Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids is Iowa’s second-largest city, and it’s well-positioned for patients who need wound care without traveling to Des Moines or Iowa City. Two established health systems serve the metro, and Iowa City’s University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is only about 30 minutes south on I-380 for cases that need academic-level care.

Finding HBOT Providers in Cedar Rapids

UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s and Mercy Medical Center are the two primary hospital systems in Cedar Rapids. Both run wound care programs, and wound care centers are the most common setting for hospital-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Iowa.

Availability can change. Programs sometimes consolidate, equipment gets upgraded or relocated, and staffing affects scheduling. The UHMS provider directory is the most reliable way to confirm which Cedar Rapids facilities currently offer accredited HBOT. An accredited program means the facility meets standards for chamber safety, physician training, and clinical protocols.

If your condition is complex — a non-healing radiation wound, a severe infection, or a case that’s failed multiple prior treatments — ask your referring doctor whether a UIHC referral makes more sense than staying local. The 30-minute drive to Iowa City may be worth it for academic-level wound care.

Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic explains what to ask before committing to a facility.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Cedar Rapids

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications. The covered list includes diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed after standard wound care, radiation tissue injuries like osteoradionecrosis, gas gangrene, and arterial insufficiency wounds, among others. Your physician needs to document medical necessity and prior treatment failures before Medicare will authorize sessions.

Reimbursement rates change each year. Don’t rely on figures you find online — verify the current rate with your facility’s billing department. A typical course of treatment runs 20 to 40 sessions, so the total cost adds up quickly if coverage falls through.

Iowa Medicaid has its own prior authorization process and doesn’t always mirror Medicare’s covered-indication list. Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services or ask your provider’s billing team to check your specific plan.

Commercial insurers in Iowa generally cover the same FDA-approved indications as Medicare. Prior authorization is standard. Off-label uses — HBOT for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, or other investigational conditions — are not covered by any insurer. Patients pursuing those treatments pay out of pocket.

More detail is in our insurance guide and cost guide.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Most hospital wound care programs start with a consultation before your first hyperbaric session. A hyperbaric physician will review your history, screen for contraindications, and set a treatment plan. You’ll receive instructions on what to wear (100% cotton) and what to leave at home (electronics, synthetic fabrics, flammable products).

Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours. Inside the chamber, you breathe pure oxygen at 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. The most common side effect is mild ear pressure during pressurization, similar to an airplane descent. Staff will show you how to equalize before you start.

Read more in our first session guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Iowa City better for HBOT? For standard wound care protocols, Cedar Rapids hospitals are convenient and fully capable. For cases involving unusual complexity — radiation injuries from cancer treatment, rare infections, or wounds that have failed elsewhere — Iowa City’s UIHC has the academic resources to handle it. Ask your physician which setting is appropriate.

How long does a typical HBOT treatment course last? Most FDA-approved protocols run 20 to 40 sessions, usually five days a week. The exact number depends on your condition and how you respond. Your care team will monitor progress and adjust the plan.

Can I drive myself to HBOT sessions? Most patients can drive themselves to and from sessions. Some people feel tired or lightheaded after treatment, particularly early in the course. Check with your care team, and have a backup plan for the first few sessions until you know how you respond.

See more providers in Iowa: Iowa 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.