Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Boston, MA

Boston is one of the most medically dense cities in the United States. Several world-class academic medical centers here operate established hyperbaric oxygen therapy programs, primarily through their wound care departments.

Finding HBOT Providers in Boston

Mass General Brigham — the integrated health system that includes Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital — operates wound care and hyperbaric programs that are among the most respected in New England. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Medical Center also maintain clinical HBOT services.

Because Boston’s academic hospitals are large referral centers, most patients arrive through a physician referral rather than self-scheduling. Your primary care doctor or specialist can order an evaluation, and the wound care team will determine whether HBOT is appropriate for your condition.

To find accredited hyperbaric facilities in Boston and confirm which ones are accepting new patients, use the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) provider directory. The UHMS accredits facilities that meet specific clinical standards. Before choosing a clinic, read our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Boston

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 14 FDA-approved conditions. Diabetic foot ulcers, chronic non-healing wounds, gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness are among the covered indications. Medicare Part B generally pays 80% of the approved amount at outpatient facilities after you meet your deductible. Rates change annually — verify the current reimbursement amount with your facility’s billing team.

Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) may cover HBOT for certain approved indications. Coverage terms and prior authorization requirements vary, so contact MassHealth directly or ask the hospital’s billing department before starting treatment.

Commercial insurers in Massachusetts — including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, and others — generally follow Medicare’s approved indications list. They may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions but won’t cover off-label or investigational uses. Always get written pre-authorization before beginning a treatment course.

Off-label uses of HBOT — such as for long COVID, traumatic brain injury, or wellness purposes — are not covered by Medicare or most private insurers in Boston. Patients pursuing those uses pay out of pocket, typically $200 to $450 per session. See our full HBOT insurance guide and cost guide for more detail.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Boston’s academic medical centers handle HBOT in a clinical setting. Your first visit will include a medical evaluation, a review of your health history, and a discussion of your treatment plan. Bring a list of your current medications, because certain drugs are not safe to use alongside hyperbaric oxygen.

During your session, you’ll lie in a pressurized chamber — either a monoplace (single-person) or multiplace (room-sized) unit — and breathe pure oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure. Most sessions last 90 to 120 minutes. Some patients experience mild ear pressure during pressurization, similar to what you feel on an airplane. Staff are present throughout.

Read our first session guide for a full walkthrough of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many HBOT sessions will I need? It depends on your condition. A diabetic wound protocol typically runs 20 to 40 sessions. Decompression sickness may require only one or a few. Your wound care team will set a specific treatment schedule based on how your condition responds.

Can I drive myself home after an HBOT session in Boston? Most patients can drive after a session. Occasionally, patients feel lightheaded or fatigued after their first few sessions. Tell your care team if this happens — they may recommend having someone drive you until your body adjusts.

Is home HBOT an option instead of going to a Boston clinic? Mild-pressure portable chambers (1.3 ATA) are available as consumer products and don’t require a prescription. They are not FDA-cleared for clinical indications and are not the same as the 2.0 to 3.0 ATA pressure used in hospital programs. For wound care and other medical indications, you need a clinical facility.

See more providers in Massachusetts: /providers/massachusetts/

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.