On the HBOT4KYVETS.com website, complete the Personal History Form by clicking on “Sign Up for Treatments” button
Under KRS 217.930-942, you must have a medical written diagnosis of TBI, a written prescription for HBOT, sign a Consent Form, and the ability to pay. The ability to pay depends on availability of existing funding to HBOT4KYVETS, Inc. and or the financial status of the Veteran/family. Veterans are required to show proof of military service with a DD 214 or its equivalent for the Guard or Reserves.
From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, the state of Kentucky has provided funding to treat a certain number of TBI/PTSD Veterans under the state funded program provided there is state funding remaining over the two-year period. Additional state funding may or may not be available after June 30, 2026. HBOT4KYVETS, Inc is a 501C3 non-profit and for those Veterans unable to financially cover treatment cost, raises capital to help fund treatments. For Veterans with working spouses and Veterans who are collecting full disability and financially secure, a full or partial payment plan may be reviewed and or coordinated.
Each patient is different but normal treatment is 1-hour per day (a dive), Monday through Friday, until a full 40, 60 or 80 dive segments is completed. Average is 20 HBOT dives per month.
This is based on each individual on how many TBIs he/she has, how long it has been since the TBIs were incurred, etc. The usual standard is 40 one-hour dives, but some Veterans may require 60 or 80 before the major cognitive symptoms dissipate.
Yes, there is a bank of pre, and post HBOT treatment tests required to be taken and completed as part of the program. They include a visit for an eye examination and Right Eye testing with our contract facility. A bank of cognitive computer tests taken on a laptop in an office environment which normally takes 1-2 hours.
Yes, every TBI/PTSD Veteran will be required to undergo a pre drug and alcohol test prior to entering the program. A positive test does not automatically exclude you from the program. However, based on the results, each individual will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the medical staff. No one is allowed to be under the influence while undergoing HBOT treatments as a safety concern.
For TBI/PTSD Veterans aged 65 and older, we are considering scheduling Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) brain scans for pre and post HBOT treatments. For TBI/PTSD Veterans under the age of 65, no MRI brain scans will be conducted or required.
There are four primary treatment facilities, two in Louisville, one in Winchester, KY and one in Jeffersonville, IN. Depending on your location will largely decide on where treatments will occur.
HBOT4KYVETS, Inc does not provide housing during treatments. However, we have identified several non-profits who can provide temporary free housing while undergoing treatments if beds are available in their system.
HBOT4KYVETS, Inc does not provide meals, housing, or transportation. Each Veteran will be required to provide his/her own during the course of treatments. Reliable daily transportation will be required of each Veteran/patient to participate in the treatment program.
Each Veteran/patient will be required to sign an agreement with HBOT4KYVETS, Inc on an overview of the treatment program and their obligations to be fulfilled during treatments.
There are some medical issues that may prevent you from being able to enter the HBOT chambers, the medical staff will review these with you prior to entering the treatment program.
As a standard, we normally like to see Veteran/patients accompanied for the first 10 days of treatments if possible. However, we will not remove or reject someone from the program if this is not feasible.
Yes, we are collecting treatment data to support the treatment program. The Right Eye, ANAM, and other cognitive written test results, number of HBOT treatments, etc. will be collected and analyzed as part of the treatment program to reflect on its safety and efficacy of the treatments.
Generally, patients will experience no aftereffects from HBOT. However, some patients report a popping or cracking in their ears between treatments. This sensation should be relieved in the same manner used to clear the ears while in the chamber. Additionally, some patients report slight fatigue following the first few treatments but should be able to continue with their normal daily activities.
