Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is North Dakota’s state capital, and it serves as the medical hub for western and central North Dakota. Two established health systems operate here. For patients in Dickinson, Minot, or other western North Dakota communities, Bismarck is often a more practical destination than Fargo — even though Fargo has a larger overall medical infrastructure.

Finding HBOT Providers in Bismarck

Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health are the two main systems in Bismarck. Both operate hospital facilities in the capital and run wound care programs serving the region.

Sanford’s network spans the Dakotas and Minnesota, which means rural North Dakota patients who already see Sanford providers elsewhere in the state are likely to be referred into the Bismarck program. CHI St. Alexius is part of CommonSpirit Health and operates multiple facilities in the region.

Before scheduling, confirm current HBOT availability through the UHMS provider directory. Hyperbaric programs require specialized equipment and trained staff, and that can change. The UHMS directory lists facilities that meet established accreditation standards for safety and clinical protocols. A phone call to each system’s wound care department is also a quick way to verify what’s currently running.

Fargo has a larger medical footprint and is about 3 hours east on I-94. For patients in central North Dakota who are closer to Bismarck, that drive difference matters a lot across a 30-session treatment course. Our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic covers what to ask when comparing facilities.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Bismarck

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions. The covered list includes diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t responded to standard wound care, radiation tissue injuries like osteoradionecrosis, arterial insufficiency wounds, gas gangrene, and certain other serious conditions. Your physician must document that standard treatment was attempted and failed before Medicare will authorize sessions.

Reimbursement rates are set annually. Don’t use published figures as your benchmark. Verify the current rate with your facility’s billing team before starting treatment.

North Dakota Medicaid has its own covered indications and prior authorization requirements, which don’t always mirror Medicare. Contact North Dakota Medicaid or ask your provider’s billing team to check your specific eligibility.

Commercial insurers will determine in-network status based on your plan. Both Sanford and CHI St. Alexius participate in regional insurance networks, but confirm in-network status before scheduling. Off-label HBOT uses — 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 full detail.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Hospital programs start with a physician consultation before any hyperbaric sessions. The hyperbaric doctor will review your records, check for contraindications, and set a treatment plan with your referring provider. You’ll need to wear 100% cotton clothing and leave electronics, synthetic fabrics, and any flammable products outside the chamber.

Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours. Inside, you breathe pure oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is the most common side effect. Staff will walk you through equalization before you start, and most patients adapt quickly after the first session or two.

The first session guide has everything else you’ll want to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bismarck or Fargo the better choice for HBOT in North Dakota? Fargo is larger and has more medical resources overall. But for patients in western and central North Dakota, Bismarck is much closer. For a straightforward wound care protocol, proximity usually wins. For highly complex cases, ask your physician whether either city has the resources you need or whether a referral to a major academic center in a neighboring state makes more sense.

What rural North Dakota communities typically travel to Bismarck for wound care? Patients from Dickinson, Mandan, Minot, Jamestown, and smaller western ND communities regularly come to Bismarck for specialty care. Bismarck’s position on I-94 and US-83 makes it accessible from most directions in the state’s western half.

What’s the self-pay cost for HBOT in Bismarck? Self-pay rates at hospital-based programs typically run $250 to $450 per session. A 20 to 40-session treatment course puts total out-of-pocket costs between $5,000 and $18,000. Ask for a written fee schedule and inquire about financial assistance programs before starting treatment.

See more providers in North Dakota: North Dakota 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.