Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Tacoma, WA
Find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Tacoma, WA. MultiCare Health System serves the area. Medicare coverage info and access to Seattle-area providers.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma sits in Pierce County, about 30 miles south of Seattle. MultiCare Health System is the dominant hospital network here, operating Tacoma General Hospital and several other campuses across the south Puget Sound region. For patients who need a wider range of HBOT services, Seattle’s academic medical centers are a practical option given the short drive.
Finding HBOT Providers in Tacoma
MultiCare Health System operates the largest hospital infrastructure in Tacoma. Their wound care programs are the first place to check for hospital-affiliated HBOT in the area. Call the wound care department at their main campuses and ask directly whether hyperbaric services are available on-site or through a referral network.
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, also part of MultiCare, serves pediatric patients in the region. For adult wound care and HBOT, Tacoma General and MultiCare’s other adult campuses are the relevant contacts.
If your condition is complex or your case requires capabilities beyond what’s locally available, Seattle is close enough that traveling up I-5 is worth considering. UW Medicine and Swedish Health Services both operate programs with broader specialist support. Your referring physician can help you weigh whether local care is enough or whether the Seattle academic systems make more sense for your situation.
The UHMS maintains a provider directory at uhms.org. For guidance on what to ask before booking, see our guide to choosing a clinic.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Tacoma
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient departments. The same federal rules apply in Tacoma as anywhere else. Rates change each year, so confirm current amounts with the billing team rather than relying on any published number.
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) may cover approved indications. Coverage depends on your managed care plan. Call the plan and the facility before scheduling to confirm what’s covered and what requires prior authorization.
Commercial insurance follows Medicare’s coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required. Secure that in writing before your first session.
HBOT for off-label purposes — TBI, long COVID, athletic recovery, anti-aging — isn’t covered by any public or commercial payer. Those sessions are cash-pay only.
Full details: insurance guide | cost guide
What to Expect at Your First Session
Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes at pressure. You breathe 100% oxygen through a mask or hood at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA. The pressure change during descent causes ear discomfort similar to a flight — staff will show you how to equalize. Most patients adjust quickly after the first session or two.
Read: first session guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Tacoma? MultiCare Health System is the primary health network in Tacoma. Contact their wound care departments to ask about hyperbaric services. The UHMS provider directory at uhms.org lists accredited facilities by state and city.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Tacoma? Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Federal rules apply in Tacoma the same as everywhere. Verify current rates with the facility’s billing team, as Medicare rates change annually.
Should Tacoma patients consider traveling to Seattle for HBOT? It depends on the condition and available local options. Tacoma is about 30 minutes from Seattle, so accessing larger academic medical centers like UW Medicine is practical for patients who need specialized wound care or have complex cases. Ask your referring physician which facility has the most experience with your specific condition.
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.