Frequently Asked Questions
What causes non-healing wounds?
Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as "bed sores"). An estimated eight million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Wounds come from a variety of different medical conditions, and they don't heal for many different reasons.
Will I have to change my primary care provider or specialist?
No. In fact, the Wound Treatment Center prefers to work with your primary care provider or specialist during the treatments. We even keep your provider informed with frequent progress reports. While you receive treatment for your wound, you will continue to receive all of your routine care from your primary care provider.
Does insurance cover specialized wound care treatments?
Many health plans cover treatments offered at the Wound Treatment Center. If you have questions about coverage, your insurance carrier or employer's benefits department is the best source of information.
What can I expect at the first appointment?
The first appointment consists of an assessment by our skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history, blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan. Please be sure to bring your medical records, insurance information, a list of current medications, and a list of your allergies. You should expect to spend several hours at the Center.
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used as a specialized treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet specific criteria. During the treatments, the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, quickly increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to a patient's wound site for faster healing. This therapy can help reduce swelling, fight infection, and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving circulation, stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and in treating crush injuries, osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse spider bites, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and proven treatment to speed the healing process in certain types of wounds. In fact, many patients find it relaxing. The clear chambers are equipped with televisions and comfortable bedding, so patients are free to watch their favorite television show or movie, or even sleep. In a typical course of treatment, the patient spends about 90 minutes per day in the chamber, five days per week over a four-to-six-week period.
