Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Seattle, WA
Find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Seattle, WA. Hospital wound care centers, diving medicine, Medicare coverage info, and how to choose a clinic.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Seattle, WA
Seattle has one of the stronger hospital-based hyperbaric programs in the Pacific Northwest. Major academic and regional health systems operate wound care and HBOT units, and the city’s active port and dive community means decompression sickness cases are part of routine practice at some facilities.
Finding HBOT Providers in Seattle
The largest academic health system in the region is UW Medicine. Hospital-affiliated wound care centers that offer HBOT are typically found within hospital campuses or large outpatient medical centers. Swedish Health Services and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health both operate across multiple Seattle-area campuses and are worth contacting directly to ask about wound care services that include hyperbaric therapy.
When you call a facility, ask two things: whether they hold UHMS accreditation and whether a physician supervises every session. Hospital-affiliated programs almost always meet both criteria. Freestanding wellness clinics are a different category. Some are staffed by physicians, many aren’t. Washington state does not restrict HBOT to licensed healthcare settings by statute the way some states do, so due diligence matters more here.
Neighborhood-wise, hospital campuses are spread across First Hill, Capitol Hill, and the U-District. Eastside suburbs like Bellevue and Redmond have outpatient medical infrastructure that may include HBOT through affiliated wound care networks. The UHMS maintains a provider directory at uhms.org. For questions to ask before you book, see our guide to choosing a clinic.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Seattle
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient departments. Federal rules apply uniformly, so your coverage in Seattle works the same as anywhere else in the country. Rates change annually — verify the current amounts with your facility’s billing team.
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) may cover approved indications, but coverage varies by managed care plan. Call the facility’s billing department and your plan directly to confirm before scheduling.
Commercial insurers follow Medicare’s coverage criteria as a baseline. Most require prior authorization for any HBOT course. Get that authorization in writing before your first session.
Off-label uses — TBI, anti-aging treatments, athletic recovery, long COVID — aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most commercial plans anywhere. If a Seattle clinic is offering cash-pay HBOT for those purposes, expect to pay out of pocket.
Full details: insurance guide | cost guide
What to Expect at Your First Session
Sessions run 60 to 90 minutes at pressure. You breathe 100% oxygen through a mask or hood inside a pressurized chamber at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA, depending on the condition being treated. Ear pressure during the descent is the main sensation most patients notice. Staff will show you how to equalize before your first session.
Read: first session guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Seattle? Seattle has hospital-affiliated HBOT programs through major systems like UW Medicine and Swedish Health Services. The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org where you can filter by Washington state.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Seattle? Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Federal rules apply in Seattle the same as everywhere. Contact the facility’s billing team to confirm they accept Medicare assignment.
Does Seattle have hyperbaric facilities for diving accidents? Yes. Seattle’s maritime and diving culture means hospital-affiliated programs in the area are experienced with decompression sickness. For diving emergencies, call Divers Alert Network (DAN) at 1-919-684-9111 before transport to confirm the nearest available chamber.
See more providers in Washington: /providers/washington/
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.