Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Augusta, GA

Augusta is home to one of Georgia’s major academic medical centers and sits adjacent to Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon. That military presence means Augusta sees a veteran and active-duty patient population with specific healthcare needs, including some conditions that may involve hyperbaric treatment.

Finding HBOT Providers in Augusta

Augusta University Health is the region’s academic medical center, affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia (part of Augusta University). Academic centers of this type typically run specialty wound care programs and are the most likely setting for hospital-based HBOT in the Augusta metro.

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta serves veterans in the Central Savannah River Area. Veterans with FDA-approved indications for HBOT should contact their VA primary care team to determine eligibility and whether HBOT is available through VA care or by referral.

To verify current accreditation at any facility, use the UHMS directory at uhms.org. A referring physician can also connect you directly to the appropriate wound care or hyperbaric program.

Ask any center you contact whether a board-certified hyperbaric physician supervises treatment. That’s the professional credential specific to the specialty. Our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic covers what else to ask.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Augusta

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions. In Augusta’s patient population, common covered indications include diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t responded to standard wound care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and radiation tissue damage from cancer treatment.

Veterans with service-connected conditions may have separate coverage through the VA. Contact the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center or your VA primary care provider to understand what’s available and what prior authorization is required.

Medicare reimbursement rates change each year. Confirm current rates with your provider’s billing team before starting treatment. Georgia Medicaid coverage depends on your managed care plan. Commercial insurers typically require prior authorization for FDA-approved indications and don’t cover off-label uses.

Our insurance guide and cost guide explain these distinctions in full.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Augusta University Health operates as an academic medical center, which typically means a more thorough intake process than a community hospital. Before treatment begins, a hyperbaric physician reviews your condition, medications, and medical history. Academic centers also see more complex cases, so the evaluation may involve coordination with other specialists.

Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours inside the chamber at 2.0 to 2.4 atmospheres. Most medical treatment courses are 20 to 40 sessions, five days per week. You can drive yourself and maintain normal activity outside of sessions.

For veterans treated at the VA, the process follows VA protocols, which may differ from the civilian hospital process. Your VA primary care team will guide you through the steps.

Read our first session guide before your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Eisenhower have its own HBOT resources?

Military treatment facilities (MTFs) sometimes have hyperbaric programs, particularly those near diving or special operations communities. Contact Fort Eisenhower’s Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center directly to ask about HBOT availability for active-duty personnel and their families.

Can Augusta University Health treat complex wound cases?

As an academic medical center affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University Health is equipped to manage complex wound and hyperbaric cases. Academic centers tend to have more subspecialty support, including vascular surgery and infectious disease, which matters for complex osteomyelitis or non-healing wound cases.

What’s the referral process for HBOT in Augusta?

Most patients come through a wound care physician, podiatrist, or surgeon who identifies a wound not responding to standard treatment. That physician makes the referral to the hyperbaric program. You can also ask your primary care provider to connect you with wound care if you think your wound may qualify.

See more providers in Georgia: /providers/georgia/

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.