Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Tennessee: How to Find a Provider

Tennessee has HBOT programs in all four of its major metro areas. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga each have large regional health systems with wound care centers. Rural patients may need to travel to the nearest metro, but access is generally good for a mid-sized state.

Where to Find HBOT in Tennessee

• Hospital-based wound care centers. This is where most HBOT happens. Insurance covers FDA-approved conditions here.
• Academic medical centers. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and University of Tennessee Medical Center are the two main academic programs in the state.
• Standalone clinics. These exist in larger Tennessee metros. Verify credentials and ask about the hyperbaric physician on staff before starting.

Start with the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org/find-a-hyperbaric-facility.html. It lists only accredited facilities.

Major Areas in Tennessee Where HBOT Is Available

Nashville. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is Nashville’s primary academic medical center and a major referral destination for complex cases statewide. The Nashville metro also has a large community hospital presence through networks including TriStar Health (HCA Healthcare) and Ascension Saint Thomas.

Memphis. Baptist Memorial Health Care is a major regional system serving the Memphis metro and parts of western Tennessee and neighboring states. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center also operates in Memphis with clinical affiliations throughout the city.

Knoxville. University of Tennessee Medical Center is the academic medical center for East Tennessee. It handles complex wound care and serves a large rural catchment area. Covenant Health is another major regional system in the Knoxville area.

Chattanooga. Erlanger Health System is the primary academic and safety-net hospital for the Chattanooga region. It serves southeastern Tennessee and parts of northern Georgia and Alabama.

Clarksville and Murfreesboro. These fast-growing mid-Tennessee cities are served by regional community hospitals, many of which are affiliated with larger Nashville-based systems. Use the UHMS directory to find the closest accredited facility.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before starting a course of treatment, ask these questions:

1. Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
2. Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
3. Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
4. Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
5. Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

Read our guide to questions to ask a provider for more detail on evaluating each answer.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in Tennessee

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Rates change annually, so verify current reimbursement amounts with your facility’s billing team. Our cost guide covers what patients typically pay out of pocket per session.

TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, may cover HBOT for qualifying patients. Coverage depends on the condition and your TennCare plan. Ask the facility’s billing team to verify your eligibility before scheduling.

Major commercial insurers in Tennessee include BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, which is the largest insurer in the state, plus Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans generally follow Medicare criteria for HBOT. Prior authorization is required for covered indications. Off-label uses won’t be covered by any of these plans.

See our insurance guide for a full breakdown of what HBOT coverage looks like and how to pursue prior authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Tennessee?

Use the UHMS provider search at uhms.org to find accredited facilities in Tennessee. Major health systems with wound care programs in the state include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Erlanger Health System.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Tennessee?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Coverage rules are federal and apply the same way in Tennessee as in every other state. Off-label uses are not covered. Rates change annually, so verify current reimbursement with your facility’s billing team.

Does Vanderbilt University Medical Center offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is Nashville’s major academic medical center and handles complex wound care cases. For current HBOT program availability, use the UHMS directory or contact Vanderbilt directly through their patient access line.

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.