Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hyperbaric oxygen safe?
• Are there any complications or side effects associated with HBO treatments?
• What can patients take inside the hyperbaric chamber?
• Who monitors a patient during the HBO treatment?
• How long does the HBO treatment last?
• How many HBO treatments are needed?
• Is the referring physician involved with the patient's HBO therapy?
• When can a patient resume regular activites after the HBO treatment?
• Does insurance cover the cost of HBO therapy?
• Is Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia different from the other HBO treatment facilities in Georgia?

Is hyperbaric oxygen safe?

Yes. HBO therapy is administered under the supervision of a team of physicians and highly trained staff to ensure patient safety. Established industry standards and precautions are strictly adhered to at all times.

What is the most common side effect associated with HBO treatments?

Some patients will experience pressure in the ear or sinuses (also referred to as ear or sinus "squeeze"), which is a pressure similar to the pressure felt under water. Patients can generally equalize their ears or sinuses to relieve this pressure; however, if they are unable to equalize then the chamber pressurization will be slowed or halted and other remedies will be applied.

What can patients take inside the hyperbaric chamber?

This depends on whether the chamber is multiplace or monoplace. Drinking water, tissues, glasses (which can only be removed once) and 100% cotton garments are allowed in a monoplace and multiplace chamber. In a multiplace chamber, a patient can also bring a book or magazine. Items such as synthetics (nylon, rayon, etc.), oil based or petroleum products, lipstick, make-up, nail polish, hair products (sprays, gels, mousse, etc.), hearing aides, contact lenses, cell phones & pagers, radios, tape players, MP3 players, watches, newspapers, and food are not allowed in any hyperbaric chamber.

Patients are monitored at all times by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or a certified hyperbaric technician during their HBO treatment.

How long does the HBO treatment last?

Most HBO treatments generally take about 2 hours. Treatments for some indications can last up to 4 hours. Serious diving injuries can require a treatment longer than 5 hours. The hyperbaric physician will determine how long each patient's HBO treatment will last.

How many HBO treatments are needed?

The hyperbaric physician determines the number of treatments needed. A patient's diagnosis and their individual response to HBO therapy are a few of the factors taken into consideration. For instance, a patient with a non-healing wound would most likely receive a longer course of treatments than a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning would receive.

At Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia, we make it a priority to keep the referring physician involved in the patient's course of treatment, from the initial day of consultation to the last day of treatment.

There are no patient restrictions following HBO treatments and patients can resume their normal activities immediately. Some patients reported feeling tired, light-headed, or fatigued afterwards, but this is normal and subsides within a few hours.

Q.

A.

Yes, insurance companies are covering HBO therapy for approved indications. We recommend you contact your insurance company to find out about your particular HBOT coverage.

Q.

Is Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia different from the other HBO treatment facilities in Georgia?

Yes, we are the only physicians group in Georgia to specialize in providing hyperbaric oxygen supervision and wound care at facilities that offers both monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric chambers.