FAQ’s & Office Policies

While HBOT is generally safe, there are specific conditions that may preclude individuals from receiving HBOT sessions. These may include untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), pregnancy, COPD, certain chemotherapy drugs, and medical implants, among others. Additionally, individuals with seizure disorders may require evaluation to determine the suitability of HBOT treatment. We prioritize patient safety and conduct thorough assessments to ensure that HBOT is appropriate for each individual.

HBOT has a long-standing record of safety, with potential side effects being low risk and relatively rare due to our advanced safety protocols and highly trained clinical staff. These potential side effects may include:

1. Discomfort to Ears: Some clients, particularly those who struggle to equalize pressure in their ears, may experience mild ear discomfort during the pressurization process, similar to sensations felt during airplane takeoff or landing. Middle Ear Barotrauma, characterized by pain in the middle ear due to pressure imbalance, is the most common side effect. However, we provide education and protocols to help alleviate this discomfort.
2. Temporary Change in Vision: HBOT treatments can temporarily affect the shape of the eye’s lens due to increased oxygenation throughout the body. This may result in temporary changes in vision or visual acuity, particularly after a course of 20 or more treatments. However, these changes are minor and transient, and it is unnecessary to adjust eyeglass prescriptions. Vision typically returns to normal within a few weeks after completing treatment.
3. Oxygen Toxicity: In extremely rare cases, patients undergoing standard HBOT may experience oxygen toxicity in the lungs or central nervous system. However, our specialized protocol incorporates breaks from breathing pure oxygen to minimize the risk of adverse side effects while still delivering effective HBOT.

Individuals may respond differently to HBOT. Various factors, including overall health, underlying medical conditions, and adherence to post-treatment protocols, can influence the duration and intensity of HBOT effects experienced.

• Immediate: After a session of HBOT, individuals may experience short-term effects that persist for a few hours. These may encompass temporary boosts in energy levels, enhanced cognitive function, and sensations of relaxation.

• Cumulative: The advantages of HBOT accumulate over time, with repeated treatments potentially leading to more significant and enduring outcomes. This process may involve the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and visible signs of healing after multiple sessions.

• Condition-Specific: The duration of HBOT effects varies depending on the specific condition being addressed. Persistent conditions like non-healing wounds or neurological disorders may necessitate ongoing or intermittent treatments to maintain lasting benefits.

For safety reasons, we require patients to wear 100% cotton clothing exclusively inside the chamber. Don’t worry if you don’t have suitable attire; we’ll provide it for you. Cotton is chosen because it doesn’t accumulate static electricity like other fibers. Additionally, we’ll ensure your comfort by offering blankets and pillows, allowing you to stay warm and cozy throughout your time in the chamber.

To schedule your appointments, please call our office at 480-590-5277. When scheduling your first appointment, you will be asked to provide a credit card to secure the appointment. This is not prepayment, and you will not be charged at the time of scheduling. However, failure to provide 24-hour notice for cancellations or no-show appointments will result in a charge of the full price of the scheduled service.

Please note that appointment reminder calls and emails are provided as a courtesy, and the responsibility of attending your scheduled appointments rests with you. Late arrivals may result in a reduced session time.

To be respectful of other patients, please be courteous and call our office at 480-590-5277 promptly if you are unable to show up for an appointment. This time will be reallocated to someone who needs HBOT. If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled appointment, we require that you call at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation will allow another patient access to timely HBOT appointments. When the appointment is cancelled without 24-hour advance notice, it will result in a charge of full price of the scheduled service.

A “no-show” is a patient who misses an appointment without cancelling it. A failure to be present at the time of a scheduled appointment will be recorded in the patient’s chart as a “no-show”. This includes arriving 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment. When the appointment is “no-show”, it will result in a charge of full price of the scheduled service.

When scheduling your first appointment, please arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork, undergo consultation and safety review, and make use of restroom and changing facilities. Please ensure your cell phone is on silent before entering the office. Answer all patient intake questions on the provided paperwork thoroughly to facilitate a comprehensive consultation. All patients will be seen promptly at their scheduled appointment time.

We welcome new patients who can be referred either by their own physician or through self-referral.  To initiate the process, patients can request their physician to submit a referral form, and upon receipt, we will contact them to schedule an evaluation appointment. Our dedicated hyperbaric trained staff will assess patients and tailor treatment plans according to their diagnoses.

Should patients lack a prescription, they have the option to request one from their primary care physician or referring provider. Alternatively, our Hyperbaric Medical Advisor can furnish a prescription upon completion of Safety Screen Assessment. Additional cost for our services through our Hyperbaric Medical Advisor.

If you intend to travel by air, we kindly ask that you schedule your hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions with a minimum 24-hour gap before and after your travel plans. This precaution is in place to ensure your safety and well-being during air travel following HBOT sessions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your travel plans and HBOT scheduling, please feel free to call our office at 480-590-5277.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a physician. Participation in hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center is voluntary and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center is not a medical facility treating dive injuries.

We operate three SeChrist monoplace hyperbaric chambers, all constructed from clear acrylic. Our dedicated team carefully monitors the well-being of each patient throughout their session. Patients are continuously observed and can communicate with the attending operator through our intercom system. Furthermore, patients are provided with entertainment options such as watching shows, streaming movies, or listening to music during their treatment. However, we kindly ask patients to refrain from sleeping during their session for safety reasons.

We kindly request that patients arrive as if they have just showered. This entails removing all lotions, hair products, perfumes, cosmetics, deodorants, and similar items.

To ensure safety within the chamber, patients should avoid wearing alcohol, petroleum, or synthetic products while in the hyperbaric chamber, as well as abstaining from the use of respiratory depressants like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Librium, Ativan) or opioids before or during hyperbaric sessions. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from smoking or using any other tobacco products during the treatment period, as they can impede the body’s oxygen transport process.

Furthermore, it is crucial to inform the hyperbaric chamber operator of any changes in your current health condition or medication regimen before each visit. As an additional precaution, patients should remove dentures, battery-powered devices, hearing aids, jewelry, static-producing items, wigs, and any other items deemed unsafe by the hyperbaric chamber operator.

Click here to view what is not allowed inside the chamber.

For self-pay options, we provide discounted out-of-pocket packages. It’s important to note that pre-paid packages and single visits are non-refundable and non-transferrable between patients, and no substitutions, rain checks, or refunds are permitted.

If your condition qualifies for insurance coverage, we will handle the claims process directly with your insurance provider. However, please note that any copays or deductibles as per your insurance plan will remain your responsibility. Click here to find covered conditions.

When paying by credit card, a service charge of 3.5% will be applied, plus tax on retail items. However, payments made by cash or check incur no additional fees. Additionally, we offer discounted self-pay out-of-pocket rates for active duty, retired military, and veterans who present a valid government-issued military ID card.