A Healing Option for Complex Conditions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that supports your body's healing by increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. While inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, patients breathe 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This environment enables oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into plasma and reach damaged tissues, where it promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
At the University of Miami Health System, our wound healing and hyperbaric medicine team provides this advanced therapy for a wide range of conditions.
With four single-occupancy hyperbaric chambers, our outpatient HBOT clinic houses the highest number of mono-chambers in the region, treating 10 to 12 patients each day. The facility is overseen by UHealth physicians and managed by multidisciplinary registered nurses specially trained in hyperbaric therapy and ostomy care. We are the only HBOT provider in South Florida led by a team of experienced registered nurses (instead of technicians or therapists) — ensuring comprehensive patient assessments and compassionate care.
When traditional treatments fall short, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can offer a powerful, evidence-based option for healing. UHealth's award-winning nursing team, advanced technology, and commitment to research set us apart as a leader in hyperbaric medicine.
Beyond Wound-Healing: What Can HBOT Treat?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved HBOT for 15 specific indications. Our team evaluates each patient using evidence-based criteria to determine if HBOT is appropriate.
UHealth uses HBOT to treat:
- Actinomycosis, a rare, slow-developing bacterial infection, as an adjunct treatment when disease is resistant to antibiotics and surgical treatment.
- Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
- Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency, a blood clot
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia, a sudden loss of blood flow to an arm or leg caused by a serious injury, such as a blood clot or blocked artery. HBOT is an additional treatment, used after emergency care to support healing.
- Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Chronic non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner Grade III or higher)
- Crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs. HBOT is an additional treatment when loss of function, limb, or life is threatened.
- Decompression sickness ("the bends"), including workers exposed during deep tunnel construction
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Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities in patients who meet the following criteria:
- Type I or type II diabetes and a lower extremity wound that is due to diabetes
- A wound classified as Wagner grade III or higher
- Failed an adequate course of standard wound therapy
- Gas embolism
- Gas gangrene
- Ostomy
- Poisoning (carbon monoxide poisoning and cyanide poisoning)
- Post-surgical support: HBOT helps preserve skin and tissue viability, including compromised skin flaps or grafts, after reconstructive surgery.
- Progressive necrotizing infections (such as necrotizing fasciitis)
- Radiation injuries to soft tissue or bone: HBOT treats osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis, common complications of radiation therapy. Our registered nurses report that hyperbaric therapy is the only effective treatment for radiation injury.
Research is ongoing into potential HBOT treaments for conditions like ulcerative colitis. The UHealth team participated in a 2024 multi-center clinical trial evaluating how pressurized oxygen might reduce inflammation and improve patient outcomes when used alongside standard treatments.
How HBOT Works
For each hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, you will enter a clear hyperbaric mono-chamber and breathe pure oxygen. You will remain in the chamber for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours per session.
The increased pressure and oxygen saturation improve circulation, accelerate tissue repair, and reduce swelling. Hyperbaric therapy promotes healing by removing free radicals, optimizing blood flow, and fully oxygenating a wound.
Patients typically complete 30 to 60 sessions, depending on their diagnosis and response to this therapy.
What to Expect During Treatment
UHealth's hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic is maintained like an intensive care unit. Our attention to detail and quality control ensure that we can provide safe treatments in a clean, calming environment equipped with the latest medical technology and maintained with the highest disinfecting protocols.
Before your treatment begins, our team will review your medical history, including blood pressure, blood sugar (if applicable), and any allergies or ear issues. Our hyperbaric clinic provides every two patients with one highly trained registered nurse, giving you personalized attention and care throughout every treatment session. The nurses remain in the clinic during the treatment sessions.
You will have a chance to see the hyperbaric oxygen chambers and speak with a current patient before your first session.
Your nurse will provide safety instructions and rules, so you understand what to expect and what you can and cannot do inside the chamber.
Before entering the chamber, you will change into a cotton gown we provide. Once inside the chamber, the feeling is comparable to airplane pressure changes. The therapy is painless and safe. You will be inside the clear chamber for 2 to 2.5 hours. During that time, you can relax, watch television, or sleep. You cannot use a cell phone, tablet, or laptop inside the chamber.
Most patients tolerate the treatment well, though some experience ear discomfort, low blood sugar, or temporary fatigue. Others feel energized after their treatment session.
While HBOT can be lifechanging for many patients, this therapy is only part of your comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment and recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperbaric Medicine Team
Wound Care Team
How to Get Started
Your doctor may recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support your healing and recovery, but physician referrals are not required unless your health insurance plan mandates it. UHealth physicians will conduct an in-house consultation to determine your eligibility for HBOT, and our team can help acquire insurance authorizations to ensure a seamless experience.
To refer a patient or schedule a consultation, please call 305-689-5808.
Provider Referrals
UHealth providers as well as physicians outside of the University of Miami Health System can submit patient referrals via Epic or call(305) 689-5808.