What to Look for in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Clinic

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a powerful, science-backed tool for healing — but only when it’s delivered in a medically appropriate, well-regulated setting.  As more facilities offer HBOT, including some with non-medical-grade equipment or lax protocols, choosing the right provider is more important than ever. 

Why Choosing the Right HBOT Clinic Matters 

When applied correctly, HBOT can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and support recovery across a range of conditions. However, not all providers follow appropriate safety protocols. Recent news reports have highlighted serious risks — including fatalities — due to negligent operations and the use of unregulated, under-maintained, or misused equipment. 

That’s why it’s essential to receive treatment at a clinic that prioritizes:  

• Medical oversight  

• Trained staff  

• FDA-approved equipment  
• Strict safety protocols 
  

What to Look for in a HBOT Clinic 

1) Medical Oversight & Evaluation 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is not a spa service — it’s a medical treatment that requires proper evaluation and clinical supervision. 

Reputable clinics perform a full medical evualtionevalution and screening to ensure HBOT is safe and appropriate for each patient. At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, every patient receives: 

• A full review of medical history, medications, and diagnoses 

• A physical exam 

• Pulmonary screening (including chest imaging when needed) 

• A review of health goals and a personalized treatment plan followed by the clinical team 

All care is overseen by licensed medical professionals, including board-certified hyperbaric physicians.  

2) Certified Hyperbaric Technicians 

3) Medical-Grade, FDA-Approved Chambers 

Not all hyperbaric chambers meet medical standards — and that matters when it comes to your safety and results. There are three types of HBOT chambers: 

• Monoplace chambers: hard-shell, for one person 

• Multiplace chambers: hard-shell, for multiple people 

• Soft or “mild” chambers: often used in wellness settings or at home 

Only certain types of monoplace and multiplace chambers are FDA-approved for treating medical conditions. These chambers meet strict standards set by the FDA, ACME, PVHO, and NFPA 99, and they safely deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen at the pressures required for therapeutic benefit. 

Soft or mild chambers do not meet these standards, operate at lower pressures, and are not approved for most medical conditions.  

4) Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness 

At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, fire safety is built into every aspect of our operations. We follow all required codes, including hyperbaric-specific standards from the UHMS and NFPA 99. 

Our clinics are equipped with proper fire suppression systems, and our team is routinely trained in emergency protocols to ensure a safe environment for every patient. 

5) Equipment Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for HBOT safety and performance. 

At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, we perform daily, monthly, and annual maintenance routines for all chambers and oxygen systems. We also bring in certified third-party experts for yearly inspections to ensure everything meets the highest safety standards.

6) Pre-Treatment Safety Checks

Because HBOT takes place in a high-oxygen, pressurized environment, strict safety steps must be followed before every session. 

At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, every patient completes a pre-treatment safety checklist, reviewed and signed by both the patient and staff. This includes: 

• Wearing a 100% cotton scrubs or gown (no synthetic or flammable clothing) provided by the practice 

• Removing all personal items, including electronics, hair/skincare products, and jewelry 

• Wearing a grounding bracelet to prevent static electricity 

• Final safety inspection by a trained technician, including a static test before each session 

These steps help prevent risks and ensure a safe, effective treatment experience every time. 

7) Experience Treating Complex Conditions

HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 indications, but can be beneficial for a wide range of medical conditions. Choose a clinic with the clinical experience to understand your condition, health-goals, and how HBOT should be optimally applied to meet your needs. This is valuable experience to safely achieve your desired results.  

Explore the list of conditions and where hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide benefits for optimal health and well-being. Explore all conditions treated »

Red Flags to Avoid in a HBOT Clinic

• Lack of medical evaluation or physician involvement 
• Lack of clear safety procedures or certifications 
• Use of chambers not approved by the FDA
  

• No hyperbaric technician present during treatment 

• Overpromising results or treating HBOT like a spa therapy 

If a facility can’t answer questions about their staff credentials, fire safety systems, or chamber specifications — that’s a sign to look elsewhere. 

Why Patients Trust Hyperbaric Medical Solutions 

At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, we don’t just offer HBOT — we deliver it at the highest standard of medical care.

With established locations in New York, Massachusetts, and South Florida, patients choose HMS for our:

• Physician-led treatment plans tailored to individual diagnoses and goals
• Hospital-grade, FDA-approved hyperbaric chambers used in every location
• Certified hyperbaric technicians and licensed medical staff on-site
• Uncompromising safety protocols, from pre-treatment screenings to emergency preparedness
• Exceptional patient satisfaction 
  • Our Net Promoter Score is over 9.69 (out of 10) meaning patients are highly likely to recommend us to others
  • Our average Google rating is 4.89 stars across all five locations, based on over 224 reviews!

When you choose HMS, you're choosing trusted expertise, advanced equipment, and a team fully dedicated to your healing and safety.