How much does treatment cost?
$150 per treatment or $125 if you purchase a package of 10.
Will insurance cover any treatment?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is generally covered by insurance for the 14 FDA approved medical conditions. Insurance generally does not cover non-covered conditions. In either case, insurance will most likely cover the consultation visit, regardless of condition.
What is the recommended number of treatments you should have?
Because HBOT is condition-specific, a medical evaluation is essential to determine the right number of treatments for your needs, as it’s not a one-size-fits-all therapy.
How long does one session take?
One session can range from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
What do I do inside the hyperbaric chamber?
There are games and cards to play in the chamber. You can read, do word searches, or simply take a nap.
Is there any reason that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not recommended?
There are a few contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, such as if you have an untreated pneumothorax, moderate to severe COPD, bullous lung disease, or are currently receiving certain chemotherapeutic agents. During the consultation with a member of our medical team, each patient is evaluated to determine whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a safe and appropriate course of treatment.
Is there any preparation required for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
We recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking (specifically carbonated beverages) directly prior to treatment, unless medically required, to avoid the need to use the restroom or cause an upset stomach during the session. Some medications are incompatible with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy; a complete list of medications and supplements taken by the patient should be provided to the medical team during the initial consult, and updates should always be provided. To maximize the benefit of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, smoking of any kind should be avoided during the course of a patient’s complete treatment protocol. Smoking causes vasoconstriction and accumulation of carbon monoxide and other wastes, all which are counterproductive to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Lastly, alcohol consumption should be avoided at least 8 hours prior to treatment.
What does hyperbaric oxygen therapy feel like?
At the start of the treatment session, oxygen immediately begins to circulate and the pressure gradually increase. The patient will generally start to feel a fullness sensation in the ears, similar to ascending or descending in an airplane. This fullness should only last about 10-15 minutes and an experienced hyperbaric technician will guide the patient to relieve any ear pressure. Once treatment pressure is reached, patients relax and just breathe normally. Near the end of the treatment session, the hyperbaric technician will gradually decrease the pressure in the chamber, a process that lasts about 10 minutes. During this decompression stage, it is common for patients to experience a slight popping sensation in the ears as a result of the change in pressure.
What kind of hyperbaric chamber does Idaho Hyperbarics, Inc. use?
We use a multiplace hyperbaric chamber, room-sized, sealed environment designed to treat multiple patients simultaneously with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Unlike a monoplace chamber (for a single patient), a multiplace chamber is pressurized with medical-grade air, and each patient breathes 100% oxygen through a specialized mask or a clear hood.
Are there any side effects associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears. Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administering too much oxygen.