In 2011, McLaren Greater Lansing Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center was the first outpatient facility in the mid-Michigan area to offer cutting-edge hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which has become a trusted mainstay treatment option for complex conditions and wounds. The center completed a significant upgrade in October, installing two new, state-of-the-art bariatric-rated hyperbaric chambers. These spacious chambers are designed to prioritize enhanced comfort for all patients in their healing journey.
During HBOT, the patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, roughly 1.6 atm greater than that of the surrounding atmosphere.
“The combination of higher pressure along with 100% oxygen increases the oxygen content in your plasma, getting more oxygen to the tissues,” said Dr. Mark Jones, medical director of McLaren Greater Lansing Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also increases how far the oxygen travels in the tissue, promoting faster and more effective healing.”
On average, patients undergo 40 treatments, known as dives, lasting approximately two hours per session.
“Over the years, we’ve gained essential, valuable experience and have seen a lot of success using hyperbaric oxygen therapy on those who qualify,” said Dr. Jones.
Common conditions that may benefit from HBOT include diabetic wounds, complications from radiation therapy, chronic bone infections, sudden hearing loss, and non-healing skin grafts or flaps.
To ensure patient safety and operational integrity, the center adheres to a rigorous maintenance schedule. This includes semiannual safety inspections, routine maintenance procedures, and extensive cleaning and testing of the hyperbaric chambers.
Most insurance plans cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy for approved conditions, but physician referral and prior authorization are typically required.
For those interested in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and to see if you may be a candidate, contact McLaren Greater Lansing Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at (517) 975-1500 or click here to learn more.
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