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What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work? Who can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy? How often are treatments given? What side effects are possible? What can be taken into the chamber? How are patients accepted for treatment? Does insurance cover the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while the pressure of the treatment chamber is increased to greater than atmospheric pressure (one atmosphere absolute / one ATA). Under normal atmospheric conditions, (one ATA) we are subjected to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch of pressure and the air we breathe is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. During HBOT the pressure can be increased up to three times’s normal atmospheric pressure (3 ATA) creating a higher partial pressure of oxygen. How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work? While breathing 100% oxygen as the body is exposed to increased atmospheric pressure, the oxygen molecules become condensed. This allows to breathe a higher partial pressure of oxygen. In turn, the oxygen dissolves in the plasma 10-15 times greater than normal. This super-saturation of oxygen in the body’s tissues promotes:
The monoplace chamber is designed to house a single patient. It features a pneumatic control system and a unique full length, acrylic observation window. Full 360-degrees vision is maintained, as well as two-way communication with the operator. The chamber is normally pressurized with 100% oxygen thus relieving the patient from wearing an uncomfortable and cumbersome mask or hood for the entire treatment. During treatment the patient remains lying comfortably on a specialized contoured bed. ProHBO chambers are inspected yearly by an outside independent company and also uphold the highest training, safety, maintenance and service protocols available.
Who can benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? The range of clinical conditions responding favorably to HBOT is growing rapidly. Many individuals have shown vast improvements with HBOT and the results are generally based on patient treatment outcomes rather than scientific studies. Often times these chronic medical conditions languish in an individual’s life unless the individual requests that HBOT be added to their overall health care program. Once a patient is in the chamber and the door is closed, the oxygen begins to circulate. This starts a gradual increase in pressure — called compression. The oxygen circulation produces a relaxing sound much like the wind blowing through trees. There may be some slight warmth, but that is temporary. The Chamber Operator remains by the chamber throughout the treatment to adjust the rate of compression according to patient tolerance and to coach the patient on relieving the full sensation in the ears. You may feel fullness in your ears as your eardrums adjusts to the change in the chamber pressure. This is very similar to the feeling you experience when you are in an airplane or elevator. Compression generally lasts 10 minutes depending on how effective one is at clearing their ears. When the interior of the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, the fullness sensation in the ears will cease and the patient is free to rest or sleep. The chamber environment remains at room temperature. The patient may also use their personal entertainment system which includes a flat screen television monitor, DVD, CD, MP3 and VHS player. You may also have to wear a mask intermittently for a procedure called an air-break. Near to the end of the treatment, the Chamber Operator will gradually decrease pressure that was added at the beginning. This is decompression, which generally lasts 10 minutes. During decompression, there may be a slight “popping” sensation in the ears as a result of the changing (decreasing) pressure. This “popping” is a normal adjustment, similar to what happens when driving up a mountain or ascending in an airplane. It is usually much easier to equalize ear pressure during decompression than during the compression phase. The length and frequency of treatments will be individualized for each patient and their condition. For most conditions patients are treated once or twice a day — Monday through Friday — and treatments may last 1 - 2 1/2 hours. Some emergency conditions will require only one or two treatments. In most cases of wound healing support, the effects are gradual and 20 to 40 treatments may be required. What side effects are possible? The most common potential side effect during treatment is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by pressure changes. To minimize this potential side effect, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression (similar to clearing your ears on an airplane). Other side effects are rarer, but may include oxygen toxicity which affects only 1 person in 10,000. After a large number of treatments some changes in vision may be noticed by a few patients. Any changes usually return to pre-treatment vision levels in a 6 week period. Some patients may experience claustrophobia which can be resolved with relaxation techniques or mild medications. Also HBOT may induce accelerated maturation of cataracts. In addition, a few patients report a "popping" or "cracking" sensation in their ears between treatments. This sensation can be relieved using the same techniques that patients use to clear their ears while they are in the chamber. What can be taken into the chamber? Since patients are enclosed within 100% oxygen environment, multiple safety precautions are followed to promote safety. Cigarette lighters, matches, nylon wigs, hairpieces, petroleum ointments, hearing aids, makeup, hair spray, synthetic clothing, hard contact lenses and paper products cannot be taken into the chamber. Patients are provided with 100% cotton scrubs to wear during treatments. How are patients accepted for treatment? Patients are accepted either by self referral or by physician referral. To schedule an evaluation please call 678 766 0153. Patients are evaluated and treated based on their specific needs and condition. The ProHBO facility’s medical director works with other clinicians caring so that the hyperbaric treatments are coordinated with any other therapies. Throughout the course of treatment, regular progress reports are sent to the patient's other physicians, including photographs documenting the patient’s progress. Does insurance cover the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy? ProHBO’s business design is developed to make HBOT affordable and accessible to those in need. Most health insurers and Medicare recognize HBOT as being medically appropriate and usually cover conventional conditions. Typically alternative conditions are non-reimbursable, however the physician consultation as well as pre- and post-treatment diagnostic tests may be covered. To increase accessibility of HBOT, ProHBO has entered into agreement with Capital One Patient Financing to provide our patients with an option that will allow their desired treatment to fit into a monthly budget. Known as the Cosmetic Fee Plan, it is the latest plan offered by the nations leading provider of patient payment plans for elective healthcare. The application process is fast and confidential and there are no fees to apply. The plan offers:
If you have not proceeded with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy due to cost, or you are currently weighing the priority of different financial decisions in your budget, we encourage you to contact ProHBO. You can also apply by calling Capital One Patient Financing at 888-440-2375 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or by visiting their website at www.cosmeticfeeplan.com. |
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