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

Maine Medical Center, part of MaineHealth, is the largest hospital in Maine and the primary hub for clinical HBOT in the state. Portland's medical infrastructure handles most of Maine's wound care and hyperbaric needs. Use the UHMS provider directory to confirm currently accredited facilities.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Portland, ME?

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

Is Portland, ME a good place for clinical HBOT?

Yes. Maine Medical Center is Maine's largest hospital and serves as the primary referral center for the state. For most HBOT indications, Portland's infrastructure is solid. For the most complex cases, some Maine patients are referred to Boston, which is about 100 miles south.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Portland, ME

Portland is Maine’s largest city and the state’s medical hub. Maine Medical Center — part of the MaineHealth system — is the biggest hospital in Maine and handles the most complex wound care and hyperbaric cases in the state. For clinical HBOT in Maine, Portland is the starting point.

Finding HBOT Providers in Portland

Maine Medical Center is a large acute care hospital with a Level I trauma center designation and a teaching affiliation with Tufts University School of Medicine. Its wound care program serves patients from across Maine, including referrals from rural and coastal communities that don’t have local specialty services.

MaineHealth’s network extends into southern Maine and New Hampshire, and the system operates several outpatient facilities beyond the Portland flagship. Outpatient wound care, including HBOT, may be available at satellite locations — confirm through the facility directly or via the UHMS directory.

Access to clinical HBOT at Maine Medical Center starts with a physician referral. Your primary care doctor, podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or oncologist can initiate a wound care consultation.

Boston is about 100 miles south of Portland. For the most complex wound presentations or unusual hyperbaric indications, some Maine patients are referred to Boston’s academic medical centers. But for the common indications — diabetic wounds, radiation tissue damage — Portland’s local program handles most cases.

Find accredited hyperbaric facilities in Maine using the UHMS provider directory. Before your first appointment, read our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Portland

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

Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions. Prior authorization is standard. Contact MaineCare or Maine Medical Center’s financial counselors before scheduling treatment to confirm coverage.

Commercial insurers in Maine — Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, and others — generally follow Medicare’s approved indications for HBOT. Written prior authorization is required before starting a treatment course. Off-label HBOT is not covered.

Maine is a rural state with fewer insurer options than larger markets. Confirm in-network status at Maine Medical Center before scheduling. Investigational HBOT paid out of pocket runs $200 to $400 per session. See our insurance guide and cost guide.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At Maine Medical Center, your first appointment is a clinical evaluation — the wound care team reviews your health history, examines the affected area, and determines whether HBOT is appropriate. Bring a complete medication list, since 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 expected and easy to manage. Clinical staff are present throughout.

Most wound care courses run 20 to 40 sessions five days a week. Progress is tracked and the protocol adjusts as needed.

Read our first session guide for the full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maine Medical Center treat radiation injuries from cancer treatment? Radiation-induced tissue damage — including osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis, and radiation proctitis — is an FDA-approved indication for HBOT. Maine Medical Center’s wound care team works with oncology for these cases. Ask your radiation oncologist or oncologist for a wound care referral.

What about Maine’s coastal communities — is travel to Portland manageable? Maine’s coastline is long and its roads are often slower than highway distances suggest. From communities like Rockland, Bath, or Kennebunk, driving to Portland for daily sessions is possible but takes planning. Ask about scheduling flexibility and whether any closer facilities can support your case.

Are there HBOT resources for divers in Maine? Maine waters attract recreational and commercial divers. Decompression sickness is a medical emergency. Call DAN (Divers Alert Network) at 1-919-684-9111 and go to the nearest emergency department. Maine Medical Center has emergency hyperbaric capability — confirm through the ED, not through elective scheduling.

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.