Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and home to the state’s only academic medical center. The metro has two major health systems with established wound care programs, giving most patients local access to hospital-based HBOT without a long drive.

Finding HBOT Providers in Omaha

Nebraska Medicine — the clinical arm of the University of Nebraska Medical Center — is Omaha’s academic medical center. It handles the state’s most complex wound cases and operates research-level clinical programs. For patients with refractory wounds, radiation injuries from cancer treatment, or cases that have failed at community hospitals, Nebraska Medicine is often the appropriate referral.

CHI Health is the other major system in the Omaha metro, operating several hospitals and outpatient facilities across Douglas and Sarpy counties. CHI’s wound care programs serve a large patient volume across the metro area.

Confirm current HBOT availability through the UHMS provider directory before scheduling. Programs are subject to change, and the directory reflects facilities that meet UHMS accreditation standards. Your physician’s referral can also point you to the right program for your specific condition.

Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic explains what questions to ask before starting treatment.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Omaha

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications. Covered conditions include diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t responded to conventional wound care, radiation tissue injuries like osteoradionecrosis, gas gangrene, arterial insufficiency wounds, and others. Your physician must document that standard treatment was tried and failed before Medicare will authorize sessions.

Reimbursement rates change every year. Don’t rely on published figures — call your facility’s billing team for the current rate. A 30-session treatment course adds up to significant costs if coverage doesn’t go through as expected.

Nebraska Medicaid may cover HBOT for some enrollees. Coverage criteria and prior authorization requirements differ from Medicare. Contact Nebraska Medicaid or ask your provider’s billing department to check your specific plan.

Commercial insurers in Nebraska generally follow Medicare’s covered-indication list. Prior authorization is standard for covered conditions. Off-label uses — HBOT for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, autism, or other investigational applications — are not covered by any insurer and require out-of-pocket payment.

See our insurance guide and cost guide for more information.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Hospital wound care programs start with a physician evaluation before the first hyperbaric session. The hyperbaric doctor will review your medical history, check for contraindications, and coordinate with your referring provider on a treatment plan. You’ll receive instructions on clothing (100% cotton) and what items to leave outside the chamber.

Sessions typically run 90 minutes to two hours. Inside, you breathe pure oxygen at 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. Most patients tolerate treatment well. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is the most common side effect. Staff will walk you through equalization techniques before you start.

The first session guide has a full breakdown of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health for HBOT? Nebraska Medicine is an academic center with more resources for complex or unusual cases. CHI Health’s wound care programs handle high patient volumes and are well-suited for straightforward, FDA-approved wound care protocols. If you’re unsure which is right for you, ask your referring physician.

Can patients from Lincoln get HBOT in Omaha? Yes. Many Lincoln patients travel to Omaha, especially for academic-level care at Nebraska Medicine. The drive is about 50 miles on I-80. Bryan Health in Lincoln also offers wound care services, so it’s worth comparing options based on your insurance network and the complexity of your case.

How much does HBOT cost out of pocket in Omaha? Self-pay rates at hospital programs generally run $250 to $450 per session. A typical course of 20 to 40 sessions puts the total cost between $5,000 and $18,000. Ask for a written fee schedule and ask whether payment plans are available before committing to treatment.

See more providers in Nebraska: Nebraska HBOT Providers

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.