Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City sits on the New Jersey coast, and the shore geography gives HBOT a specific relevance here beyond the usual wound care context. Recreational diving along the Jersey Shore, offshore fishing, and water sports create real exposure to decompression sickness — one of the clearest FDA-approved indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Anyone spending time diving in this region should know where the nearest recompression capability is before they need it.

Finding HBOT Providers in Atlantic City

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is the primary health system for Atlantic County. AtlantiCare operates two main hospital campuses — one in Atlantic City and the flagship in Pomona — along with outpatient locations across the county. As the largest health system in the area, AtlantiCare is the most likely location for hospital-based wound care and hyperbaric services in this region.

Shore Medical Center in Somers Point is a community hospital serving Atlantic and Cape May counties. Shore Medical provides additional hospital coverage for the southern shore area and handles general and specialty care for the region.

For patients with complex wound care needs or cases that exceed what local programs can handle, Camden’s Cooper University Health Care and Philadelphia’s major academic centers are within reach. Philadelphia is about 60 miles northwest. Whether Philadelphia-based programs are in-network depends on your insurance plan — most southern NJ plans are primarily networked to NJ facilities.

The UHMS provider directory is the right starting point for finding accredited programs. Not every hospital with wound care services has an active hyperbaric chamber. Confirm accreditation and current program status before scheduling. Our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic walks through the questions to ask.

If you’re a diver and suspect decompression sickness: call DAN (Divers Alert Network) at 1-919-684-9111 immediately. They operate a 24-hour emergency line and will find the nearest recompression chamber. Don’t drive yourself to a hospital. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve. Decompression sickness can progress quickly.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Atlantic City

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-approved hospital outpatient facilities for FDA-approved conditions. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is a major regional hospital and Medicare-approved. Physician documentation of medical necessity is required for wound care authorization, and reimbursement rates change annually.

New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) coverage for HBOT applies to qualifying beneficiaries in Atlantic County. Managed care plans including Horizon NJ Health, AmeriHealth NJ, and Aetna Better Health of NJ handle prior authorization in the region. Contact your specific plan to confirm coverage and which Atlantic County facilities are in-network.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Aetna, United, and Cigna are the dominant commercial carriers serving the Atlantic City area. These plans generally follow Medicare’s FDA-approved criteria for HBOT coverage. Prior authorization is standard, and the prior authorization process requires physician-submitted documentation. Don’t expect to self-refer and have it covered.

Workers’ compensation coverage for HBOT applies if your condition resulted from a workplace injury. Workers’ comp coverage for HBOT follows the same FDA-approved criteria in most cases. Employer-specific policies vary — check with your employer’s workers’ comp insurer.

Off-label HBOT isn’t covered by any payer. See our insurance guide and cost guide for out-of-pocket ranges.

What to Expect at Your First Session

HBOT at a hospital program follows the same protocol regardless of location: 90 minutes to two hours in a pressurized chamber, five sessions per week for most wound care courses. The pressure change at the start is mild and brief.

Atlantic City’s seasonal population swings — busy in summer, quieter in winter — don’t generally affect hospital scheduling, but if you’re visiting the area and have an ongoing HBOT course, discuss continuity of care with your primary program before traveling.

Our first session guide covers everything from intake to discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I think I have decompression sickness after diving off the Jersey Shore? Call DAN at 1-919-684-9111 right away. DAN’s emergency hotline operates 24 hours a day and will direct you to the nearest recompression chamber. Don’t self-treat, don’t wait, and don’t try to drive to the nearest hospital on your own. Get someone to drive you or call 911.

Are there HBOT programs in Cape May County? Cape May County is served primarily by Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House. For specialized hyperbaric services, patients from Cape May County typically need to travel to AtlantiCare facilities in Atlantic County or further north or west. Use the UHMS directory to confirm what’s currently available.

Can casino employees or hospitality workers get HBOT covered through work-related insurance? Atlantic City’s hospitality industry means a significant portion of the population may have work-related conditions like diabetic wounds or vascular issues that qualify for HBOT. Coverage depends on whether you have employer-provided commercial insurance or are on NJ Medicaid. Standard coverage rules apply — your condition needs to be on the FDA-approved list and you need a physician referral.

See more providers in New Jersey: /providers/new-jersey/

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.