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DiscussionRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Sep 24 3:33pm | Replies (878)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Has anyone tried hyperbaric oxygen treatment and if so did it help with RA? Thank you."
@melinda561 Where did you hear about hyperbaric oxygen chambers? When I worked as a nurse, our patients used the HBOT almost daily, but then, they had major wounds, I know you could consider your joints as being major wounds, but I don’t think insurance companies would agree with you. It can be costly.
Do you feel like you need a better treatment than just medications?
Hyperbaric Therapy for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is being explored as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain. Recent studies have shown promising results:
Reduction in Inflammation: HBOT can help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in RA1.
Pain Relief: Patients have reported significant reductions in pain levels after undergoing HBOT2.
Improved Joint Health: There are indications that HBOT may enhance cartilage repair and overall joint health3.
In a pilot study, ten RA patients received 30 HBOT sessions over 6 to 10 weeks. The results showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity and pain levels12.
While these findings are encouraging, more extensive research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of HBOT for RA. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss its potential benefits and risks.
ALSO you may be wondering about the cost:
Does medicare or insurance cover the cost of treatment
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Medicare and private insurance can cover the cost of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), but it depends on the specific condition being treated.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B may cover HBOT if it is used to treat certain approved conditions, such as:
Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities
Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
Soft tissue radionecrosis
Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
Decompression illness 12
Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis is not currently one of the conditions for which Medicare covers HBOT1.
Private Insurance Coverage
Many private health insurance plans do cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions. Coverage can vary significantly between plans, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if your specific plan includes HBOT for rheumatoid arthritis. Some plans may require prior authorization.
If you are considering HBOT for rheumatoid arthritis, it would be a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand the coverage options and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Learn more
medicare.gov
retireguide.com
hyperbaricmedicalsolutions.com
healthnews.com
hyperbaricsorlando.com
medicarefaq.com
I hope this information helps.
Many blessings and hugs.
@melinda561, I did a search of Connect but couldn't find a member sharing hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) therapy for RA. There are quite a few members who have shared experience for other conditions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/?search=HBOT%20therapy%20%20