Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Kentucky: How to Find a Provider

Kentucky has two major academic medical centers anchoring HBOT access in the state — University of Kentucky in Lexington and University of Louisville. These two cities are the primary hubs. Eastern and western Kentucky are more rural and have limited local access, so referrals to Lexington or Louisville are common for patients outside the major urban areas.

Where to Find HBOT in Kentucky

Hospital-based wound care programs are the standard HBOT setting in Kentucky. These facilities handle FDA-approved conditions — diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue injury, and chronic non-healing wounds — under physician oversight. They coordinate prior authorization with your insurance and work directly with your referring physician.

University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington is the state’s flagship academic medical center. UK HealthCare handles complex HBOT cases and serves patients from across the state, particularly eastern Kentucky. The system’s wound care program is well-established.

University of Louisville Health is the second major academic system in the state, serving Louisville and the surrounding region. Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health also operate major Louisville hospital campuses. This gives Louisville residents multiple hospital options with wound care programs.

Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah have regional hospitals that serve western and south-central Kentucky. HBOT availability at these facilities should be confirmed directly before traveling.

Eastern Kentucky is largely rural with limited hospital-based HBOT. Patients in Pikeville, Hazard, and surrounding communities typically need to travel to Lexington for HBOT treatment.

The best starting point: use the UHMS (Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) provider search at uhms.org. It lists accredited facilities across Kentucky.

Browse our full provider directory for more guidance on what to look for.

Major Areas in Kentucky Where HBOT Is Available

Lexington is Kentucky’s academic medical hub. University of Kentucky HealthCare handles complex HBOT cases and is the primary referral destination from eastern Kentucky and surrounding rural counties.

Louisville has a well-developed hospital market with multiple major systems. University of Louisville, Norton Healthcare, and Baptist Health all operate in Louisville, giving residents multiple options for hospital-based HBOT.

Bowling Green in south-central Kentucky has medical center infrastructure. HBOT availability should be confirmed with specific facilities.

Owensboro and Paducah in western Kentucky have regional hospitals. These serve patients in the western part of the state who can’t readily travel to Louisville or Lexington.

Eastern Kentucky (Pikeville, Hazard, Paintsville area) has limited local HBOT access. Most patients in this region are referred to Lexington.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before you book, ask every provider these questions.

• Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
• Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
• Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
• Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
• Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

Eastern Kentucky patients facing a long trip to Lexington should confirm the expected session count before starting treatment. HBOT often requires 20-40 sessions, so planning the logistics early matters.

Read our guide to your first HBOT session before you go.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in Kentucky

Coverage for HBOT in Kentucky follows national standards.

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. This applies in Kentucky just as it does in every other state.

Kentucky Medicaid is administered through managed care organizations including Passport Health Plan and Humana. Coverage for HBOT varies by condition and plan. Contact the facility’s billing department to confirm coverage before scheduling.

Commercial insurers like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky, Humana, and Aetna generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required.

Off-label uses (including TBI, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and autism) are not covered by any insurance in Kentucky or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Want to know what treatment costs? See our HBOT cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Kentucky?

The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. University of Kentucky (Lexington) and University of Louisville are the two major academic medical centers in the state. Hospital-based wound care centers in both cities are a good starting point for HBOT in Kentucky.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Kentucky?

Yes. Medicare coverage rules are federal and apply equally in all states, including Kentucky. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. See our insurance guide for full details.

Does Kentucky Medicaid cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Kentucky Medicaid coverage for HBOT varies by condition and managed care plan. Plans administered through Passport Health Plan, Humana, and other Kentucky Medicaid managed care organizations may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions. Contact the facility’s billing department before scheduling to confirm your plan’s specific coverage.

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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.