Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Bethesda, MD?

Bethesda is home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, one of the largest military hospitals in the world, and the NIH Clinical Center. Walter Reed serves active duty, veterans, and eligible beneficiaries. Civilian patients typically access HBOT through MedStar Health or Inova Health providers in the DC metro area. Use the UHMS provider directory to find accredited civilian facilities.

Does Walter Reed in Bethesda provide HBOT to civilians?

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center primarily serves active duty military personnel, their dependents, and eligible veterans and retirees through TRICARE. Civilian access is generally not available. Civilians in Bethesda seeking HBOT should look at MedStar Health facilities in the DC metro or Inova Health in Northern Virginia.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in the Bethesda area?

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 14 FDA-approved conditions at any Medicare-participating civilian facility. Walter Reed is a military facility and doesn't serve Medicare beneficiaries. Civilian facilities in the DC metro area that participate in Medicare may cover HBOT. Rates change annually — verify with your facility's billing team.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda sits in Montgomery County just north of Washington, DC. It’s home to two of the most prominent medical institutions in the country — Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the NIH Clinical Center. But those serve specific populations. Civilian patients seeking HBOT in Bethesda access it through the DC metro’s civilian health systems.

Finding HBOT Providers in Bethesda

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the Bethesda campus is the flagship hospital of the Military Health System. It serves active duty personnel, eligible dependents, and qualified veterans and retirees through TRICARE. It’s not open to the general civilian population for routine care.

The NIH Clinical Center operates research protocols — not standard clinical care — and access is through specific research studies.

For civilian patients in Bethesda and Montgomery County, MedStar Health operates facilities in the DC metro area including MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University Hospital. Inova Health System serves the Northern Virginia side of the border with hospitals in Falls Church and Fairfax. Both systems have wound care infrastructure.

Washington DC proper also has academic medical centers — GWU Hospital and MedStar Georgetown — within a short drive of Bethesda.

Find accredited civilian hyperbaric facilities near Bethesda using the UHMS provider directory. Before choosing a program, see our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Bethesda

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at civilian outpatient Medicare-participating facilities. Walter Reed and NIH are not options for Medicare patients. Civilian facilities in the DC metro area that accept Medicare may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions. After your deductible, Medicare pays about 80% of the approved rate. Rates change annually — confirm with the billing department.

TRICARE covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for eligible military beneficiaries at qualifying facilities. Coverage terms vary by TRICARE plan. Contact TRICARE directly or ask your military treatment facility’s patient advocate for specifics.

Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) may cover HBOT for qualifying conditions at civilian facilities. Prior authorization is standard. Commercial insurers in Montgomery County — CareFirst, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others — generally follow Medicare’s approved indications and require written prior authorization.

Off-label HBOT is not covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or private insurance. Out-of-pocket costs typically run $200 to $450 per session. See our insurance guide and cost guide for details.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Whether you’re seen at a MedStar facility in DC or an Inova facility in Northern Virginia, your first appointment will be a clinical evaluation. The wound care team reviews your health history, examines the affected area, and confirms that HBOT is appropriate for your case. Bring a full medication list.

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 normal. Clinical staff are present throughout.

Most wound care courses run 20 to 40 sessions. Read our first session guide for a full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a veteran living in Bethesda. Can I get HBOT through the VA? The VA covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for certain conditions, but availability varies by VA medical center. The closest major VA facility to Bethesda is the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Contact the VA directly or ask your VA primary care provider whether HBOT is available for your condition.

Are there private HBOT clinics in Bethesda for wellness uses? The Bethesda and Chevy Chase area has some wellness-oriented businesses that offer mild-pressure HBOT. These use 1.3 ATA pressure and are not the same as clinical HBOT. They’re not covered by insurance and aren’t appropriate substitutes for hospital-based treatment of medical conditions.

How far is Bethesda from DC’s major HBOT programs? MedStar Washington Hospital Center is about 8 miles from central Bethesda. GWU Hospital is about 7 miles. For daily treatment sessions, these distances are manageable by Metro or car, though DC traffic can make drive times variable.

See more providers in Maryland: /providers/maryland/

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.