Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls punches well above its size as a medical center. It’s the largest city in South Dakota, but more importantly, it’s the regional hub for a wide swath of the northern Great Plains — pulling patients from western Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, and parts of Nebraska and Iowa. Both of its major hospital systems are serious regional players.

Finding HBOT Providers in Sioux Falls

Sanford Health is the dominant health system in Sioux Falls and operates one of the largest regional health networks in the country, spanning the Dakotas and Minnesota. Sanford runs comprehensive wound care programs and is the most likely local source for hospital-based HBOT in South Dakota.

Avera McKennan Hospital is the other major system in Sioux Falls. Avera also operates a large regional network and has wound care programs across its facilities.

For patients in rural South Dakota, western Minnesota, or northeastern Nebraska, Sioux Falls is often the nearest city with the full range of wound care services. That makes the local programs here more important than their size might suggest — they’re handling cases that would go to a major metro in other states.

Confirm current HBOT availability through the UHMS provider directory before scheduling. The directory lists accredited programs meeting established standards for safety and training. Availability can shift, and a phone call to confirm is always worth it.

See our guide to choosing an HBOT clinic for what to evaluate at any facility.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Sioux Falls

Medicare Part B follows the same federal coverage rules in South Dakota as everywhere else. It may cover HBOT for FDA-approved indications: diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed with standard care, radiation tissue damage, arterial insufficiency wounds, gas gangrene, and others. Your physician must document that standard treatments were tried and failed.

Reimbursement rates change annually. Any figure you see cited online may be outdated. Confirm current rates with Sanford or Avera’s billing teams.

South Dakota Medicaid has its own coverage criteria and prior authorization process, separate from Medicare. If you’re a Medicaid enrollee, contact South Dakota Medicaid directly or ask your provider’s billing department to check your eligibility.

For patients from Minnesota or Nebraska who travel to Sioux Falls, your state’s Medicaid program still applies. Commercial insurance will determine which Sioux Falls facilities are in-network, and out-of-network costs can be significant. Call your insurer before scheduling at any Sioux Falls facility.

Off-label HBOT uses — traumatic brain injury, long COVID, autism, or other investigational conditions — are not covered by any insurer. Those treatments require out-of-pocket payment.

Our insurance guide and cost guide have more detail.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Hospital-based programs start with a physician consultation before the first session. The hyperbaric doctor will review your records, check for contraindications, and coordinate with your referring provider on a treatment schedule. You’ll need to wear 100% cotton clothing and leave electronics and flammable items outside the chamber.

Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours. You breathe pure oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is common, and staff will walk you through equalization before your first treatment. Serious side effects are uncommon at accredited facilities.

The first session guide covers everything you’ll experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far do people travel for HBOT in Sioux Falls? Sioux Falls draws wound care patients from a large geographic area. It’s not unusual for patients to drive two to three hours from rural South Dakota or western Minnesota. For a 30-session treatment course, that’s a significant commitment. Ask about lodging resources or whether a closer community hospital can manage your case.

Does Sanford Health accept out-of-state insurance for HBOT? Sanford participates in many commercial insurance networks across the Dakotas and Minnesota, so out-of-state patients often have coverage at Sioux Falls facilities. Confirm in-network status with your insurer before your first appointment. Medicare patients from any state can use Sioux Falls facilities without cross-border restrictions.

What’s the self-pay rate for HBOT in Sioux Falls? Hospital-based programs typically charge $250 to $450 per session for self-pay patients. A full course of 20 to 40 sessions puts total costs between $5,000 and $18,000. Ask for a written fee schedule and inquire about financial assistance programs — both Sanford and Avera offer financial assistance for qualifying patients.

See more providers in South Dakota: South Dakota 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.