Is Billings the main HBOT hub for Montana?

Yes. Billings Clinic is the largest hospital in Montana and the primary referral center for eastern Montana and the surrounding region. Patients from Glendive, Miles City, and other eastern Montana communities regularly travel to Billings for specialized care. Whether Billings Clinic currently operates an active hyperbaric program should be confirmed using the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Billings?

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-participating facilities in Billings for qualifying conditions — including diabetic foot ulcers, chronic bone infections, delayed radiation injury, and decompression sickness — with a physician referral and documented medical necessity. Rates change annually; verify current coverage with your facility's billing team.

What if Billings doesn't have HBOT available — where would Montana patients go?

If Billings doesn't have an active hyperbaric program for your specific condition, the closest large referral centers are in Casper, WY (about 3 hours south) or Denver, CO (about 8 hours). Missoula in western Montana is also a potential option. For some conditions, your physician may coordinate a telehealth consultation with a hyperbaric specialist at a distant center before making a travel recommendation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Billings, MT

Billings is Montana’s largest city and the state’s main referral hub for specialized medical care. Billings Clinic is the dominant hospital — one of the largest in the region — and serves patients from across eastern Montana and neighboring states. RiverStone Health is the community health partner for the Yellowstone County area.

Finding HBOT Providers in Billings

Billings Clinic is a large, independent, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the primary referral hospital for a vast geographic area. It offers a broad range of specialty services and is the most likely source of clinical HBOT in Montana for patients in the eastern part of the state.

RiverStone Health focuses on community and public health services in the Billings area. For clinical HBOT, Billings Clinic is the primary option.

Use the UHMS provider directory to confirm whether Billings Clinic currently operates an active hyperbaric program. Montana’s rural geography means program availability is more limited than in larger states, and the directory reflects current listings more accurately than any static list.

If no active program exists in Billings for your condition, your physician can discuss regional referral options. Missoula is in western Montana. Denver is roughly 8 hours south. For urgent wound care needs, timely access to treatment is more important than convenience, and your care team can help identify the nearest appropriate program.

See our provider selection guide for what to ask when evaluating any HBOT facility.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Billings

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-participating Billings facilities for qualifying conditions. Covered indications include diabetic foot ulcers, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury, and decompression sickness. A physician referral and documented medical necessity are required.

Montana Medicaid coverage for HBOT depends on your specific plan. Verify benefits with your provider’s billing team before starting treatment.

Commercial insurers serving Billings — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, PacificSource, Cigna, and others — may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization. If you’re referred to an out-of-state facility, confirm your plan’s out-of-network policies before you travel.

Off-label wellness HBOT is self-pay. The standalone wellness HBOT market in Billings is limited. See the insurance guide and cost guide for full details. Medicare rates change annually — confirm current figures with your facility.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At Billings Clinic or another hospital-based program, the first session starts with a physician consultation. The medical team reviews your diagnosis, confirms HBOT is appropriate, and explains the safety protocols. Sessions run 90–120 minutes in a clinical setting.

You’ll wear cotton clothing, avoid petroleum products, and learn to manage ear pressure during pressurization. For patients traveling from eastern Montana, the logistics of a multi-week treatment course require planning — lodging, transportation, and scheduling all factor in. Ask the care coordination team for help with out-of-area patient resources.

See the complete first session guide for a full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far do eastern Montana patients typically travel to Billings for HBOT? It varies widely. Miles City is about 2 hours east. Glendive is about 3.5 hours east. Havre, in north-central Montana, is about 3 hours north. For patients doing a 20–40 session course, staying in Billings during treatment is often more practical than daily driving from distant communities.

Does Billings Clinic coordinate care with out-of-state facilities? Yes. Academic and regional referral centers like Billings Clinic regularly coordinate with out-of-state specialists for complex cases. If your condition requires a level of expertise not available in Montana, your physician can facilitate a referral and records transfer to a Denver or Spokane facility.

Are there HBOT options in other Montana cities besides Billings? Missoula has Providence St. Patrick Hospital and Community Medical Center in western Montana. Some HBOT may be available there. Use the UHMS directory to check. Northern Montana (Great Falls, Havre) has limited options and patients typically travel to Billings or out of state.

See more providers in Montana: Montana HBOT Providers

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. It’s not medical advice and doesn’t create a doctor-patient relationship. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy carries risks and isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk to a licensed physician before starting any HBOT treatment. Always verify provider credentials and facility accreditation directly.