Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is Iowa’s largest city and its state capital. The metro area is served by two major health systems, which means most patients don’t need to travel far for wound care or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Finding HBOT Providers in Des Moines

UnityPoint Health and MercyOne (now part of CommonSpirit Health) are the two dominant systems in the Des Moines metro. Both operate comprehensive wound care programs, and wound care centers are the most common setting for hospital-based HBOT in Iowa.

Don’t rely on a general web search to find current providers. Clinic affiliations change, programs open and close, and equipment availability varies. The most reliable way to find a current, accredited provider is through the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) provider directory. UHMS-accredited facilities meet established standards for equipment, staff training, and safety protocols.

Your primary care physician or specialist can also refer you to a hyperbaric program. A referral is usually required anyway for insurance coverage, so starting with your doctor makes sense.

For guidance on what to look for when choosing a facility, see our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Des Moines

Medicare Part B may cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy for FDA-approved conditions. The list includes diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t responded to standard wound care, radiation tissue damage (osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis), arterial insufficiency wounds, certain serious infections, and a handful of other conditions.

Coverage requires a physician referral and documentation that the wound or condition hasn’t responded to conventional treatment. Medicare reimbursement rates change annually. The figures you’ll see cited online are often outdated, so verify current rates with your facility’s billing department.

Iowa Medicaid may cover HBOT for some beneficiaries, but coverage criteria and prior authorization requirements differ from Medicare. Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services or ask your provider’s billing team to check your specific situation.

Commercial insurers operating in Iowa generally follow Medicare’s lead on covered indications. If your condition is FDA-approved, your plan likely covers it with prior authorization. Off-label uses — including HBOT for long COVID, traumatic brain injury, or autism — are not covered by any major insurer. Patients pursuing those treatments pay out of pocket.

More detail on costs and coverage is in our HBOT insurance guide and HBOT cost guide.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Your first visit usually starts with a medical evaluation. The hyperbaric physician will review your records, check for contraindications, and explain the treatment plan. You’ll change into 100% cotton clothing (synthetic fabrics aren’t allowed in the chamber) and remove any items that could create a fire hazard.

Sessions typically run 90 minutes to two hours, including pressurization and depressurization time. Inside the chamber, you breathe pure oxygen at 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. Most patients read, watch television, or sleep during treatment.

Some people feel mild ear pressure during pressurization, similar to what you feel on an airplane descent. Staff will show you how to equalize. Serious side effects are uncommon at accredited facilities.

Full details on what to expect are in our first session guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a referral for HBOT in Des Moines? Ask your primary care doctor or your wound care specialist. If you have a diabetic foot wound, a vascular surgeon or podiatrist may also be able to refer you. Insurance almost always requires a referral before treatment starts.

Are there standalone hyperbaric clinics in Des Moines, or is it only at hospitals? Hospital-based wound care centers are the most common setting for HBOT in Iowa. Some standalone clinics exist, but they’re less common in the Midwest than on the coasts. The UHMS directory will show you both hospital-affiliated and independent facilities near Des Moines.

How much does HBOT cost in Des Moines without insurance? Self-pay rates at hospital-based programs typically run $250 to $450 per session. Standalone wellness clinics may charge less, but they’re usually operating at lower pressures with different equipment. Ask any facility for their full fee schedule before starting treatment.

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.