Healing Through Oxygen: How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Changing Lives

posted by Jordan Achterhoff on Monday, May 19, 2025

May is Hyperbaric Oxygen Awareness Month, and at Spencer Hospital, it’s an opportunity to highlight a powerful and often under-recognized medical treatment that’s making a meaningful impact in our community: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is much more than just breathing oxygen—it’s a specialized therapy that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process significantly increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, allowing it to reach areas of the body where blood flow and oxygen levels may be low due to injury or illness. 

The increased pressure is a key component that sets hospital-grade HBOT apart from at-home or non-clinical oxygen treatments. At Spencer Hospital’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center, patients undergo therapy in fully pressurized medical-grade chambers, ensuring the most effective environment for healing. The extra oxygen carried through the bloodstream helps fight infection, stimulate new blood vessel growth, and promote tissue regeneration. 

Spencer Hospital’s hyperbaric medicine program treats a variety of FDA-approved conditions. These include diabetic foot ulcers, complex surgical wounds, and tissue damage resulting from radiation therapy—often seen in patients recovering from cancer treatments. These are wounds that typically do not respond well to traditional treatment methods, making HBOT a vital tool for recovery. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of HBOT is seeing dramatic improvements in patients who had previously struggled with chronic wounds. Diabetic patients, in particular, often find new hope in this therapy after months or years of little progress with other treatments. 

All patients undergo a thorough medical review before starting therapy, overseen by Spencer Hospital’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine medical directors, Dr. Slattery and Dr. Helmink, as well as nurse practitioner Kayla Vanderhoff. Treatments are customized based on individual needs and provider referrals. 

Getting started is simple. Those interested in HBOT should speak with their healthcare provider about a referral to Spencer Hospital’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Clinic. Alternatively, individuals can contact the clinic directly at 712-264-6392 to begin the process. 

The good news for patients is that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically covered by insurance. Since Spencer Hospital only treats FDA-approved conditions in its pressurized chambers, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance providers cover the costs of treatment. 

A typical HBOT session lasts around 120 minutes, with most patients receiving about 40 treatments over the course of two to three months. While the process requires commitment, the payoff in healing and improved quality of life can be life changing. 

During Hyperbaric Oxygen Awareness Month, we encourage the community to spread the word. Awareness can save limbs—and lives. If you or someone you love has a wound that won’t heal, especially if diabetes or a history of cancer treatment is involved, don’t wait. Advanced therapies like HBOT can make a real difference. 

For more information or to explore whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for you, contact Spencer Hospital’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at 712-264-6392 or visit our Wound Care page. 

1. hyperbaric medicine
2. hyperbaric oxygen therapy
3. wound care