Does the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics offer HBOT?

UIHC operates comprehensive wound care programs through its academic medical center. As Iowa's premier academic hospital, it handles complex and refractory wound cases. Contact UIHC's wound care department directly or search the UHMS provider directory to confirm current HBOT availability and referral requirements.

Do I need a referral for HBOT at UIHC?

Yes. Academic medical centers like UIHC typically require a physician referral for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Insurance coverage also requires a referral and documentation of medical necessity. Start with your primary care doctor or specialist, who can coordinate with UIHC's wound care team.

Is Iowa City a good option for complex HBOT cases?

UIHC is Iowa's only academic medical center and handles cases that community hospitals may not be equipped to treat. For complex wounds, radiation injuries, or cases that haven't responded to treatment elsewhere, an academic center can be a strong option. Ask your physician whether a UIHC referral is appropriate for your situation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the state’s only academic medical center and the flagship facility of the UI Carver College of Medicine. For patients with complex wounds or conditions that haven’t responded to treatment at community hospitals, UIHC is often the next referral destination.

Finding HBOT Providers in Iowa City

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics runs one of the most sophisticated wound care programs in the state. Academic medical centers typically handle cases that are too complex or too refractory for community hospital programs, including radiation injuries, necrotizing fasciitis, and non-healing diabetic ulcers that have failed multiple prior treatments.

Because UIHC draws patients from across Iowa and neighboring states, wait times for specialty care can be longer than at smaller facilities. If your case is urgent, your referring physician should communicate that clearly.

For a current list of accredited providers in and around Iowa City, use the UHMS provider directory. The directory is the most reliable source for confirming that a facility meets established safety and training standards. Cedar Rapids, about 30 minutes north on I-380, also has hospital-based wound care programs through UnityPoint Health and Mercy Medical Center.

Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic covers what to look for in any facility.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Iowa City

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for a defined list of FDA-approved conditions. Diabetic foot wounds, radiation tissue damage, certain severe infections, and arterial insufficiency wounds are among the covered indications. Your physician must document that standard treatments have been tried and failed before Medicare will authorize HBOT.

Medicare reimbursement rates change each year. Any figure you read online — including on this page — may be outdated. Verify current rates with UIHC’s billing department or your insurance plan before starting treatment.

Iowa Medicaid covers HBOT for some beneficiaries, with its own prior authorization requirements. Coverage criteria don’t always mirror Medicare exactly. Call Iowa Medicaid or ask your provider’s billing team to check your eligibility.

Commercial plans generally follow Medicare’s covered-indication list. If your condition is FDA-approved, prior authorization is usually the main hurdle. Off-label uses — including HBOT for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, or other investigational applications — are not covered by insurers. Those treatments are paid out of pocket.

See our insurance guide and cost guide for more detail.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At an academic center like UIHC, your first appointment will likely start with a formal evaluation by a hyperbaric physician. They’ll review your medical records, check for contraindications (HBOT isn’t appropriate for everyone), and confirm the treatment plan with your referring provider.

On treatment days, you’ll wear 100% cotton clothing. Synthetic fabrics, flammable items, and electronics are not allowed in the chamber. Sessions run about 90 minutes to two hours from pressurization to completion. You’ll breathe pure oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure. Most patients watch television, listen to audio, or sleep.

Ear pressure is the most common side effect, and staff will walk you through equalization techniques before your first session. Oxygen toxicity and barotrauma are rare at accredited facilities operating within established protocols.

The first session guide has a full walkthrough of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can patients from outside Iowa City get HBOT at UIHC? Yes. UIHC serves patients from across Iowa and neighboring states. You’ll need a referring physician, and your insurance plan may require that you use in-network providers. Call UIHC’s patient access team to ask about out-of-area referrals.

What’s the difference between hospital-based HBOT and wellness clinic HBOT? Hospital-based programs use high-pressure monoplace or multiplace chambers under physician supervision, with clinical protocols tied to wound care outcomes. Wellness clinics often use mild-pressure chambers (around 1.3 ATA) for non-FDA-approved purposes. Insurance won’t cover wellness clinic treatments. The clinical evidence for hospital-based HBOT is stronger for approved indications.

How do I get referred to UIHC’s wound care program? Your primary care physician, podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or other specialist can refer you. UIHC also accepts self-referrals for some services. Call the hospital’s central scheduling line and ask specifically about their wound care or hyperbaric program.

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.