Frequently Asked Questions
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Is hyperbaric oxygen safe? |
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Yes. HBO therapy is administered under the supervision of a team of physicians and highly trained staff to ensure patient safety. Established industry standards and precautions are strictly adhered to at all times. |
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What is the most common side effect associated with HBO treatments? |
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Some patients will experience pressure in the ear or sinuses (also referred to as ear or sinus "squeeze"), which is a pressure similar to the pressure felt under water. Patients can generally equalize their ears or sinuses to relieve this pressure; however, if they are unable to equalize then the chamber pressurization will be slowed or halted and other remedies will be applied. |
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What can patients take inside the hyperbaric chamber? |
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This depends on whether the chamber is multiplace or monoplace. Drinking water, tissues, glasses (which can only be removed once) and 100% cotton garments are allowed in a monoplace and multiplace chamber. In a multiplace chamber, a patient can also bring a book or magazine. Items such as synthetics (nylon, rayon, etc.), oil based or petroleum products, lipstick, make-up, nail polish, hair products (sprays, gels, mousse, etc.), hearing aides, contact lenses, cell phones & pagers, radios, tape players, MP3 players, watches, newspapers, and food are not allowed in any hyperbaric chamber. |
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| Who monitors a patient during a HBO treatment? | |
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Patients are monitored at all times by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or a certified hyperbaric technician during their HBO treatment. |
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How long does the HBO treatment last? |
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Most HBO treatments generally take about 2 hours. Treatments for some indications can last up to 4 hours. Serious diving injuries can require a treatment longer than 5 hours. The hyperbaric physician will determine how long each patient's HBO treatment will last. |
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How many HBO treatments are needed? |
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The hyperbaric physician determines the number of treatments needed. A patient's diagnosis and their individual response to HBO therapy are a few of the factors taken into consideration. For instance, a patient with a non-healing wound would most likely receive a longer course of treatments than a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning would receive. |
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| Is the referring physician involved with the patient's HBO therapy? | |
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At Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia, we make it a priority to keep the referring physician involved in the patient's course of treatment, from the initial day of consultation to the last day of treatment. |
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| When can a patient resume regular activities after the HBO treatment? | |
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There are no patient restrictions following HBO treatments and patients can resume their normal activities immediately. Some patients reported feeling tired, light-headed, or fatigued afterwards, but this is normal and subsides within a few hours. |
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| Does insurance cover the cost of HBO therapy? | |
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Yes, insurance companies are covering HBO therapy for approved indications. We recommend you contact your insurance company to find out about your particular HBOT coverage. |
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Is Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia different from the other HBO treatment facilities in Georgia? |
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Yes, we are the only physicians group in Georgia to specialize in providing hyperbaric oxygen supervision and wound care at facilities that offers both monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric chambers. |
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