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Step 1
The most important component about making a decision on one's healthcare and treatment options is to be fully informed. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments are effective for a variety of conditions, such as the treatment of osteomyelitis, chronic or infected wounds, and diabetic neuropathy as examples. References for Standards of Practice-which are professional standards of quality care-for specific HBO Treatments can be found on the website of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Included there is a list of approved medical conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments. Any other conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy and other brain injuries, are considered "off-label" conditions, meaning they are not recognized as being indicated for HBO treatments. Therefore, reimbursement by third party payers is unlikely.
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Step 2
There have been isolated cases where HBO has been successfully used for many off-label conditions such as Cerebral Palsy. Successful treatment has consisted of a combination of a nutritious healing diet with intensive Occupational and Physical Therapies that resulted in some improvement for Cerebral Palsy patients.
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Step 3
Most mainstream health insurances companies do not reimburse for HBO treatments for off-label medical conditions. However, on a rare occasion, and with enough documentation to support improvement in a patient's condition, exceptions have been made. For example, in the State of California Medi-Cal (Medicaid) has paid for HBO treatments for specific patients based upon documentation which supports the improved quality of life for these patients. It is best to speak with a knowledgeable Medicaid Case Worker in your area to learn specifics.
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Step 4
The protocols for HBO treatment of any medical condition are specific to the patient's individual needs. For example, a patient with a Diabetic foot ulcer typically will receive treatments between 2 to 2.4 ATA (atmospheric pressure) for a period of weeks, to months, depending upon the progress of the ulcer. In the case of Cerebral Palsey, the pressure is usually lower and the treatment times shorter than other medical conditions. The average lengthy of treatment may be from 15 to 30, as well as a maintenance schedule that patients return to if their condition warrants once initial treatments are completed.
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Step 5
It is important to note that most medical institutions and hospitals that offer Hyberaric Oxygen Therapy do not treat off-label medical conditions. The reason may be obvious, in that insurances generally do not cover off-label, Standard Protocols have not been developed, or are slow to be developed, and the liability and potential for financial loss is too great of a risk. However, there are many free-standing (meaning not associated with a medical institution) HBO Centers that do offer treatment for off-label conditions, and operate within the law of the respective states. These treatments are usually provided based upon cash payment by the patient of family. Prices may vary from $100-$250 per HBO Treatment.
