Podcasts
Practical, compassionate guidance from GBMC clinicians for every stage of life.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at GBMC
On
On
At GBMC HealthCare, we are committed to providing advanced medical treatments to enhance patient recovery and well-being. Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) program offers a state-of-the-art approach to healing, utilizing the therapeutic benefits of pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, significantly increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This elevated oxygen level promotes the body's natural healing processes, aiding in recovery from various medical conditions.
- Enhance Wound Healing – Increases oxygen delivery to injured tissues, accelerating the healing of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries.
- Reduce Inflammation and Swelling – Elevated oxygen levels help decrease inflammation, alleviating pain and promoting faster recovery.
- Combat Infections – HBOT strengthens the immune system, helping your body fight infections.
- Promote New Blood Vessel Formation – Stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and tissue regeneration.
Conditions Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our HBOT program treats a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Chronic Non-Healing Wounds – Including diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries.
- Surgical Wounds -Following plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Radiation Tissue Damage – For patients with wounds as a result of radiation therapy.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Provides life-saving oxygenation to prevent long-term damage.
- Decompression Sickness ("The Bends") – Used for divers experiencing pressure-related injuries.
- Severe Infections – Including necrotizing soft tissue infections and chronic osteomyelitis (bone infections).
Why Choose GBMC for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- Expert Medical Team – Our specialists are highly trained in hyperbaric medicine, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities – We utilize advanced hyperbaric chambers designed for patient comfort and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Comprehensive Care Approach – Our team collaborates across multiple specialties to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Experience the transformative benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at GBMC HealthCare—where advanced technology meets compassionate care to support your healing journey. Would you like to schedule a consultation? Call us today at 443-849-6535 to learn more!
Our Team
Jennifer A. Heller, MD, RPVI, FACS
Medical Director, Wound Center at GBMC; Director, Vein Center, Hyperbaric Medicine, Lymphedema, and Rehabilitation Medicine
Dr. Heller is the Medical Director of the Wound Center at GBMC. She is also Director of the Vein Center, Hyperbaric Medicine, Lymphedema, and Rehabilitation Medicine. She previously served as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and as the founder and Director of the Johns Hopkins Vein Centers. A graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Heller completed her surgical residency, including a year as Administrative Chief Resident, at Boston University Medical Center. She completed her Vascular Surgery fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Coverage for Hyperbaric Medicine is delivered by GBMC providers who have completed training in an approved Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Program.
What to Expect
At GBMC, your comfort and safety are our priority. Before treatment, you will have a comprehensive consultation with a hyperbaric provider to assess your condition, ensure HBOT is safe for you, and explain the treatment process.
Your Journey through HBOT Treatment
- Education Session – Our hyperbaric nurse will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare and what to expect.
- Education Packet – You’ll receive a take-home orientation packet with information, as well as contact details for any questions.
When You Come for Your Hyperbaric Consult Please Bring:
- Physician referral/order for hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Photo identification
- Insurance card(s)
- List of medications
- List of medical providers
What Will Happen Once You Arrive for Your Consultation?
- An initial consultation and examination will be completed, and your treatment plan will be confirmed.
- You’ll receive complete instructions about your treatment and have the opportunity to ask questions.
- We will assist in coordinating a treatment time that works for you.
What Will Happen Once You Arrive for Your Treatment?
- You will be assigned a changing room and locker to secure belongings during your treatment.
- For safety reasons, you will change into a 100% cotton garment provided by our Center—no other clothing may be worn inside the chamber. The hyperbaric technicians will conduct a safety checklist to ensure that you are not bringing prohibited items into the treatment area, and you are safe to receive treatment.
- You will relax comfortably inside the hyperbaric chamber, while breathing in 100% oxygen for the prescribed duration. All treatments are typically two hours at length and are delivered Monday-Thursday. Patients have the option to watch television, using streaming services, or listen to music for the duration of their treatment.
Patient Testimonials
"My experience with HBO Therapy was great. The team of technicians were fantastic. The 60-minute drive (each way, which could take 90 minutes at times) was worth it. From my first day in September 2024 to my last day (in February 2025 including being in and out of hospital during the six-month period) they were warm, pleasant and helpful. I was a little apprehensive about getting into a tube, but the ladies made me feel comfortable going into the tube. They were there to welcome me out and never with a solemn look, but always with a pleasant welcoming smile. After a week I looked forward to going to treatment to take my “dive” and watch a movie, show or mini-series. After a few weeks, we were talking about our lives, our families and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. They were always on top of what you liked. It wasn’t just me, it was everyone who came through the dive center. I was there for six months, and I saw people come and go but they treated everyone with that same upbeat attitude that was a welcoming experience to someone dealing with pain, frustration and the unknown. I remember when my wife told me after one session that I came out happier than when I went in. Thank you, Dana, Kiesha, Maha, Lana - thank you ladies for being the kind of people who truly help people get better. Ladies, you are great people. HBO therapy is worth it."
- Mr. “Blue Bloods” 😊 Gregory F.
Bradford Houck, PA-C Vascular and General Surgery
Brad earned his Physician’s Assistant degree from The Touro College of Health Sciences in 1979. He joined Vascular Surgery Associates in 1995.
David Kitchen, CRNP, CWSC David Kitchen graduated from University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1998 and is working at Greater Baltimore Medical Center's Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He received his Master of Science Degree in Nursing from University of Maryland in 2010. He earned his certification as Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in 2011 and began training in wound care that same year. He has worked as a nurse practitioner in wound management and recently joined the team at the Greater Baltimore Center for Rehabilitation Medicine working with lymphedema patients. He is using the knowledge and experience that he has gained from working with a wide variety of patients including medical, surgical, and critical care, as well as outpatient.
Leora Schindelheim, PA Leora Schindelheim, PA, is a physician assistant for the Wound Center at GBMC. She completed her education at City University of New York (CUNY)/York College, earning a Master of Science degree in the Physician Assistant Program, where she was also awarded with the Physician Assistant Scholar award for academic excellence. Licensed in Maryland and New York, she was previously employed as a physician assistant for Montefiore Medical Center – Einstein and Moses Division, in Bronx, New York.
Megan Tuffaha, BSN, RN, AGNP-C Megan Tuffaha, BSN, RN, AGNP-C, is a nurse practitioner for the Wound Center at GBMC. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining GBMC, she worked as a nurse practitioner for the Brady Urological Institute at The Johns Hopkins University. She also has experience as a surgical intensive care nurse and as an advanced cardiac life support instructor.
Related Services
On
