Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Houston, TX

Houston has one of the strongest concentrations of hyperbaric oxygen therapy resources in the country. The Texas Medical Center — the world’s largest medical complex — anchors the city’s clinical HBOT capacity. Beyond TMC, hospital-based wound care centers operate across the metro, and a growing number of standalone wellness clinics offer hyperbaric services in suburban areas.

Finding HBOT Providers in Houston

Houston’s major health systems all maintain wound care and hyperbaric programs. UTHealth Houston, Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and Baylor St. Luke’s each operate wound care centers with hyperbaric units, primarily serving patients with diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing wounds, radiation injuries, and other FDA-approved indications.

The Texas Medical Center’s concentration of academic medical programs means Houston also gets referrals from across South Texas and the Gulf Coast region. If you’re coming from outside Houston for treatment, ask your referring physician whether a TMC-affiliated program fits your case.

Outside the Medical Center, hospital-based wound care programs operate in the suburbs — areas like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Pearland, and Katy all have hospital campuses that may offer HBOT or can refer you to nearby programs.

For wellness and non-medical HBOT, standalone clinics using mild hyperbaric chambers (typically 1.3 ATA) operate throughout Houston’s metro. These aren’t the same as clinical HBOT at 2.0 to 2.4 ATA used for wound care, and they aren’t covered by insurance for any indication. If you’re looking for clinical HBOT for a diagnosed condition, a hospital-based wound care center is the right starting point.

To find accredited HBOT providers, use the UHMS provider directory maintained by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. You can also ask your primary care doctor or specialist for a referral to a wound care program.

Houston’s large diabetic population creates high demand for wound care HBOT. If you’re being treated for a diabetic foot ulcer or peripheral vascular disease, ask your endocrinologist or vascular surgeon whether HBOT is appropriate for your case.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Houston

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT in Houston for FDA-approved conditions. These include 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 several other conditions. A physician must order the treatment, and it must be performed at a Medicare-certified facility.

Medicare session rates change annually. Always verify current reimbursement amounts with your facility’s billing team — don’t rely on figures you find online.

Texas Medicaid may cover HBOT for certain qualifying patients. Eligibility requirements differ from Medicare, so check with your treating facility about whether they accept Texas Medicaid and what the approval process involves.

Commercial insurers vary significantly. Major carriers operating in Houston — including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna — generally follow Medicare guidelines for covered indications. Prior authorization is almost always required. Your care team will typically handle this, but it’s worth confirming before your first session.

Off-label uses of HBOT — including treatment for traumatic brain injury, long COVID, or anti-aging purposes — aren’t covered by Medicare or most commercial insurers. You’d pay out of pocket for those. See our insurance and cost guide for a full breakdown of what’s covered and what isn’t.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Your first clinical HBOT session will include a medical evaluation before you enter the chamber. The care team will review your records, confirm your diagnosis, and explain the procedure. You’ll lie in a pressurized chamber for about 90 to 120 minutes while breathing 100% oxygen. Some patients feel mild ear pressure during pressurization, similar to what you’d feel in an airplane. Most people tolerate sessions well.

For a detailed walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after your first session, read our first session guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a referral for HBOT in Houston? Ask your primary care doctor, wound care specialist, or surgeon. For Medicare-covered conditions, you’ll need a physician order. Most wound care centers can also accept self-referrals and will coordinate with your existing care team.

Are there wait times for hyperbaric treatment in Houston? Wait times vary by facility and season. Hospital-based programs at major health systems can sometimes have a backlog given Houston’s patient volume. Ask the program coordinator when you call about their current scheduling window.

Can I use HBOT at a wellness clinic for a medical condition? Wellness clinics using mild hyperbaric chambers (1.3 ATA) aren’t substitutes for clinical HBOT programs. If you have a diagnosed medical condition that may qualify for HBOT, consult your doctor and seek out a hospital-based wound care program that uses clinical-grade chambers.

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.