Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Chicago, IL

Chicago is one of the highest-density HBOT markets in the country. Major academic medical centers operate large, multi-chamber wound care programs, and the metro area also has a growing number of standalone wellness clinics offering mild-pressure HBOT. Patients here generally have more choices than in smaller markets, both for insurance-covered medical HBOT and for out-of-pocket wellness sessions.

Finding HBOT Providers in Chicago

The dominant systems for medical-grade HBOT in Chicago are Northwestern Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Advocate Health Care, and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Each runs wound care and hyperbaric medicine programs across multiple campuses. This means that depending on where you live in the metro, you may have a credentialed program within a reasonable drive without heading downtown.

Academic centers like UChicago Medicine and Northwestern tend to handle the more complex cases, including delayed radiation injury, necrotizing infections, and non-healing wounds in patients with multiple comorbidities. Community hospital-based programs through Advocate and NorthShore are often appropriate for more straightforward wound care referrals.

Wellness HBOT, typically at lower pressures (1.3 to 1.5 ATA) and not requiring a physician referral, is available at several standalone clinics throughout the city and suburbs. These sessions aren’t covered by insurance and aren’t appropriate for treating medical conditions, but some patients pursue them for recovery or general wellness purposes.

To find accredited medical HBOT providers, use the UHMS provider directory and filter by Illinois. Accreditation from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) or the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) is the clearest signal that a facility meets clinical standards. Before booking anywhere, read our guide to choosing a clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Chicago

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for a defined list of FDA-approved conditions. These include diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t responded to standard wound care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury (osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis), arterial insufficiency ulcers, gas gangrene, and decompression sickness, among others. Coverage requires treatment at a Medicare-certified hospital outpatient department. Independent HBOT clinics, even well-run ones, often don’t qualify for Medicare reimbursement.

Illinois Medicaid coverage for HBOT is limited. It may cover treatment for some of the same FDA-approved indications, but prior authorization is typically required. Don’t assume coverage. Confirm with your facility’s billing team before the first session.

Commercial insurers in Illinois, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications when your physician submits appropriate documentation of medical necessity. Prior authorization is nearly universal. Off-label uses, including HBOT for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, or autism, are not covered by any major insurer.

Medicare session reimbursement rates change annually. Any figures you see online may be outdated. Always verify current rates with your facility’s billing department. For more detail on costs and coverage, see our insurance guide and cost guide.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At a hospital-based program, your first visit will typically include a consultation with a hyperbaric medicine physician before you ever enter a chamber. They’ll review your records, confirm your diagnosis qualifies, and clear you for treatment. The chamber session itself runs about 90 minutes, including compression and decompression time. You’ll breathe 100% oxygen through a mask or hood inside a pressurized chamber. Most patients describe it as similar to flying, with some ear pressure during descent.

For a full walkthrough of what to expect, including what to wear, what to avoid beforehand, and what side effects are possible, read our first session guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a referral for HBOT in Chicago? Your primary care physician or specialist, typically a vascular surgeon, podiatrist, or oncologist, can refer you to a hospital-based hyperbaric program. Some programs accept self-referrals for an initial consultation, but insurance-covered treatment almost always requires a physician order.

Is wellness HBOT the same as medical HBOT? No. Medical HBOT runs at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA and requires a physician referral and supervision. Wellness HBOT typically runs at 1.3 ATA in soft-sided chambers. The pressure difference is significant. Conditions treated by medical HBOT can’t be effectively treated at wellness-level pressures.

Can I get HBOT at a hospital in the suburbs instead of Chicago proper? Yes. Advocate Health Care and NorthShore University HealthSystem both operate programs at suburban campuses. If you’re in the western suburbs, Rush Copley in Aurora or Edward-Elmhurst Health in Naperville may also be closer options.

See more providers in Illinois: Illinois HBOT Providers

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.