Am I a candidate?
Medicare and most insurers cover hyperbaric oxygen for chronic refractory osteomyelitis when the following are true. Our team confirms each one during your evaluation.
- You have a confirmed bone infection, usually shown on imaging, culture or biopsy.
- The infection has persisted or returned despite an appropriate course of antibiotics.
- Surgical management (such as debridement of infected bone) has been tried or is part of the current plan.
Bring your imaging reports, culture or biopsy results and your infectious disease or surgical notes; they help us confirm candidacy quickly.
What treatment involves
Resting in a clear chamber, breathing 100% oxygen; plan on about two hours per visit.
Consecutive weekdays at the location closest to you.
Coordinated with your antibiotic course and any planned surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen is an adjunct: it is given alongside antibiotics and surgical care, not in place of them. We coordinate closely with your infectious disease physician and surgeon throughout treatment.
The evidence
Chronic refractory osteomyelitis is an approved indication of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society and is covered under Medicare’s national coverage determination for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Questions patients ask about chronic refractory osteomyelitis
Do I still need antibiotics?
Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen helps antibiotics and your immune system work in poorly supplied bone, but it does not replace them. Your infectious disease physician continues to direct your antibiotic plan.
Will I need more surgery?
That depends on your case and is your surgeon’s decision. Hyperbaric oxygen is often scheduled around surgery to support healing of the treated bone and surrounding tissue.
What will it cost me?
For covered indications, your cost is your plan's usual copay or coinsurance. We verify benefits and obtain prior authorization before you start, and tell you in writing what to expect.