric facilities in the Wilmington area using the UHMS provider directory. Before your first visit, read our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Wilmington

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at any Medicare-participating outpatient facility. Coverage is federal — it applies the same way in Wilmington as anywhere in the mid-Atlantic region. After your annual deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved rate. Reimbursement rates change annually — confirm current amounts with your facility’s billing team.

Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan) may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions. Prior authorization is typically required. Contact Delaware Medicaid or ChristianaCare’s financial counselors before scheduling treatment.

Commercial insurers in Delaware — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others — generally follow Medicare’s approved indications for HBOT. Written prior authorization is required. Off-label HBOT is not covered.

Note: If you’re using a Philadelphia facility, confirm that your Delaware insurance covers out-of-state care and that the specific facility is in-network. Out-of-network costs for a multi-week HBOT course can be substantial.

Investigational HBOT paid out of pocket runs $200 to $450 per session. See our insurance guide and cost guide for more.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At ChristianaCare or a Philadelphia facility, your first appointment is a clinical evaluation. The wound care team reviews your health history, examines the affected area, and determines whether HBOT is the right next step. Bring a complete list of your current medications.

Treatment sessions run 90 to 120 minutes. You’ll breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber at two to three times normal atmospheric pressure. Ear pressure during pressurization is normal and manageable. Staff are nearby throughout each session.

Most wound care HBOT courses run 20 to 40 sessions over four to eight weeks. Progress is monitored and the protocol adjusts based on your response.

Read our first session guide for a full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ChristianaCare treat all 14 FDA-approved HBOT conditions? ChristianaCare’s wound care program handles the most common indications — diabetic wounds, radiation tissue damage, and certain infections. Less common conditions may require a referral to Philadelphia. Your referring physician can confirm what’s available locally.

Is there a VA hospital near Wilmington for veteran HBOT access? The closest VA medical center is the Wilmington VA Medical Center on Governor Antonini Boulevard. Contact the Wilmington VA directly or speak with your VA primary care provider to ask whether HBOT is available for your condition.

Can I get to Philadelphia for daily HBOT sessions from Wilmington? Amtrak and SEPTA regional rail both connect Wilmington to Philadelphia, with travel times of about 25 to 30 minutes. For a daily treatment course, commuting by train is feasible. Driving via I-95 takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

See more providers in Delaware: /providers/delaware/

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.