Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Kansas City, Kansas

The Kansas City metro straddles two state lines, and the medical resources on the Kansas side are anchored by one of the region’s strongest academic institutions. For patients on both the Kansas and Missouri sides of the metro, KU Med is a major referral center.

Finding HBOT Providers in Kansas City, KS

The University of Kansas Health System, commonly called KU Med, is the dominant academic medical center on the Kansas side of the metro. It’s also one of the most comprehensive hospital systems in the region overall, drawing patients from western Missouri, eastern Kansas, and rural areas across both states.

Academic medical centers like KU Med handle complex wound cases that community hospitals may refer out, including non-healing radiation wounds, rare infections, and refractory diabetic ulcers. They also tend to operate research-grade hyperbaric programs with physician specialists who focus on hyperbaric medicine.

The Kansas City metro also has hospital systems on the Missouri side, including Saint Luke’s Health System and the University of Missouri-Kansas City program. If you’re on the Missouri side, those may be in-network options worth exploring. The UHMS provider directory covers accredited facilities on both sides of the metro.

For guidance on evaluating any program, see our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Kansas City, KS

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions on both sides of the state line. Coverage rules are federal, so there’s no difference between Kansas and Missouri for Medicare beneficiaries. The covered indications include diabetic foot wounds, radiation tissue damage, arterial insufficiency, and certain severe infections.

Getting Medicare authorization requires a physician referral and documentation that standard treatments have been tried and haven’t worked. Reimbursement rates change annually. Verify the current rate with your facility’s billing team rather than relying on figures published online.

Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) and Missouri Medicaid operate separately with different covered indications and prior authorization requirements. If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, the state you live in determines which program covers you. Ask your provider’s billing department to check your specific plan.

Commercial insurance is network-dependent. KU Med participates in many major insurance networks, but out-of-network costs at an academic center can be significant. Confirm your plan’s network before scheduling. Off-label uses — HBOT for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, or other investigational applications — are not covered by any insurer on either side of the metro.

More detail is in our insurance guide and cost guide.

What to Expect at Your First Session

KU Med and other hospital-based programs start with a physician evaluation before the first treatment. The hyperbaric physician will review your history, check for any conditions that would make HBOT unsafe, and set a treatment schedule with your referring doctor.

On treatment days you’ll wear 100% cotton clothing provided by or approved by the facility. Sessions run about 90 minutes to two hours. You breathe pure oxygen under elevated pressure. Most patients tolerate treatment well, with mild ear pressure being the most common complaint during pressurization.

Full details are in our first session guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KU Med the best option for HBOT in the Kansas City area? KU Med is the strongest academic option on the Kansas side. Whether it’s the best fit depends on your condition, your insurance network, and where you live in the metro. A community hospital wound care center may be more convenient and equally capable for straightforward cases. Ask your physician where they’d refer you.

How do I get a referral to KU Med’s wound care program? Your primary care doctor, podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or other specialist can refer you. KU Med also accepts self-referrals for some services. Call their scheduling line and ask about the wound care or hyperbaric medicine program specifically.

What’s the typical treatment schedule for HBOT? Most FDA-approved protocols call for daily sessions five days a week. A full treatment course runs 20 to 40 sessions depending on the condition and your response. Some patients see improvement before completing the full course. Your care team monitors progress throughout.

See more providers in Kansas: Kansas 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.