Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Tulsa, OK

Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-largest city and the regional medical hub for northeastern Oklahoma. Saint Francis Health System dominates the local hospital market and is the primary resource for wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in this part of the state.

Finding HBOT Providers in Tulsa

Saint Francis Health System operates the largest hospital network in northeastern Oklahoma. The system’s wound care programs serve patients from Tulsa and across the surrounding region, including patients from rural northeastern Oklahoma communities who travel to the city for specialty care. If your doctor has recommended HBOT for a diagnosed condition, a referral to Saint Francis is the most direct path in the Tulsa market.

Hillcrest HealthCare System is the other major hospital network in Tulsa and provides another avenue for hospital-based wound care and potential HBOT access. Hillcrest serves a significant share of the Tulsa metro’s patient population.

For patients in suburban Tulsa communities — Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bixby, Jenks, or Sand Springs — both Saint Francis and Hillcrest have or are proximate to facilities in those areas. Call ahead to confirm HBOT availability at a specific location. Not every wound care center within a health system necessarily has its own hyperbaric unit, so verifying before you schedule saves time.

Rural patients in northeastern Oklahoma traveling to Tulsa for HBOT face a real logistics challenge. A typical treatment course runs 20 to 40 sessions over several weeks. Ask the wound care coordinator at your program whether they have experience working with out-of-town patients and whether they can help structure a schedule that reduces the number of trips.

The UHMS provider directory lists accredited HBOT programs. Use it alongside a referral from your doctor to confirm you’re working with a certified provider.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Tulsa

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT in Tulsa for FDA-approved indications. The covered list includes diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed after 30 days of standard wound care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radionecrosis, arterial insufficiency ulcers, and carbon monoxide poisoning. A physician must order the treatment, and it must be performed at a Medicare-certified facility.

Medicare reimbursement rates change each year. Always confirm current rates with your facility’s billing team before starting treatment.

Oklahoma Medicaid (SoonerCare) may cover HBOT for qualifying patients. Coverage depends on diagnosis and eligibility. Ask your treating facility whether they accept SoonerCare and what documentation you’ll need for prior authorization.

Commercial insurers in the Tulsa area — BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others — generally follow Medicare coverage guidelines for HBOT. Prior authorization is standard. Your care team should handle this process before your first session.

Off-label HBOT uses aren’t covered by Medicare, SoonerCare, or commercial insurance. Out-of-pocket costs at clinical-grade facilities typically run $250 to $450 per session. See our insurance guide for full details on covered conditions and costs.

What to Expect at Your First Session

The wound care team will review your records and complete a health evaluation before your first session. You’ll get an explanation of the procedure and a screening for any contraindications. Sessions run about 90 to 120 minutes in a pressurized chamber while breathing 100% oxygen. Most patients experience mild ear pressure during pressurization — it passes quickly and doesn’t affect most people’s ability to complete treatment.

Our first session guide has a complete walkthrough of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel to Oklahoma City for complex HBOT cases? Not necessarily. Saint Francis in Tulsa handles a broad range of wound care and HBOT cases, including radiation injuries and complex non-healing wounds. Very complex or unusual cases may benefit from a consultation at OU Health’s academic programs in Oklahoma City. Ask your doctor whether a Tulsa program can handle your diagnosis or whether a referral to OKC makes sense.

How do rural northeastern Oklahoma patients access HBOT? Tulsa is the regional hub. If you’re traveling from Muskogee, Bartlesville, Claremore, or other northeastern Oklahoma communities, Saint Francis or Hillcrest in Tulsa is the most accessible option. Talk to the wound care coordinator about scheduling clusters of appointments to minimize travel days.

What’s the difference between the programs at Saint Francis and Hillcrest? Both are hospital-based systems with wound care capabilities. Saint Francis has the larger network in northeastern Oklahoma. Your doctor’s admitting privileges and existing relationships may influence which program you’re referred to. Either way, confirm HBOT availability at the specific location before your first appointment.

See more providers in Oklahoma: Oklahoma 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.