We accept Kaiser insurance for hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Yes — Pacific Hyperbarics accepts Kaiser Permanente insurance at all of our clinics in California and Oregon. Here is how Kaiser coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy works, what the referral and authorization step involves, and how we handle it for you.
Kaiser insurance accepted at every clinic
Kaiser Permanente members can receive medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy at any Pacific Hyperbarics clinic: Chula Vista (San Diego), Laguna Beach, Oceanside, Monterey and Madras, Oregon. Every clinic follows the same clinical standards, so you can be treated at whichever location is closest to home.
How Kaiser coverage for HBOT works
Kaiser Permanente covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy when it is medically necessary for a recognized indication — for example diabetic foot ulcers, delayed radiation injury, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, and compromised skin grafts and flaps. These closely track the conditions Medicare recognizes. Off-label uses such as athletic recovery or longevity are generally not covered and are self-pay.
The referral and authorization step
Kaiser coordinates care through its own physicians, so treatment at an outside clinic usually needs a referral or authorization from your Kaiser care team before your first session. If your Kaiser doctor has recommended HBOT, ask them to refer you to Pacific Hyperbarics — or tell us, and we will work with your care team on the paperwork.
What we do before you commit
We confirm your Kaiser benefits for your specific condition, help coordinate the authorization, and give you your expected cost in writing. All of that happens before your first session is scheduled, at no cost to you and with no obligation to proceed.
Other payers we work with
Aetna
Covers recognized indications per its Clinical Policy Bulletin; requires documentation mirroring NCD 20.29. Off-label uses considered experimental.
Blue Shield
Commercial plans generally follow Medicare's indication list with prior authorization. Off-label uses (e.g. TBI, long COVID) are excluded.
Cigna
Aligns with Medicare's covered indications; prior authorization and periodic reauthorization for extended wound courses.
Medicaid / Medi-Cal
Follows Medicare's recognized-indication list; specifics and prior-auth vary by state. In California, Medi-Cal generally aligns with NCD 20.29.
Medicare
Covers the 14 UHMS-recognized indications under NCD 20.29 (plus diabetic lower-extremity wounds meeting Wagner III+ / 30-day criteria). Part B pays 80% after deductible. Documentation of failed standard care is the usual denial point.
UnitedHealthcare
Covers recognized indications with prior authorization; medical-necessity review common for wound-care courses beyond initial approval.