Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT is a medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by providing 100% pure oxygen to a patient in a chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled.

Throughout Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment, patients breathe 100% pure oxygen, which produces an increase in the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. The air we normally breathe only contains 19-21% of this essential element. The concentration of oxygen normally dissolved in the bloodstream is thus raised many times above normal - up to 2000%.

Under typical circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. However, because HBOT forces oxygen into the body under pressure, oxygen dissolves into all of the body’s fluids, including the plasma, the Lymph, and the cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These fluids can carry the extra oxygen even to areas where circulation is poor or blocked, either by trickling past the blockages or by seeping into the affected area. In this way, more oxygen can reach damaged tissues and the body has a greater opportunity to support its own healing.

Because HBOT enables more oxygen to be delivered to the organs and tissues in the body, a more efficient healing of a wide range of conditions may be possible.

HBOT is used for its extraordinary healing properties. Extra oxygen facilitates the healing process and enhances the body’s white blood cells’ ability to fight infection. It can promote the development of new capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. It also helps the body to build new connective tissue, decrease internal swelling and inflammation, and eliminate toxins and metabolic waste products. Consequently, HBOT may assist the body’s organs in functioning more efficiently altogether.

Every patient is unique and individually evaluated according to their condition and response to therapy to determine the number of treatments needed. The average patient typically requires 30-40 treatments or dives, each of which lasts approximately 45 minutes. Because HBOT is a cumulative therapy, it is more beneficial for a patient to come in continuously for their treatments.

Patients are asked to allocate approximately 90 minutes per treatment. This consists of pre and post treatment examinations, time for compression and decompression, and the dive itself, which accounts for at least half the time of the entire session.

The 13 FDA-approved conditions treatable with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are typically reimbursed by insurance and include:

1. Air or Gas Embolism
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Smoke Inhalation
3. Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
4. Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, and other Acute Traumatic Ischemias
5. Decompression Sickness
6. Diabetic Foot Ulcers
7. Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds
8. Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
9. Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
10. Radiation Tissue Damage (Osteoradionecrosis)
11. Severe Anemia
12. Skin Grafts and Flaps (Compromised)
13. Thermal Burns

There are numerous "off-label" uses for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy that doctors may prescribe, many of which are documented with scientific evidence that is stronger than that of the FDA approved conditions. These conditions include:

All patients and family members who will be going into the chamber are required to have a recent chest x-ray, unless otherwise stated by their physician. If a chest x-ray is required, the report must be received and cleared by a physician on staff prior to your first treatment.

Those going into the chamber must wear 100% cotton clothing.

Clothing may not have:

• Buttons
• Snaps
• Velcro
• Iron-on decals
• Bra with underwire

In addition, the following personal hygiene products, accessories, etc. may not be worn:

• Deodorant
• Lotion (any petroleum based hair or body products)
• Perfume or cologne
• Mousse, gel, or hairspray
• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Watches or any metal objects
• Hair accessories
• Hearing aids
• Contact lenses
• Thermacare - heat wraps, hand warmers, or pocket hand warmers
• Dentures
• Prosthesis
• Nail polish, unless applied at least 48 hours prior to treatment
• IV medication (all other medication may continue during your treatment)

The following personal items are allowed inside the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber:

• Pacifiers and bottles made of plastic (without any decals or writing on them)
• Sippy cups (approved sippy cups are offered at our facility)
• Diapers (diapers must be covered with 100% cotton pants)
• Undergarments (all undergarments must be 100% cotton)

The following items are not permitted inside the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber:

• Toys
• Blankets
• Books, newspapers, or magazines
• Eye glasses
• Candy, gum, or sucking candy
• Electronic devices including beepers, cell phones, audio players, video players, Ipods, game boys, etc.

• It is recommended that patients not drink any soda or carbonated beverages before treatment time, as it may cause an upset stomach.

• To achieve optimal benefits from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc. should be avoided throughout treatment. Smoking causes vasoconstriction, accumulation of carbon monoxide and wastes, and causes oxygen consumption, which is counterproductive to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

• Alcohol should be avoided at least 8 hours prior to treatment.

Absolutely! Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments may increase metabolism and cause hunger, so eating a balanced meal prior to treatment is recommended.

Prior to treatment, all patients should make their Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy technician aware of the following:

• Cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or chest congestion
• Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
• Failure to eat prior to treatment
• Failure to take insulin if diabetic
• Any and all questions and concerns

Patients are placed on a stretcher to enter the chamber. The chamber is clear and equipped with an intercom system enabling the patient and the parent/caregiver to communicate with each other.

As the pressure increases, a slight pressure in the ears may occur. The temperature inside the chamber may also increase. When the ideal pressure for treatment is reached, the pressure sensation in the ears should cease and the chamber will cool to a more comfortable temperature.

On the ascent, patients may again experience a brief popping in the ears. Once the treatment is complete, the door will open and the patient will be taken out of the chamber.

For your enjoyment, each Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber is paired with its own TV and DVD player. We recommend that patients bring their favorite movies/DVD’s to make the sessions more pleasurable.

Our state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chambers meet all safety regulations and guidelines and are in perfect working condition. All of our technicians are well versed in protocols for any emergency that may arise.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a non-invasive, painless, and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. While each patient is unique, HBOT is ideal for individuals who seek to enhance their body’s healing process through a proven, innovative technology.

Most health insurers and Medicare recognize HBOT as being medically appropriate and usually cover the 13 FDA-approved conditions. Typically, off-label conditions are non-reimbursable, but some insurance companies pay for part of the treatment.

The insurance company may request a letter of medical necessity, a referral, or pre-certification. Patients should contact their insurance carrier to see if these steps are truly necessary. If so, patients are asked to contact their primary care doctor in order to obtain any of these documents.

If your insurance company does not cover the cost of HBOT, we encourage you to speak with our staff before forgoing treatment. While payment is due at the time of treatment, there is the possibility of a structured payment plan for qualified individuals.

There are two types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace. Monoplace chambers are designed to treat a single person and are pressurized with 100% oxygen. Multiplace chambers are designed to simultaneously hold and treat several people, delivering oxygen to each of them through a mask or hood.

Hyperbaric Medicine of New York, PC features four state-of-the-art monoplace chambers.

Hyperbaric Medicine of New York, PC is the only free standing hyperbaric facility on Long Island, conveniently located off of the Long Island Expressway. We have been serving the community successfully for over 10 years.

Hyperbaric Medicine of New York, PC is dedicated to delivering quality health care to all patients. Our team of skillful physicians and technicians are dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of medical care. At our center, we value each patient's time and special needs and provide safe, hygienic, and comfortable care.

We encourage you to contact us and inquire further about our unique HBOT program. Hyperbaric Medicine of New York, PC is located at 290 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021. For more information, call (516) 487-1902.