Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in El Paso, TX

El Paso is Texas’s westernmost major city and one of the largest U.S. cities on the Mexican border. It has a strong public hospital system and an academic medical presence through Texas Tech, but the HBOT market here is smaller than in the state’s larger metros. Patients with access to military healthcare have an additional avenue through the Fort Bliss military community.

Finding HBOT Providers in El Paso

University Medical Center of El Paso is the city’s primary public hospital and a Level I trauma center. As the region’s main safety-net hospital, UMC serves a large and diverse patient population. For wound care and HBOT, a referral through UMC or its affiliated physicians is a logical starting point for qualifying patients.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso operates clinical programs in the city and trains physicians and residents who serve the community. Texas Tech’s growing presence in El Paso adds academic clinical capacity to a city that’s historically been underserved relative to its population size.

Fort Bliss is a large Army installation on the northeast side of El Paso. Active duty service members may have access to HBOT through military medical facilities or through TRICARE-authorized civilian providers. Military retirees and TRICARE-covered dependents should contact their military primary care manager for current referral options. Eligibility and available services can change, so direct contact with the military healthcare system is more reliable than secondhand information.

El Paso’s standalone wellness HBOT clinic market is limited compared to Houston, Austin, or Dallas. If you’re looking for clinical HBOT for a diagnosed condition, a hospital-based wound care program is the right path. The UHMS provider directory can help you identify accredited programs currently operating in El Paso.

El Paso’s size and its distance from other major Texas cities mean that if your condition requires a level of specialist care that isn’t available locally, you may need to travel. Ask your doctor whether local programs can handle your diagnosis or whether a referral to a larger academic center is warranted.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in El Paso

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT in El Paso for FDA-approved indications. The covered list includes diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed after 30 days of standard wound care, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radionecrosis, arterial insufficiency ulcers, and other approved diagnoses. A physician must order the treatment, and it must occur at a Medicare-certified facility.

Medicare reimbursement rates change each year. Always confirm current rates with your facility’s billing team.

El Paso has a significant Medicaid population. Texas Medicaid coverage for HBOT depends on eligibility and diagnosis. Ask your treating facility directly whether they accept Texas Medicaid and what documentation is needed for prior authorization.

TRICARE covers HBOT for active duty military and eligible dependents for FDA-approved conditions. Coverage details vary by plan — contact your TRICARE representative or military primary care manager for specifics.

Commercial insurers in El Paso generally follow Medicare guidelines for HBOT coverage. Prior authorization is standard. Your care team should handle this before your first session.

Off-label HBOT uses are not covered by any insurer. See our insurance guide for more on costs and coverage.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Before your first session, the wound care team will complete a medical evaluation and review your records. You’ll get an explanation of what the procedure involves and a screening for any contraindications. Sessions run about 90 to 120 minutes in a pressurized chamber breathing pure oxygen. Mild ear pressure during pressurization is common and resolves quickly for most patients.

Read our first session guide for a full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Paso’s HBOT market comparable to other Texas cities? No. El Paso has fewer providers and a smaller clinical HBOT market than Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. Patients with straightforward wound care diagnoses can likely find a local program. Complex cases may require a referral to a larger academic center.

Does El Paso’s border location affect HBOT access? Some El Paso residents cross into Ciudad Juarez for medical care, but HBOT isn’t widely available there in certified clinical settings. For insurance-covered treatment, you’ll need to use a U.S.-based Medicare- or TRICARE-certified facility.

How do I find out if I qualify for HBOT at UMC El Paso? Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to the wound care program at UMC. You can also call UMC directly to ask whether HBOT services are available and what the intake process looks like.

See more providers in Texas: Texas 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.