Where can I find HBOT in Raleigh, NC?

UNC Rex Health (part of UNC Health) and WakeMed Health are the two main systems serving Raleigh. Duke Health in nearby Durham is also accessible to Raleigh patients. Use the UHMS directory at uhms.org to verify which facilities have accredited hyperbaric programs with board-certified staff.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Raleigh?

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, and radiation tissue damage. Treatment must be ordered by a physician and performed at a Medicare-certified facility. Medicare reimbursement rates change annually — verify current rates with your provider's billing team.

Is Duke Health in Durham accessible for Raleigh HBOT patients?

Yes. Durham is about 25 miles from Raleigh, roughly a 30-minute drive under normal conditions. Duke University Health System is one of the nation's leading academic medical centers and has a well-regarded hyperbaric and wound care program. It's a practical option for Raleigh patients who prefer an academic medical center.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh sits at the center of the Research Triangle, one of the country’s most education-concentrated regions. The Triangle’s academic medical resources, including UNC Health in Chapel Hill and Duke Health in Durham, are within easy reach of most Raleigh residents. That geography gives Raleigh patients access to some of the strongest hyperbaric programs in the Southeast.

Finding HBOT Providers in Raleigh

UNC Rex Health, a member of UNC Health (affiliated with the University of North Carolina), operates hospitals and specialty programs across Wake County. WakeMed Health and Hospitals is the county’s other major system and a Level I trauma center.

Durham is 25 to 30 miles from Raleigh. Duke University Health System operates one of the country’s prominent academic hyperbaric programs. For patients who want academic medical center experience or have complex cases, the Duke option is worth asking about.

Use the UHMS directory at uhms.org to verify current accreditation at any facility you’re considering. Accreditation status changes, and it’s the clearest marker of a professional program. Your physician can also make a direct referral to the right center for your condition.

Read our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic to understand what to look for.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Raleigh

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions. In Raleigh, common covered indications include diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t improved with standard wound care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and radiation tissue injury from cancer treatment.

Coverage requires a physician order and treatment at a Medicare-certified facility. For wound indications, documented failure of standard wound care is typically required before Medicare approves treatment.

North Carolina Medicaid coverage depends on your managed care plan. Commercial insurers generally follow Medicare’s criteria and require prior authorization. Off-label uses, including any investigational applications, are not covered by any insurer.

Medicare reimbursement rates change annually through CMS. Verify current amounts with your facility before beginning treatment. See our insurance guide and cost guide for the full picture.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Before any treatment at a Raleigh hospital-based program, you’ll meet with a hyperbaric physician for an evaluation. That appointment covers your diagnosis, medications, and medical history. It’s not optional. Some conditions and medications change how HBOT is managed or whether it’s safe to proceed.

Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours inside the chamber at 2.0 to 2.4 atmospheres. A treatment course for most medical indications is 20 to 40 sessions, five days a week. Patients drive themselves and maintain normal activity outside of appointments.

If you’re considering Duke Health in Durham, the same evaluation and treatment process applies. The difference is the academic medical center environment, which tends to have more subspecialty support available and more experience with complex cases.

Read our first session guide before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does UNC Rex compare to WakeMed for wound care?

Both are established hospital systems serving Wake County. UNC Rex benefits from the broader UNC Health academic network. WakeMed is a Level I trauma center with strong emergency and surgical programs. The right choice depends on your specific condition, your insurance network, and which system has a UHMS-accredited hyperbaric program currently active.

Should I go to Duke for HBOT instead of staying in Raleigh?

That depends on your condition and your insurance. Duke has one of the country’s more comprehensive academic hyperbaric programs and handles complex cases. For straightforward diabetic foot ulcer treatment within your insurance network, a Raleigh-based center may be equally appropriate. Ask your wound care physician for their recommendation.

Does Research Triangle Park’s tech and pharma presence affect HBOT in Raleigh?

Not directly for patients. RTP’s presence does mean the Triangle attracts and retains medical specialists at a higher rate than most similarly sized metros. That generally benefits the quality of specialty care available in the area.

See more providers in North Carolina: /providers/north-carolina/

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.