Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has four major academic medical systems and an unusually high concentration of specialty wound care expertise. For patients who need medical-grade HBOT, that density of options is genuinely useful. The challenge isn’t finding a program — it’s knowing which one fits your insurance and your clinical situation.

Finding HBOT Providers in Philadelphia

Penn Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, operates one of the most well-regarded wound care and vascular programs in the country at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). The Penn Medicine network also includes Pennsylvania Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in the United States.

Jefferson Health covers a large network across Philadelphia and the suburbs, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City. Jefferson has strong wound care and surgery programs across its regional network.

Temple Health, anchored by Temple University Hospital in North Philadelphia, serves a large urban patient population and operates as a Level I trauma center. Temple’s wound care program handles complex cases that align with hyperbaric medicine indications.

Drexel Medicine, affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine, operates through Hahnemann University Hospital’s successor facilities and other regional locations. The system has had significant changes in recent years — confirm current program availability directly.

The UHMS provider directory is the most reliable current source for accredited programs. Philadelphia’s provider landscape is large enough that not every wound care center at every system location will have a hyperbaric chamber on-site. Confirm that the specific facility has an active hyperbaric program before scheduling.

Our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic explains the questions worth asking any program before your first appointment.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Philadelphia

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-approved hospital outpatient facilities in Philadelphia for FDA-approved conditions. Penn, Jefferson, and Temple are all major health system hospitals and Medicare-approved. Prior authorization and physician documentation of medical necessity are required for wound care cases.

Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance) covers HBOT for qualifying beneficiaries. In Philadelphia, Medicaid managed care plans include Keystone First, UPMC for You, and Aetna Better Health of Pennsylvania. Each plan has its own prior authorization process for HBOT. Start early — authorization timelines affect when you can begin treatment.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is the dominant commercial insurer in the Philadelphia market. IBX generally covers HBOT for FDA-approved conditions at in-network facilities, with prior authorization. Given IBX’s strong market share in the region, it’s worth calling them directly to understand which Philadelphia hospital programs are in-network for HBOT.

Aetna, United, and Cigna also have large commercial market shares in Philadelphia. All follow Medicare’s FDA-approved criteria as the baseline for HBOT coverage decisions.

Off-label HBOT isn’t covered. See our insurance guide and cost guide for out-of-pocket information.

What to Expect at Your First Session

HBOT at a Philadelphia academic program follows the same protocol as any hospital-based program: 90 minutes to two hours in a pressurized chamber, five days a week for most wound care courses. The major practical consideration in Philadelphia is getting to daily appointments. Parking near major academic medical centers in Center City and University City is expensive and sometimes limited. SEPTA transit connects most neighborhoods to the major hospital campuses.

Some Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health locations have satellite wound care centers in the suburbs. Ask whether HBOT is available at a suburban location or whether you need to come to the main hospital.

Our first session guide covers what to bring, what to avoid, and what to expect from a full treatment course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Penn Medicine’s wound care program accept all insurance plans? Penn Medicine accepts most major commercial plans and Medicare, but specific plan network status can change. Call Penn’s financial counseling line or your insurance member services to confirm in-network status before your referral is processed.

Are there HBOT programs in the Philadelphia suburbs? Yes. Jefferson Health and Penn Medicine have extensive suburban footprints in Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties. Some wound care locations in the suburbs include HBOT capabilities. Ask your referring physician or call the system’s central scheduling to find the closest location with an active hyperbaric program.

How long will it take to get my first HBOT appointment at a Philadelphia academic center? Academic centers in Philadelphia can have wait times for new wound care patients. If your condition is urgent — an infected diabetic wound, for instance — tell your physician so they can communicate urgency when making the referral. Some programs have expedited pathways for time-sensitive wound care cases.

See more providers in Pennsylvania: /providers/pennsylvania/

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.