Where can Cambridge residents get hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Cambridge is part of the greater Boston metro area. Cambridge Health Alliance serves Cambridge directly, but most Cambridge residents seeking clinical HBOT use the academic medical centers across the river — Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital are both within a few miles. Use the UHMS provider directory to find accredited facilities near you.

Does Medicare cover HBOT for Cambridge residents?

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 14 FDA-approved conditions at any Medicare-participating facility in the Boston metro, including facilities serving Cambridge patients. Rates change annually — verify current reimbursement with your facility's billing team.

Are there wellness HBOT clinics in Cambridge?

Wellness and spa-adjacent HBOT clinics operate in the Boston metro area, including in Cambridge. These typically offer mild-pressure sessions (1.3 ATA) for non-FDA-approved uses. Insurance doesn't cover these services, and the evidence base for wellness uses is much weaker than for clinical indications. These are separate from hospital-based clinical programs.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge sits directly across the Charles River from Boston. For clinical HBOT, Cambridge residents have some of the best access in the country — Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital are both within a short distance, and Cambridge Health Alliance serves the city directly.

Finding HBOT Providers in Cambridge

Cambridge Health Alliance operates community hospitals and health centers in Cambridge, Somerville, and Everett. For complex clinical needs — including established wound care HBOT programs — many Cambridge residents cross the river to use Mass General Brigham facilities. MGH’s wound care and hyperbaric program is one of the most active in New England.

Because Cambridge is effectively part of the Boston academic medical hub, access to clinical HBOT here is excellent. The question isn’t whether providers are available — it’s which program is the best fit for your specific condition.

Use the UHMS provider directory to locate accredited hyperbaric facilities near Cambridge and confirm which are accepting new patients. Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic explains what to ask when comparing programs.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Cambridge

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved indications at outpatient Medicare-participating facilities. After your annual deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved amount. Reimbursement rates change each year — confirm the current rate with your facility’s billing team before treatment starts.

MassHealth may cover HBOT for certain conditions. Prior authorization is standard. Contact MassHealth or the hospital’s financial counselors to confirm coverage for your specific situation before scheduling.

Commercial insurers in Massachusetts — including Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts — generally follow Medicare’s approved indications. They may cover FDA-approved uses with prior authorization and won’t cover investigational or off-label uses.

Wellness HBOT, where it exists in Cambridge-area clinics, isn’t covered by any insurer. Patients pay out of pocket, typically $100 to $300 per session for mild-pressure wellness sessions, or $200 to $450 for clinical-grade sessions at private clinics. See our insurance guide and cost guide for more.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Whether you’re treated at a Cambridge-area clinic or one of the Boston academic hospitals, your first session will follow a similar structure. A clinical evaluation comes first — the care team will review your health history, current medications, and the condition you’re seeking treatment for.

During your session, you’ll breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Sessions typically run 90 to 120 minutes. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is common and expected. You can watch TV, listen to music, or rest during the session depending on what the facility offers.

For FDA-approved wound care indications, treatment courses typically run 20 to 40 sessions scheduled five days a week. Read our first session guide for the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is clinical HBOT the same as the mild-pressure wellness HBOT I’ve seen advertised? No. Clinical HBOT uses pressure of 2.0 to 3.0 atmospheres with 100% oxygen and is performed in a medical setting with a physician’s order. Wellness HBOT typically runs at 1.3 ATA — mild pressure — and doesn’t require a prescription. The two aren’t interchangeable for medical purposes. Medicare and private insurance only cover the clinical version.

Do I need a referral to access HBOT near Cambridge? At hospital-based programs like those at MGH or Cambridge Health Alliance, a physician referral is standard. Some private hyperbaric clinics in the Boston metro don’t require a referral, but they may not accept insurance.

How close is Cambridge to MGH and Brigham and Women’s? MGH is less than two miles from central Cambridge. Brigham and Women’s is about four miles. Both are easily accessible by the Red Line or by car. For a daily treatment course, the commute is manageable for most Cambridge residents.

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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.