Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in South Dakota: How to Find a Provider

South Dakota’s HBOT access is split between two cities on opposite ends of the state. Sanford Health dominates in Sioux Falls to the east, and Monument Health serves the Rapid City area to the west. Rural patients — and there are many — travel to one of these two hubs.

Where to Find HBOT in South Dakota

Hospital-based wound care centers are the most reliable route to accredited HBOT in South Dakota. These programs run under physician supervision, use medical-grade chambers, and work with Medicare and commercial insurers on prior authorization.

Sanford Health is the largest health system in South Dakota and one of the largest in the upper Midwest. Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls is the main academic referral center for the eastern half of the state. Its wound care program handles referrals from across eastern South Dakota, western Minnesota, and parts of Nebraska and Iowa. If you’re in the eastern part of the state and need HBOT, Sioux Falls is your starting point.

Monument Health is the primary system in Rapid City and the Black Hills region. It serves western South Dakota, including the Pine Ridge area, the Badlands corridor, and communities near the Wyoming and Nebraska borders. Monument Health’s hospital campus in Rapid City handles wound care referrals from a wide geographic region.

Avera Health also has a presence in Sioux Falls and operates regional hospitals across eastern South Dakota. Avera’s wound care programs may have HBOT available or can arrange referrals to the closest accredited facility.

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

Browse our full provider directory.

Major Areas in South Dakota Where HBOT Is Available

Sioux Falls is the state’s largest city and the center of its healthcare infrastructure. Sanford Health and Avera Health both operate major hospital campuses here. Patients from Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, and the James River Valley travel to Sioux Falls for specialized care.

Rapid City is the hub for western South Dakota. Monument Health’s hospital campus serves the Black Hills region, including Lead, Deadwood, Hot Springs, and communities on the Pine Ridge Reservation. For patients in this part of the state, Rapid City is the first stop before considering out-of-state options.

Aberdeen in the north-central part of the state has Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. It serves a large rural catchment area. Whether on-site HBOT is available here varies — patients needing hyperbaric services often travel to Sioux Falls.

The Missouri River communities — Pierre, Chamberlain, Winner — are between the two main cities. Patients here choose between Sioux Falls and Rapid City based on which is closer.

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 South Dakota

Coverage for HBOT in South Dakota 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.

South Dakota Medicaid coverage varies by condition. Contact the facility’s billing department to confirm your specific diagnosis is covered before scheduling. South Dakota did not expand Medicaid under the ACA until 2023, so eligibility rules may differ from neighboring states.

Commercial insurers generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required. Rural patients traveling long distances should confirm the facility is in-network before their first appointment.

Off-label uses are not covered by any insurance in South Dakota or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in South Dakota? The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Hospital-based wound care centers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are a good starting point. Sanford Health dominates in Sioux Falls and Monument Health serves the Rapid City area.

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

What are my options if I live in rural South Dakota? Most patients travel to Sioux Falls or Rapid City for HBOT. Patients in the far southeast corner may find Sioux City, Iowa closer than Sioux Falls. Ask your physician to identify the nearest accredited facility based on your specific location.

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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.