Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington isn’t a standalone city in the traditional sense. It’s part of the DC metro, sitting just across the Potomac from the capital. That geography is the most important thing to understand when you’re looking for HBOT here. Arlington residents have access to both Northern Virginia’s hospital network and the full range of major academic medical centers in Washington, DC.

Finding HBOT Providers in Arlington

Inova Health System is the major health network for Northern Virginia. Inova operates multiple hospitals across the region, including Inova Fairfax Hospital — the system’s flagship and a Level II trauma center. For patients in Arlington seeking hospital-based hyperbaric programs, Inova facilities are the primary in-state option.

Because DC sits minutes away, many Arlington patients are willing to cross the river for specialist care. Georgetown University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital, and MedStar Washington Hospital Center all operate within the DC metro. These are academic medical centers with complex wound care and hyperbaric programs. If you have a complex case — radiation injury, compromised surgical flaps, or a difficult diabetic wound — the academic centers in DC may offer more specialized care than what’s available in the immediate Northern Virginia area.

Before you choose a facility, confirm that it’s in-network with your insurance plan. DC-based hospitals are separate from Virginia-based networks, and an out-of-network visit can create significant cost exposure. Check with your insurer first.

The UHMS provider directory lets you search accredited programs by zip code. Use it to find what’s closest and accredited, then cross-reference with your insurer’s network. Our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic walks through what to ask each facility before you commit.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Arlington

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT at Medicare-approved hospital outpatient departments for FDA-approved conditions. Medicare coverage works the same regardless of whether the facility is in Virginia or DC. What matters is that the facility is Medicare-approved and your physician has documented medical necessity. Rates change annually — verify your cost-sharing with your facility’s billing team rather than relying on published figures.

Virginia Medicaid covers HBOT for qualifying beneficiaries, but your managed care plan handles prior authorization. If you’re enrolled in a Virginia Medicaid plan, the DC-based hospitals may be out of your network. Ask your care coordinator before scheduling across state lines.

Commercial insurers serving the Northern Virginia market — Anthem, United, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente mid-Atlantic — generally cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions with prior authorization. Federal employees covered by FEHB plans, which is a significant portion of Arlington’s working population, should check their specific plan’s HBOT policy. Coverage varies by plan.

Off-label HBOT, including treatments marketed for performance or wellness, isn’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial plans. See our insurance guide and cost guide for what out-of-pocket treatment costs.

What to Expect at Your First Session

HBOT sessions typically run 90 minutes to two hours inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure change is the only part most patients find noticeable, and it feels like a mild ear-popping sensation. Staff monitor you throughout and stay in contact via intercom. Most hospital-based programs use monoplace chambers, meaning you’re alone in the chamber but observed the entire time.

Our first session guide covers the practical details: what to wear, what medications to tell your team about, and what to expect across a full treatment course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth going to a DC hospital instead of an Inova facility? It depends on your condition. For a straightforward diabetic wound, an Inova wound care center may handle your case just as well as an academic center. For complex cases — radiation necrosis, compromised flaps, or conditions that have failed other treatments — the specialist depth at Georgetown or GWU may be worth the extra travel. Ask your referring physician what they’d recommend for your specific situation.

How do I get a referral for HBOT in Northern Virginia? Start with your primary care doctor or the specialist managing your condition — a vascular surgeon, endocrinologist, or radiation oncologist, depending on what you’re treating. They’ll refer you to a wound care or hyperbaric medicine program. Going through the referral process also protects your insurance coverage.

Do federal employee health plans cover HBOT? FEHB plan coverage for HBOT varies by plan. Some cover it for FDA-approved conditions; others require additional documentation. Contact your plan’s member services line and ask specifically about hyperbaric oxygen therapy coverage and what conditions qualify.

See more providers in Virginia: /providers/virginia/

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.