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How does hyperbaric oxygen compare with mobile wound care?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a facility-based adjunct for a limited set of diagnoses; mobile wound care is ongoing bedside assessment and treatment. They are not substitutes: eligible patients may receive HBOT alongside debridement, offloading, infection management, vascular care, and dressings.

What each service does

HBOT exposes the patient to 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber during scheduled sessions. Mobile wound care brings skilled evaluation, measurements, debridement when appropriate, dressing selection, and care coordination to a residence or facility.

HBOT has narrow indications

Medicare's national policy covers HBOT for listed conditions when requirements are met. For diabetic lower-extremity wounds, criteria include a Wagner grade III or higher wound and failure of at least 30 days of standard wound therapy, with continued coverage tied to measurable improvement.

Standard wound care continues

HBOT does not replace glucose management, vascular assessment and correction when possible, debridement, infection treatment, moisture balance, or offloading. Patients also need screening for chamber risks and the ability to travel safely to an accredited treatment site.

Coverage is diagnosis- and plan-specific

Coverage depends on the indication, medical necessity, documented standard-care trial, facility and professional billing, plan network, and authorization rules. Mobile visits are evaluated under separate benefits. Neither referral nor prior authorization guarantees payment; verify both services and expected cost sharing.

Medical references

Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.