Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Worcester?

UMass Memorial Health, affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School, is the primary health system in Worcester and serves central Massachusetts. Their wound care programs include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for qualifying patients. Use the UHMS provider directory to confirm accredited facilities in the area.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Worcester?

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 14 FDA-approved conditions at any Medicare-participating facility. Coverage terms are federal — they apply in Worcester the same way they do anywhere in Massachusetts. Rates change annually, so verify current amounts with your facility's billing team.

Should I travel to Boston for HBOT instead of staying in Worcester?

For most FDA-approved indications like diabetic wound care, Worcester's facilities can handle treatment locally. Boston's academic centers at MGH or Brigham and Women's may offer more specialized options for complex or unusual cases. Your referring physician can help you decide which is the better fit.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Worcester, MA

Worcester is the central Massachusetts hub and home to UMass Memorial Health, one of the state’s major academic health systems. For most patients needing clinical HBOT, Worcester offers solid local access without a trip to Boston.

Finding HBOT Providers in Worcester

UMass Memorial Health — affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School — is the dominant health system in Worcester. Their wound care programs serve patients across central Massachusetts and include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for conditions that meet clinical criteria.

Most patients come through a physician referral. If your primary care doctor or a specialist has determined that HBOT may be appropriate for your condition, they’ll place a referral to the wound care department for evaluation. Self-referral is less common at academic-affiliated programs.

Boston is about 45 miles east of Worcester. For complex or unusual cases, some central Massachusetts patients are referred to Mass General Hospital or Brigham and Women’s. For standard wound care indications, Worcester’s local resources are typically sufficient.

Use the UHMS provider directory to confirm accredited hyperbaric facilities currently accepting patients in the Worcester area. Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic explains what to look for in a program.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Worcester

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved indications at outpatient facilities. After your deductible, Medicare generally pays 80% of the approved amount. Reimbursement rates change annually — ask your facility’s billing team for the current figures before starting treatment.

MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) may cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy for certain approved conditions. Prior authorization is typically required. Contact MassHealth or the hospital billing department to confirm whether your specific condition qualifies.

Commercial insurers operating in central Massachusetts — including Fallon Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and others — generally align their HBOT coverage with Medicare’s approved indications. Prior authorization is standard. Don’t begin a treatment course without written approval from your insurer.

Off-label uses of HBOT are not covered by Medicare or private insurance. Patients pursuing investigational uses pay out of pocket, typically $200 to $450 per session. See our insurance guide and cost guide for a full breakdown.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At your first visit in Worcester, the wound care team will review your medical history, examine your condition, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for HBOT. Bring a complete medication list — some drugs interact with high-pressure oxygen and may need to be adjusted.

During your session, you’ll breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber at roughly two to three times normal atmospheric pressure. Sessions run 90 to 120 minutes. Most people tolerate the treatment well. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is common and usually easy to manage.

Read our first session guide for a complete picture of what the process looks like from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need for a diabetic wound? Diabetic foot ulcer protocols typically run 20 to 40 sessions, scheduled five days a week. Your wound care team will monitor your progress and adjust the schedule if needed. Some wounds respond faster than others.

Can I get HBOT in Worcester for a non-wound condition? HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 conditions beyond wound care, including radiation tissue damage and certain types of infections. For off-label uses, Worcester providers may decline to treat or refer you to a specialist. Your doctor can advise whether local treatment is an option.

What if I don’t have transportation for daily sessions? A 20 to 40 session course means weeks of daily trips. Ask the wound care department whether transportation assistance programs are available, or whether your insurer covers medical transport. Some hospital social work departments can connect patients with transit resources.

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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.