Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Bangor, ME?

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is Bangor's primary hospital and a regional hub for northern and eastern Maine. It's part of the Northern Light Health system. Use the UHMS provider directory to confirm whether an accredited hyperbaric program is currently available in Bangor or nearby communities.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Bangor?

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 14 FDA-approved conditions at any Medicare-participating facility. Coverage is federal and applies the same way in Bangor as across Maine. After your annual deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved outpatient rate. Rates change annually — verify current amounts with your facility's billing team.

Should Bangor patients travel to Portland for HBOT?

Bangor is about 130 miles north of Portland. If hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn't available locally in Bangor, some patients do travel to Maine Medical Center in Portland — the state's largest hospital. For a daily treatment course, that distance is a significant hardship. Ask your physician whether Bangor-area options exist before planning a Portland commute.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Bangor, ME

Bangor is Maine’s second largest city and serves as the regional hub for northern and eastern Maine — an area that’s largely rural with limited specialty medical access. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is the city’s primary hospital and the main referral center for this part of the state.

Finding HBOT Providers in Bangor

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is part of Northern Light Health, Maine’s largest health system. It operates as a Level II trauma center and serves patients from a large geographic area including Penobscot County, Piscataquis County, Washington County, and parts of Aroostook County.

Whether EMMC currently operates a hyperbaric oxygen therapy program is worth confirming directly — availability at regional medical centers changes over time. Call the wound care department or check the UHMS provider directory for the most current information on accredited facilities in the Bangor area.

Portland — with Maine Medical Center — is about 130 miles south of Bangor. For patients who can’t access HBOT locally, Portland is the most likely alternative within Maine. The drive makes daily sessions challenging, and some patients in that situation arrange temporary accommodations in Portland for the duration of their treatment course.

Access to clinical HBOT requires a physician referral. Your primary care doctor, podiatrist, or specialist can initiate a wound care consultation.

Before your first visit, read our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Bangor

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at qualifying outpatient facilities. Coverage is federal and applies the same way in Bangor as anywhere in Maine. After your annual deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved rate. Reimbursement rates change annually — confirm current figures with the billing team at your facility.

Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions. Prior authorization is typically required. Contact MaineCare or Northern Light Health’s financial counselors before scheduling treatment.

Commercial insurers in northern Maine include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, Harvard Pilgrim, and others. Network coverage in rural areas can be more limited — always confirm in-network status at EMMC or any provider before scheduling. Prior authorization for HBOT is required. Off-label HBOT is not covered.

Out-of-pocket costs for investigational HBOT typically run $200 to $400 per session. See our insurance guide and cost guide for full details.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At Northern Light EMMC or any Bangor-area wound care program, your first appointment is a clinical evaluation. The care team reviews your health history, examines the affected area, and determines whether HBOT is appropriate. Bring a complete medication list — some drugs aren’t safe under hyperbaric conditions.

Sessions run 90 to 120 minutes. You’ll breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber at two to three times normal atmospheric pressure. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is common and manageable. Staff are present throughout.

Wound care courses typically run 20 to 40 sessions. Your progress is monitored throughout and the protocol adjusts as needed.

Read our first session guide for the full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do patients in northern Maine — Aroostook County, for example — do for HBOT? Aroostook County is one of the most rural areas in the eastern United States. Bangor is the nearest city with a major hospital for most of northern Maine. The distances are real — a patient in Presque Isle is about 140 miles from Bangor. For a 20 to 40 session treatment course, some patients arrange extended stays near the treatment facility.

Does Northern Light Health serve patients in Washington County or Downeast Maine? Yes. EMMC in Bangor serves patients from Washington County and Downeast Maine as a regional referral center. For specialized wound care, patients from that area often travel to Bangor rather than the longer trip to Portland.

Is HBOT available through the VA in the Bangor area? The VA Maine Healthcare System operates facilities in Togus (near Augusta) and has community-based outpatient clinics in Bangor. Contact the VA directly or speak with your VA primary care provider to ask whether HBOT is available for your condition. Togus is about 65 miles southwest of Bangor.

See more providers in Maine: /providers/maine/

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.