Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at GBMC

Planning your visit

A physician referral is required to schedule a hyperbaric consultation, where the team decides whether HBOT is appropriate.

Care starts with a hyperbaric consultation and examination to confirm the treatment plan, followed by an education session with a hyperbaric nurse and a take-home orientation packet. Bring the physician's referral or order, photo ID, insurance cards, a list of current medications and a list of your medical providers. Treatments are usually given daily four days a week, Monday to Thursday, and a course typically runs 10 to 80 treatments; patients who cannot keep the schedule may have treatment stopped. Each treatment lasts about two hours, so allow about two and a half hours per visit. Patients get a changing room and locker and change into a 100% cotton garment provided by the center; before each session staff check vital signs and blood sugar if applicable, examine the ears, heart and lungs, and run a safety checklist. The chamber is clear, patients lie on a reclining bed, and they can watch television or streaming services or listen to music while the team monitors them. Makeup, perfume, hair products, wigs, nail polish, electronic devices, metal items, hearing aids, paper products and food are not allowed in the chamber; tell the team about implants, medical devices, illness symptoms or medication changes. Patients with diabetes have blood glucose tested before and after each treatment, and glucose monitors and insulin pumps are not permitted in the chamber. Most patients can drive themselves. Visitors wait outside the treatment area. HBOT is in Main Hospital Suite 4375 and wound care in Suite 4430; GBMC lists the Berman Parking Garage for both.