Most device-based therapies are cash-pay only. HBOT is different. For its FDA-cleared conditions, insurance coverage is available, giving your practice a service line with built-in reimbursement pathways. Luci Medical provides the chambers, clinical education, and ongoing support to make it operational.
How We Work
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% oxygen to a patient inside a pressurized chamber. The increased atmospheric pressure allows the lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen than breathing room air at normal pressure. Published research documents approximately a 10-fold increase in dissolved plasma oxygen during treatment at therapeutic pressures.[1]
At normal atmospheric pressure, oxygen travels primarily through red blood cells. Under hyperbaric conditions, oxygen dissolves directly into plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids.
The treatment itself is straightforward. The patient enters the chamber, the pressure increases gradually over several minutes, and they breathe normally for the duration of the session. Pressure is then reduced gradually before the patient exits.
FDA-Cleared Conditions
HBOT chambers are FDA-cleared Class II medical devices.[2] The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) recognizes the following approved indications:[3]
These are the UHMS-recognized indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Clinical application decisions rest with the treating provider. Luci Medical provides published clinical literature to support informed decision-making.
Insurance & Billing
HBOT stands apart from most device-based therapies because insurance coverage exists for cleared conditions. Medicare covers HBOT under National Coverage Determination 20.29.[4] This changes the economics for both providers and patients.
What providers should know about HBOT billing:
For practices evaluating HBOT as a service line, the insurance reimbursement pathway means this is not exclusively cash-pay. Patients with qualifying conditions have a coverage path, which reduces the financial conversation barrier that exists with most other device services.
Luci Medical can share what cash-pay rates look like in your market and provide documentation support for your team. We do not provide billing or coding services. Individual reimbursement outcomes depend on payer policies, patient documentation, and clinical circumstances.
Chamber Comparison
| Factor | Soft Shell | Hard Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure range | Up to 1.4 ATA | 2.0-2.5 ATA |
| Room requirements | Standard clinical room | Dedicated room, ventilation, fire safety compliance |
| Staffing | Clinical staff after training | Certified hyperbaric technician recommended |
| Insurance billing potential | Limited (most cleared conditions require higher pressure) | Full coverage potential for cleared conditions |
Service Integration
Practices that invest in HBOT often have the clinical infrastructure and patient volume to support additional device services. Adding complementary modalities gives your team more treatment options without significant overhead.
Shockwave therapy serves a similar orthopedic and sports medicine patient base with a fraction of HBOT's space requirements. It is a strong second device for practices already treating musculoskeletal conditions. Learn more.
Red light therapy and PEMF therapy both offer short, non-invasive sessions that can run in parallel with your HBOT schedule. They require minimal space and near-zero consumable costs, making them low-friction additions. Red Light Therapy | PEMF Therapy.
Luci Medical supports multi-device practices with consolidated ordering, combined clinical education, and a single point of contact for your device portfolio.
For Providers
Practice Considerations
Not all HBOT chambers are the same. The two primary categories serve different clinical and business purposes, and the right choice depends on your patient population, space, and clinical goals.
Soft Shell Chambers (Mild HBOT): Operate at up to 1.4 ATA.[2] Lower capital investment. Smaller footprint, easier to integrate into existing clinical space. Portable options available. Suitable for practices exploring HBOT as an initial service line.
Hard Shell Chambers (Clinical-Grade HBOT): Operate at 2.0 to 2.5 ATA. Required for the majority of the UHMS-recognized conditions. Higher capital investment, larger space requirements. Monoplace (single patient) and multiplace (multiple patients) configurations available. Appropriate for practices building HBOT as a primary service line or treating insured patients with cleared conditions.
Note: Most UHMS-recognized HBOT indications require pressures of 2.0 ATA or higher. Soft shell chambers operating at up to 1.4 ATA are not suitable for treating the conditions listed above.
Chamber selection affects everything from your buildout costs to your billing opportunities. Luci Medical provides device consultation to help you evaluate which configuration aligns with your practice model.
During an HBOT session, you enter a pressurized chamber and breathe 100% oxygen. The experience is similar to the pressure change you feel during an airplane descent, though your provider will adjust the pressure gradually to keep you comfortable.
A typical treatment session:
Your provider will evaluate whether HBOT is appropriate for your specific situation and will discuss what to expect based on your health history. If your condition is one of the UHMS-recognized indications, your provider's office can help you explore insurance coverage options.
Training
HBOT involves pressurized environments and 100% oxygen delivery. Proper training and safety protocols are essential.
Your team handles the clinical work. We handle device selection, education, safety documentation, and ongoing technical support.
Chamber operation training for your clinical team, including pressure protocols and monitoring.
Guidance for developing patient screening protocols covering contraindication assessment, risk evaluation, and documentation.
Emergency procedures and safety protocol documentation for pressurized environments.
Technical support and clinical consultation as your HBOT program grows.
Common Questions
Important Disclosures
Device disclaimer
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers distributed by Luci Medical are FDA-cleared Class II medical devices for delivering oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure. HBOT is FDA-cleared for specific conditions recognized by the UHMS. Uses beyond the device's cleared indications are not cleared by FDA. Clinical application decisions rest with the treating provider. Luci Medical provides published clinical literature to support informed decision-making.
Clinical outcomes
Individual clinical outcomes vary based on patient health, condition, and clinical protocol. Clinical applications of HBOT beyond the device's cleared indications have not been evaluated or cleared by FDA.
Insurance and financial disclaimer
Insurance coverage depends on payer policies, clinical documentation, and the specific condition being treated. Coverage is not guaranteed. Luci Medical does not bill insurance on behalf of providers.
A 15-minute call to discuss chambers, insurance pathways, and implementation for your practice.
