Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Rhode Island: How to Find a Provider

Rhode Island is small enough that nearly every resident can reach Providence within an hour. That matters for HBOT, because Providence is where the state’s hospital-grade hyperbaric services are concentrated. Lifespan and Care New England are the two health systems to start with.

Where to Find HBOT in Rhode Island

Hospital-based wound care centers are the most reliable source of accredited HBOT in Rhode Island. These programs operate under physician supervision, use medical-grade chambers, and work with Medicare and commercial insurers on prior authorization.

Lifespan is the state’s largest health system. It includes Rhode Island Hospital (the primary teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University) and Miriam Hospital in Providence. Both are large academic hospitals with the infrastructure to support wound care programs and on-site hyperbaric services. Rhode Island Hospital is the main trauma center for the state and handles complex referrals from across New England.

Care New England is the other major system in Providence. It includes Women and Infants Hospital and Kent Hospital in Warwick. Kent Hospital, located in the middle of the state, is particularly accessible for patients in Kent County and southern Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is small enough that there’s no meaningful geographic barrier to reaching Providence. Patients in Woonsocket, the state’s northernmost city, are 20 miles from Providence. Patients in Westerly, the southwestern corner, are about 45 miles away. The entire state fits within a radius that most major metro areas consider “local.”

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

Browse our full provider directory.

Major Areas in Rhode Island Where HBOT Is Available

Providence is the center of everything in Rhode Island healthcare. Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital (Lifespan), plus Women and Infants and affiliated Care New England facilities, are all located here. This is where essentially all hospital-based HBOT in the state is available.

Warwick is the second-largest city and home to Kent Hospital (Care New England). Its location in the middle of the state makes it accessible for patients in Kent County and parts of Washington County who’d rather not drive into Providence.

Newport County and South County have smaller hospital campuses through Newport Hospital (Lifespan) and South County Health. These facilities may refer HBOT cases to Providence rather than treating on-site.

Woonsocket and the Blackstone Valley are served by Landmark Medical Center. Patients there are close enough to Providence that referrals to Lifespan or Care New England are straightforward.

Some Rhode Island patients also access facilities in southeastern Massachusetts, particularly near Fall River or Attleboro. For patients in the northeastern corner of the state near the Massachusetts border, this is sometimes geographically easier than Providence.

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 Rhode Island

Coverage for HBOT in Rhode Island 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.

RIte Care (RI Medicaid) coverage varies by condition and managed care plan. Rhode Island’s Medicaid program is administered through managed care plans. Contact both your RIte Care plan and the facility’s billing department to confirm coverage for your specific diagnosis before scheduling.

Commercial insurers generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required. Confirm the facility is in-network for your plan before your first appointment.

Off-label uses are not covered by any insurance in Rhode Island or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Rhode Island? The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Hospital-based wound care centers in Providence are a good starting point. Lifespan and Care New England are the two major health systems in the state.

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

Is Providence the only place to get HBOT in Rhode Island? Effectively yes for hospital-grade, insurance-covered HBOT. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country — the entire state is within about 45 miles of Providence. Some patients also access facilities across the border in Massachusetts.

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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.