Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Salem, OR
Find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Salem, OR. Salem Health is the main hospital system. Medicare coverage info and when to travel to Portland for HBOT.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Salem, OR
Salem is Oregon’s state capital and sits midway between Portland and Eugene on the I-5 corridor. Salem Health is the dominant hospital system here, and it’s the main place to start when looking for hospital-based HBOT in the mid-Willamette Valley.
Finding HBOT Providers in Salem
Salem Health operates Salem Hospital, the largest hospital in the city, along with West Valley Hospital in Polk County. Their wound care program is the first contact point for patients looking for medically supervised HBOT. Call the wound care department directly and ask whether hyperbaric services are available on-site.
Salem’s options are more limited than Portland’s. That’s just the reality of a mid-sized regional city. For patients with conditions that require more specialized hyperbaric medicine expertise — complex radiation injuries, certain vascular conditions, difficult non-healing wounds — the drive to Portland may be worth it. OHSU in particular has the depth of an academic medical center. The distance is roughly 50 miles, or about an hour under normal conditions.
Eugene is also about an hour south for patients closer to that end of the valley.
The UHMS maintains a provider directory at uhms.org. For a full list of questions to ask any facility before you book, see our guide to choosing a clinic.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Salem
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient departments. Federal rules apply the same way in Salem as anywhere in Oregon or the country. Rates change each year — don’t rely on any estimate you find online. Call the billing department at Salem Health or whichever facility you’re considering.
Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) may cover approved indications. Coverage depends on your managed care plan. Call both your plan and the facility to confirm before scheduling.
Commercial insurers use Medicare’s coverage criteria as their baseline. Prior authorization is almost always required for a course of HBOT. Get written confirmation before starting treatment.
Off-label HBOT for TBI, long COVID, athletic recovery, or anti-aging isn’t covered anywhere. Those sessions require out-of-pocket payment.
Full details: insurance guide | cost guide
What to Expect at Your First Session
Sessions run 60 to 90 minutes at pressure. You breathe 100% oxygen through a mask or hood at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA. The main sensation is ear pressure during the descent. Staff will walk you through how to equalize before your first session begins.
Read: first session guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Salem? Salem Health is the primary hospital system in Salem. Contact their wound care department to ask about hyperbaric services. The UHMS provider directory at uhms.org lists accredited facilities in Oregon.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Salem? Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Federal rules apply in Salem the same as everywhere. Verify current rates and Medicare acceptance with your facility’s billing team, as rates change annually.
Should Salem patients consider traveling to Portland for HBOT? Possibly. Salem is about an hour from Portland, where OHSU and other major systems offer hospital-affiliated HBOT with broader specialist support. If your condition is complex or local options are limited, ask your referring physician whether a Portland facility is a better fit.
See more providers in Oregon: /providers/oregon/
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.