Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in West Virginia: How to Find a Provider

West Virginia has real access challenges for HBOT. The state is mountainous, rural, and the road network means distances take longer than a map suggests. WVU Medicine in Morgantown and CAMC in Charleston are the two main hospital systems with the infrastructure to support on-site hyperbaric services.

Where to Find HBOT in West Virginia

Hospital-based wound care centers are the most reliable route to accredited HBOT in West Virginia. These programs run under physician oversight, use medical-grade chambers, and work with Medicare and commercial insurers on prior authorization.

WVU Medicine (West Virginia University Health System) in Morgantown is the state’s primary academic medical center. It includes J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, which handles the most complex wound care cases in West Virginia. WVU Medicine draws referrals from across the state and from parts of neighboring states. If you need HBOT for a complex or rare indication, Morgantown is the strongest option in-state.

CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center) in Charleston is the main hospital system for the state capital and the Kanawha Valley. It includes CAMC General Hospital, CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital, and CAMC Teays Valley. CAMC’s wound care programs serve a large patient population in central West Virginia and handle referrals from the coalfield counties to the south.

Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, affiliated with Marshall Health, serves the Tri-State region where West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio meet. It’s a large academic medical center for its region and may have wound care programs that include HBOT.

The best starting point: use the UHMS provider search at uhms.org.

Browse our full provider directory.

Major Areas in West Virginia Where HBOT Is Available

Morgantown is home to WVU Medicine and is the state’s academic hub. Patients from north-central and northern West Virginia — Fairmont, Clarksburg, Elkins — travel here for specialized care. The drive from many northern WV towns is manageable, though mountain roads extend travel times.

Charleston is the state capital and the hub for central and southern West Virginia. CAMC’s multi-campus system is the most realistic option for patients in Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Logan, and surrounding counties. The Kanawha River valley provides relatively direct road access from many southern counties.

Huntington serves the southwestern part of the state. Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Health handle the Tri-State area. Patients in Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and McDowell counties may find Huntington more accessible than Charleston.

The Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Charles Town) is geographically disconnected from the rest of West Virginia. It’s actually closer to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Hagerstown, Maryland than to Morgantown or Charleston. Patients here often use out-of-state facilities.

Southern coalfield counties (McDowell, Wyoming, Logan) face the greatest access challenges. These are some of the most geographically isolated communities in the state. Patients here may have to travel 2-3 hours in any direction to reach a facility with on-site HBOT.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before you book, ask every provider these questions.

• Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
• Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
• Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
• Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
• Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

Read our guide to your first HBOT session before you go.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in West Virginia

Coverage for HBOT in West Virginia follows national standards.

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. West Virginia has one of the highest Medicare enrollment rates per capita in the country. Rates change annually — verify current figures with your facility’s billing team.

West Virginia Medicaid (WV CHIP) coverage varies by condition and managed care plan. Contact the facility’s billing department to confirm coverage before scheduling. West Virginia expanded Medicaid under the ACA — confirm your current eligibility category and what that covers.

Commercial insurers generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required. Rural patients traveling long distances should confirm the facility is in-network before their first appointment.

Off-label uses are not covered by any insurance in West Virginia or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in West Virginia? The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Hospital-based wound care centers in Morgantown and Charleston are a good starting point. WVU Medicine in Morgantown is the state’s primary academic referral center.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in West Virginia? Yes. Medicare coverage rules are federal and apply equally in all states, including West Virginia. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. See our insurance guide for full details.

What are the access challenges for HBOT in rural West Virginia? West Virginia is one of the most rural and mountainous states in the country. Mountain roads extend travel times considerably beyond what a map suggests. Patients in southern counties often face 2-3 hour drives. Ask your physician to evaluate all realistic options — including out-of-state facilities — before committing to a plan.

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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.