Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach sits at the center of Hampton Roads, one of the largest military concentrations in the country. Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, and JEB Little Creek all border the city, which means a large share of residents are active-duty service members, veterans, or their families. That population drives real demand for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, especially for conditions common in military and diving communities like decompression sickness and wound healing after trauma.

Finding HBOT Providers in Virginia Beach

Sentara Health is the dominant hospital system in Hampton Roads. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital are the two flagship facilities serving this metro area. Norfolk General is the region’s Level I trauma center and the more likely location for a hospital-based hyperbaric program, given the complexity of cases it handles.

Don’t call a hospital and ask for “hyperbaric oxygen therapy” by name. Ask for their wound care center or hyperbaric medicine department. Most hospital-based programs operate under those departments rather than as standalone services.

The UHMS provider directory is the most reliable starting point. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society maintains a searchable list of accredited hyperbaric programs. An accredited program has passed an independent review of its equipment, protocols, and staff training. That matters for a treatment delivered in a pressurized chamber.

Once you have a short list, read our guide to choosing a hyperbaric clinic before you call. It covers the questions worth asking before you schedule.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Virginia Beach

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT when it’s provided at a Medicare-approved hospital outpatient department and your condition appears on the FDA-approved list. Common covered conditions include diabetic foot ulcers that haven’t healed with standard care, gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness. Your doctor needs to document medical necessity before Medicare will authorize treatment.

Virginia Medicaid may cover HBOT for qualifying beneficiaries, but the covered conditions and prior authorization requirements are stricter than Medicare. Contact your Medicaid managed care plan directly to confirm your specific situation.

Commercial insurers in Virginia — Anthem, Optima Health (a Sentara plan), Cigna, and others — generally follow Medicare’s FDA-approved list for coverage decisions. If your condition is on that list and your doctor refers you, coverage is likely. But “likely” isn’t a guarantee. Get a prior authorization in writing before your first session.

Off-label uses of HBOT, including treatments marketed for anti-aging, sports recovery, or long COVID, are not covered by Medicare or most commercial plans. You’d pay out of pocket. See our insurance guide for a full breakdown of coverage rules, and our cost guide for out-of-pocket ranges.

One note specific to military families and veterans: TRICARE may cover HBOT for active-duty members and dependents under similar criteria to Medicare. VA coverage for veterans depends on your service connection and the condition being treated. Ask your VA primary care provider or patient advocate about a referral.

What to Expect at Your First Session

If you haven’t done HBOT before, the process can seem intimidating. It isn’t. You’ll lie in a pressurized chamber — either a monoplace unit (one person) or a multiplace chamber with a technician present — and breathe pure oxygen at elevated pressure for roughly 90 minutes to two hours. The pressure increase feels like the ear-popping sensation of a plane descent.

Our first session guide walks through everything: what to wear, what not to bring, what the pressure feels like, and what happens if you’re claustrophobic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many HBOT sessions will I need? The number of sessions depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Diabetic wound care protocols typically run 20 to 40 sessions. Decompression sickness may require fewer. Your physician and the hyperbaric team will set a treatment plan after your initial evaluation.

Can I use HBOT if I’m claustrophobic? Many patients with mild claustrophobia do fine once they’re inside — the chamber is larger than it looks from the outside, and staff stay in contact with you throughout. If your anxiety is severe, talk to the clinic beforehand. Some programs offer anti-anxiety medication options or allow a brief trial session.

Is HBOT safe for veterans with TBI? HBOT for traumatic brain injury is not FDA-approved. Research is ongoing. Some VA facilities are participating in clinical trials. This is an investigational use, and insurance won’t cover it. If you’re a veteran interested in this, talk to your VA provider about whether any trials are enrolling in your area.

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.