Hyperbaric Medicine | Emergency Medicine | University of …

The UPMC Department of Hyperbaric Medicine is one of the tri-state area's major resources for outpatient and emergent hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania region. The department has been serving the Pittsburgh region for over 20 years and continues it's mission to provide exceptional patient care. Treatments are provided and supervised by experienced and highly trained RN's. The department is run by medical director Dr. Kevin S. O'Toole.

Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy involves exposing the patient to 100% oxygen in a high pressure environment. This pressure gradient causes the body to absorb more oxygen than it can under normal conditions.

During your treatments, you will lie in a pressurized acrylic chamber. While in this chamber you will breathe pure oxygen. The chamber is transparent and an RN will observe you at all times.

The chamber is pressurized slowly when starting treatment. During this time, you may occasionally feel mild pressure on your eardrums. A nurse will teach you how to relieve this pressure by swallowing or yawning. You can breathe normally during your treatment. Once you have reached treatment pressure, your body will feel no different than it does outside the chamber.

Most treatment protocols are about two hours in length. During this time you can sleep or watch TV. You may bring a video or dvd in to watch as well. Reading materials are not permitted in the chamber for safety reasons.

Your vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure will be checked before and after treatment. Your ears will be checked at the end of every treatment by a qualified physician.

Side effects of HBO therapy are mild and temporary. Your sinuses or ears may become congested. If they do, tell your nurse. Your doctor may prescribe medication for you. A few patients develop temporary near-sightedness. This side effect usually clears up within eight weeks of treatment. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, do not have your prescription changed for at least two months after you have completed treatment. The pure oxygen in the chamber is very dry. Some patients experience minor airway irritation or a dry hacking cough while in the chamber. The staff can provide you with a water bottle to help relieve these symptoms during treatment. Other treatment side effects will be reviewed with you prior to beginning therapy.

Smoking is not recommended during the time you are treated. The nicotine in cigarettes causes small blood vessels in the body to constrict. This decreases blood flow to any damaged tissues and impairs healing. Many insurance companies will deny coverage for hyperbaric therapy to patients who are currently smoking.

Safety considerations

Physician referral is mandatory for all outpatient therapy. 24 hour on-call coverage is provided for emergencies.

For outpatient questions or referrals call (412) 647-7480.For emergency referrals at any time call (412) 647-7000.

The UPMC Department of Hyperbaric Medicine is located inside the emergency department at Presbyterian Hospital.

200 Lothrop St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582

Operational Hours:

Monday - Friday7 am to3 pm

HBO therapy for many conditions is covered by most health insurance policies and Medicare. Consult your insurance company about your coverage. The department staff will work with your insurance company to ensure coverage prior to starting your therapy.

Smoking is not recommended during the time you are treated. The nicotine in cigarettes causes small blood vessels in the body to constrict. This decreases blood flow to any damaged tissues and impairs healing. Many insurance companies will deny coverage for hyperbaric therapy to patients who are currently smoking.

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Hyperbaric Medicine | Emergency Medicine | University of ...