Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in North Dakota: How to Find a Provider

North Dakota is one of the most rural states in the country. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available in Fargo, but patients in central and western North Dakota may face long drives or out-of-state travel to access it. Sanford Health and Essentia Health are the two systems most likely to have on-site hyperbaric services.

Where to Find HBOT in North Dakota

Hospital-based wound care centers are the most reliable route to accredited HBOT in North Dakota. These programs operate under physician oversight, use medical-grade chambers, and work with Medicare and commercial insurers for prior authorization.

Sanford Health is the dominant health system in Fargo and across much of North Dakota. Sanford Medical Center in Fargo handles wound care referrals from a wide geographic area and is the most likely location for hospital-based hyperbaric services in the eastern half of the state.

Essentia Health also operates in Fargo. Essentia’s wound care programs serve patients in the Red River Valley and surrounding region. Both Sanford and Essentia have the hospital infrastructure required to support on-site HBOT, though availability of a dedicated chamber varies — confirm before traveling.

Bismarck, the state capital, is served by Sanford Bismarck and CHI St. Alexius Health. These systems provide hospital care for central and south-central North Dakota. Wound care services exist here, but whether on-site hyperbaric chambers are available is facility-dependent.

The best starting point: use the UHMS provider search at uhms.org.

Browse our full provider directory.

Major Areas in North Dakota Where HBOT Is Available

Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota and the center of its healthcare infrastructure. Sanford Health and Essentia Health both operate substantial hospital campuses here. Most HBOT referrals in the state flow to Fargo. Patients from Jamestown, Valley City, and other eastern North Dakota communities can reasonably make the drive.

Bismarck is the capital and the hub for central North Dakota. Sanford Bismarck and CHI St. Alexius Health are the primary systems. Whether HBOT is available on-site here is something to confirm — wound care programs in mid-size cities don’t always maintain a dedicated hyperbaric chamber.

Minot serves north-central North Dakota and is home to Trinity Health. This is a regional hub for a sparsely populated area. Patients needing HBOT from this region likely travel to either Fargo or Bismarck.

Western North Dakota — Williston, Dickinson, and the Oil Patch — is far from any major hospital system. Patients there may find it easier to travel south to Bismarck, east to Fargo, or west to Billings, Montana, depending on exact location.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before you book, ask every provider these questions.

• Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
• Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
• Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
• Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
• Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

Read our guide to your first HBOT session before you go.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in North Dakota

Coverage for HBOT in North Dakota follows national standards.

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Rates change annually — verify current figures with your facility’s billing team.

North Dakota Medicaid coverage varies by condition and managed care plan. Contact the facility’s billing department before scheduling to confirm your specific diagnosis is covered.

Commercial insurers generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required. Rural patients traveling long distances should confirm the facility is in-network before their first appointment.

Off-label uses are not covered by any insurance in North Dakota or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in North Dakota? The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Hospital-based wound care centers in Fargo are a good starting point. Sanford Health and Essentia Health in Fargo are the most likely sources of hospital-based HBOT.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in North Dakota? Yes. Medicare coverage rules are federal and apply equally in all states, including North Dakota. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. See our insurance guide for full details.

What options do patients in western North Dakota have for HBOT? Patients in western North Dakota have limited local options. Bismarck has wound care services that may include HBOT. Those who can’t get it locally sometimes travel to Fargo or to Billings, Montana, depending on their location. Ask your care team to identify the closest accredited facility.

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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.