Breathing 100% oxygen at an increased pressure greatly enhances the supply of life-giving oxygen to the tissues. To understand how HBOT works, one must first realize that under normal conditions (one atmosphere absolute or ATA), we are subjected to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch of pressure. The air we breathe is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. During HBOT, those conditions are altered. The pressures can be increased while 100% oxygen is breathed by the patient by mask or oxygen hood.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are usually painless, but patients may experience a full sensation in their ears, similar to driving up or down a mountain road, changing altitudes in an airplane, or changing depths in underwater diving. The feeling of fullness occurs as the eardrums respond to the changes in atmospheric pressure. At ground level, the eardrum is normally flat. During compression, the eardrum tends to bow inward and unless positive action is taken, fullness or pain may occur. To avoid this, patients are taught to force air into their middle ear during chamber descent (approximately 10 minutes) when the chamber is being pressurized. Specific maneuvers are swallowing, moving the lower jaw or blowing air from your lungs out of your nose with your mouth closed and nose pinched. What is happening is that air is being forced behind the eardrum, via the eustachian tubes, which connects the middle ear with the throat for passage of air. This greatly reduces the minor risk of ear pain. These procedures are taught to patients by the staff and are practiced thoroughly prior to the patient’s first treatment. Pressurization of the chamber can be stopped at any time if the patient feels any type of discomfort. The patient and attending technologist communicate with the hyperbaric physician and chamber operator at all times.
We put safety first. We will provide you with hospital clothing gown to wear during your treatment. Please do not wear any of the following items when you come to the center for HBO therapy:
Items that are prohibited from the hyperbaric chamber include cigarettes, matches, lighters, books, magazines, paper products, electronics and battery-operated devices, hair spray, makeup, perfume, deodorant, shaving cream, lotions, and any other hair or skin care product. Removal of jewelry, dentures, partial plates and hearing aids is required. You may also be asked to remove contact lenses, depending on the type you wear. You cannot have anything in your mouth such as gum, loose dentures or candy during treatment. Also, you will not be permitted to bring your cell phone into the chamber.
You’ll relax in a transparent, atmosphere-controlled chamber, you can see out in all directions as the normal mono-chambers are clear glass and approximately 32-37” in diameter. You will also be able to watch TV or listen to music, take a nap or converse with staff while in the chamber. If claustrophobia is an issue, please consult with your MD and the medical staff prior to chamber dives.
Stop smoking – Tobacco products limit the delivery of blood and oxygen to your body tissues.
Create a list of medications – Tell your physician and medical team about all prescription or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking because some can affect your body’s response to oxygen therapy.
Alert your physician or medical team if you’re not feeling well – Cold and flu symptoms may require a temporary delay in your treatment schedule.
HBOT is administered in a private setting in state-of-the-art, mono-place chamber of clear acrylic. This allows our trained technicians to closely monitor the patient and permits the patient to readily see outside the chamber. Patients are in constant view and communication with the attending technician via an intercom or may watch a movie, listen to music, or just rest.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
- If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
- If there has been a change in any of your medications.
- If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO treatment.
- If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.
- If you have any concerns or anxiety.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
When cells in the brain die, either from trauma or lack of oxygen, blood plasma leaks out into surrounding brain tissue causing swelling and reducing blood flow. These otherwise normal cells go dormant because they can’t function without the appropriate amount of oxygen. HBOT dramatically increases the oxygen carried in the blood plasma, making oxygen available to heal damaged capillary walls, preventing plasma leakage and reducing swelling. As the swelling decreases, blood flow can be restored to the dormant tissue (neovascularization) and these cells then have the potential to function again.
The chamber technician has full control over the chamber and a session can be stopped at any time.
No, HBOT for TBI is considered off-label (not approved by the FDA) and insurance does not cover the cost for treatments. The HBOT chambers are an FDA approved device approved for 13 other indications.
Yes, you will need a written prescription from your primary care physician, neurologist, or a HBOT clinical MD. We may be able to assist you in scheduling an appointment with one of the HBOT treatment centers to attain a prescription. Yes, all Veterans will require a written diagnosis of TBI prior to entry into the treatment program.
All Veterans shall sign the medical waiver HBOT4KYVETS, Inc. “Consent Form” as required under the KRS 217.936 statue. The “Consent Form” is a separate document and is required to be signed in the presence of the medical staff at the treatment facility.
Yes, all Veteran/patients entering the HBOT treatment program shall execute the Treatment Agreement prior to any treatments being scheduled.
Yes, but the data will be de-identified and it is explained under Item Q in the Treatment Agreement.