Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city and the center of the state’s clinical healthcare infrastructure. UNM Health Sciences Center — the University of New Mexico’s academic medical campus — anchors the clinical side and handles referrals from across New Mexico. Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Lovelace Health System add community hospital capacity to the metro.

Finding HBOT Providers in Albuquerque

UNM Health Sciences Center is New Mexico’s only academic medical center and the primary referral destination for complex cases from across the state. University of New Mexico Hospital is the flagship facility. For patients with complicated wounds, radiation injuries, or conditions that haven’t responded to standard care, UNM is typically where New Mexico physicians refer.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services is New Mexico’s largest private health system and operates multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities in Albuquerque. Its wound care programs may include HBOT for qualifying patients. Lovelace Health System adds another large network of hospitals and clinics in the metro.

For verified, currently active hyperbaric programs, use the UHMS provider directory. Program availability changes, and a current directory search is more accurate than static listings.

Albuquerque has some standalone wellness HBOT interest, but the market is smaller than cities like Phoenix or Salt Lake City. For clinical HBOT, the hospital systems are the right starting point. See our provider selection guide for what to ask.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Albuquerque

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

New Mexico Medicaid (Centennial Care) coverage for HBOT depends on your managed care plan. Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, and Molina Healthcare each administer Medicaid plans in New Mexico, and coverage rules vary. Your provider’s billing team can verify benefits before treatment begins.

Commercial insurers covering Albuquerque — Presbyterian Health Plan, BCBS of New Mexico, UnitedHealthcare, and others — may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization.

Off-label wellness HBOT is self-pay. See the insurance guide and cost guide for full detail. Medicare rates change annually — always verify with your facility.

What to Expect at Your First Session

At UNM or a Presbyterian facility, your first HBOT session starts with a physician consultation. The medical team reviews your history, confirms your diagnosis qualifies, and explains the safety protocols.

Sessions run 90–120 minutes. You wear cotton clothing, avoid petroleum-based products, and learn to manage ear pressure during pressurization. Academic and large community programs have experience with patients who have complex medical histories, including patients on multiple medications or with implanted devices that require review before HBOT.

See the complete first session guide for a full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Albuquerque’s altitude affect HBOT? Albuquerque sits at about 5,300 feet above sea level. Like other high-altitude western cities, the elevation has no effect on HBOT. The chamber pressurizes independently of local atmospheric conditions. Treatment at altitude delivers the same therapeutic pressure as treatment at sea level.

Can patients from rural New Mexico travel to Albuquerque for HBOT? Yes. UNM Health Sciences Center and Presbyterian both serve as referral centers for the whole state. Patients from Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington, and other cities travel to Albuquerque for specialized care regularly. For patients doing a 30–40 session treatment course, lodging arrangements near the facility are sometimes needed. Ask the care coordination team about resources for out-of-area patients.

Is there HBOT access on the west side of Albuquerque or Rio Rancho? Rio Rancho, immediately north of Albuquerque, has hospital facilities including Presbyterian Rust Medical Center. Check the UHMS directory for hyperbaric program availability in that area — for patients on the west side or in Rio Rancho, it may be closer than the main hospital campuses.

See more providers in New Mexico: New Mexico 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.