Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Louisville, KY
Find HBOT providers in Louisville, KY. University of Louisville Hospital, Norton Healthcare, and UofL Health. Medicare and insurance coverage explained.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Louisville, KY
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and its primary medical hub. The city has two major health systems. UofL Health operates the academic medical center affiliated with the University of Louisville, and Norton Healthcare runs a large network of community hospitals and specialty facilities throughout the metro. Both have wound care programs, and Louisville patients typically have multiple accredited options to choose from.
Finding HBOT Providers in Louisville
The UHMS provider directory at uhms.org/find-a-hyperbaric-facility.html is the starting point. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society accredits facilities that meet clinical standards for physician oversight, equipment, and safety procedures. Accreditation is a meaningful filter and takes two minutes to check.
UofL Health is Louisville’s academic medical center. Its wound care programs handle complex cases including diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and compromised grafts. University Hospital is the flagship facility for complex and referred cases.
Norton Healthcare operates five hospitals in the Louisville metro and has a broad wound care footprint. Baptist Health Louisville is another major system serving the area. These community hospital programs offer more locations for routine HBOT indications.
Standalone hyperbaric clinics also exist in Louisville. Some are legitimate medical programs. Read our guide to choosing a clinic before choosing one. Ask specifically about chamber pressure rating and whether a board-certified hyperbaric physician supervises treatment.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Louisville
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. The rules are national. Covered conditions include diabetic lower extremity ulcers, radiation-induced soft tissue and bone damage, compromised skin grafts and flaps, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, crush injuries, and arterial insufficiency ulcers, among others.
Reimbursement rates change annually. Always verify current amounts with the facility before scheduling.
Kentucky Medicaid, administered through managed care organizations, may cover HBOT for qualifying patients. Coverage depends on the plan and the condition. Ask the facility’s billing team to run a prior authorization check before your first appointment.
Commercial insurers active in Louisville include Humana (headquartered in Louisville), Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans generally follow Medicare’s clinical criteria for HBOT. Prior authorization is required. Off-label uses won’t be covered under any plan.
Our insurance guide covers how prior authorization works and what to do if a claim is denied. Our cost guide covers typical out-of-pocket costs per session.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Before treatment, a hyperbaric physician reviews your medical history. They confirm the HBOT indication, screen for contraindications, and set the treatment plan. This intake evaluation takes 30 to 60 minutes on your first visit.
Treatment runs 90 minutes at 2.0 to 2.4 ATA breathing 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Compression takes about 10 minutes. Decompression takes another 10 minutes. Total visit time is typically under two hours.
Ear pressure during compression is the most common physical sensation. Staff teach equalization techniques before your first session.
Read our first session guide for a complete walkthrough of what to expect from intake through the end of a treatment course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Louisville?
UofL Health (University of Louisville) is Louisville’s academic medical center and a primary source for complex wound care HBOT. Norton Healthcare is the other major health system in Louisville, operating multiple hospitals throughout the metro. Use the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org to find accredited HBOT facilities in the Louisville area.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Louisville?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Coverage rules are federal and apply the same way in Kentucky as in any other state. Off-label uses are not covered. Reimbursement rates change annually, so verify current amounts with your facility’s billing team.
Does Kentucky Medicaid cover HBOT in Louisville?
Kentucky Medicaid (Medicaid MCO plans in Kentucky) may cover HBOT for qualifying patients depending on the managed care plan and the specific condition. Coverage follows FDA-approved indications. Ask the facility’s billing coordinator to verify eligibility and run prior authorization before scheduling. Off-label uses won’t be covered.
See more providers in Kentucky: Kentucky HBOT Provider Directory
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.