Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: FDA-Recognized Treatments You Should Know About
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has gained growing interest in recent years for its potential to support healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery in a variety of health conditions. While many people are familiar with HBOT for wound care or post-surgical recovery, it’s important to understand that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved HBOT for a specific list of medical conditions where its clinical benefit has been well established.
In this article, we’ll review the FDA-approved uses for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, how insurance coverage typically applies to these conditions, and acknowledge that HBOT is widely used for other purposes in medical centers around the world.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, increasing the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream. This enhances oxygen delivery to injured tissues, supports the body’s natural healing response, reduces swelling, and can aid in fighting certain infections.
Although the FDA approves HBOT for a select group of medical conditions in the U.S., hyperbaric oxygen therapy is routinely used around the world for a wide range of off-label applications. These include treatments for neurological conditions, post-viral recovery, inflammatory diseases, sports injuries, and more. While ongoing research continues to explore these areas, not all of them are currently recognized by the FDA or reimbursed by U.S. insurance providers.
FDA-Approved Conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Currently, the FDA has approved HBOT for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Air or Gas Embolism
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Decompression Sickness (The Bends)
- Gas Gangrene (Clostridial Myonecrosis)
- Crush Injuries and Acute Traumatic Ischemias
- Compartment Syndrome and Other Acute Traumatic Ischemias
- Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (Progressive Necrotizing Infections)
- Non-Healing Wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers
- Radiation Tissue Damage (Radiation Necrosis)
- Severe Anemia (when blood transfusion is not possible)
- Thermal Burns
- Skin Grafts and Flaps at Risk of Tissue Death
Are These Treatments Covered by Insurance?
Yes — for these FDA-approved indications, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans typically cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy, provided the treatment is ordered by a qualified physician and delivered at an accredited facility. Appropriate medical documentation and a qualifying diagnosis are generally required for insurance reimbursement.
What About Other Conditions?
Beyond the FDA-approved list, HBOT is routinely used worldwide for a variety of off-label medical and wellness applications. Conditions such as traumatic brain injury, post-COVID recovery, chronic fatigue, sports performance, and Lyme disease have been the focus of clinical interest in numerous countries. While these uses are not yet FDA-approved or widely covered by insurance in the U.S., they are the subject of ongoing research and clinical investigation.
If you’re considering HBOT for a condition outside the FDA-approved list, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in hyperbaric medicine to discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and appropriateness for your individual situation.