Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Charleston, WV
Find HBOT providers in Charleston, WV. CAMC is the state's largest hospital system. Medicare and insurance coverage explained for West Virginia patients.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Charleston, WV
Charleston is West Virginia’s state capital and home to the state’s largest hospital system. Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) is a multi-campus health system that serves as West Virginia’s primary referral destination for complex medical cases. For patients across the state who need HBOT, Charleston is the strongest access point and often the only realistic option for complex wound care indications.
Finding HBOT Providers in Charleston
Start with the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org/find-a-hyperbaric-facility.html. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society accredits facilities that meet clinical standards for physician oversight, equipment, and safety. Accreditation is the most reliable way to identify legitimate medical HBOT programs.
CAMC is West Virginia’s largest health system, operating four hospital campuses in the Charleston area. It handles complex referral cases from across West Virginia and serves as the de facto academic medical hub for the southern part of the state. Thomas Memorial Hospital in nearby South Charleston is another option serving the Kanawha Valley.
West Virginia has significant rural access challenges. Many patients outside the Charleston and Huntington metros will need to travel for HBOT access. For patients in the northern part of the state, WVU Medicine in Morgantown is the other major academic health system in West Virginia. For patients near the Virginia border, Roanoke and Charlottesville health systems are alternatives.
Standalone or freestanding hyperbaric clinics are less common in West Virginia than in larger states. Most HBOT access in the state runs through hospital-based programs. Read our guide to choosing a clinic before evaluating any freestanding option.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage in Charleston
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Covered conditions include diabetic lower extremity ulcers, radiation tissue and bone necrosis, compromised grafts and flaps, gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, arterial insufficiency ulcers, and others. These are national rules that apply identically in West Virginia.
Reimbursement rates change annually. Verify current figures directly with the facility before scheduling.
West Virginia Medicaid may cover HBOT for qualifying patients. Coverage depends on the condition and the specific plan. The facility’s billing coordinator can run a prior authorization check before your first appointment.
Commercial insurers active in the Charleston market include Highmark West Virginia (the dominant insurer in the state), The Health Plan, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans generally follow Medicare’s coverage criteria. Prior authorization is required. Off-label uses won’t be covered under any plan.
Our insurance guide covers the prior authorization process. Our cost guide covers what West Virginia patients typically pay out of pocket per session.
What to Expect at Your First Session
A hyperbaric physician reviews your medical history before your first treatment. They confirm the HBOT indication, screen for contraindications, and set the treatment plan. This intake evaluation takes 30 to 60 minutes before any chamber time.
Treatment runs 90 minutes at 2.0 to 2.4 ATA breathing 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Compression takes about 10 minutes. Decompression takes another 10 minutes. Total visit time is typically under two hours.
Ear pressure during compression is the most common physical sensation for new patients. It’s similar to what you feel when an airplane descends. Staff demonstrate equalization techniques before your first session.
Read our first session guide for a full account of what to expect from your intake evaluation through the end of a treatment course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Charleston, WV?
Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) is the largest hospital system in West Virginia and the primary hub for complex wound care HBOT in the state. Thomas Memorial Hospital also serves the Charleston metro. Use the UHMS provider directory at uhms.org to find accredited HBOT facilities in the area.
Does Medicare cover HBOT in Charleston, WV?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. Coverage rules are federal and apply the same way in West Virginia as in any other state. Off-label uses are not covered. Reimbursement rates change annually, so verify current amounts with your facility’s billing team.
Does West Virginia Medicaid cover HBOT?
West Virginia Medicaid may cover HBOT for qualifying patients depending on the condition and the specific plan. Coverage follows FDA-approved indications. Ask the facility’s billing coordinator to verify eligibility and run prior authorization before scheduling. Off-label uses won’t be covered under West Virginia Medicaid.
See more providers in West Virginia: West Virginia HBOT Provider Directory
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.