Aetna Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Coverage Update

Billing, Codes, and Physiologic Parameters

Covered CPT CodesCPTCovered

99183

Physician attendance and supervision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, per session.

Covered HCPCS CodesHCPCSCovered

G0277

Hyperbaric oxygen under pressure, full body chamber, per 30 minute interval.

HCPCS Codes Not CoveredHCPCSNot Covered

A4575	Topical hyperbaric oxygen chamber, disposable.
E0446	Topical oxygen delivery system, not otherwise specified, includes all supplies and accessories.

ICD-10 Codes Covered if Selection Criteria Met (partial list)ICD-10Covered

A41.4	Septicemia due to anaerobes
A48.0	Gas gangrene
D50.0	Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)
D62	Acute posthemorrhagic anemia
E10.51-E10.59	Diabetes with circulatory complications (diabetic ulcers)
H34.10-H34.13	Central retinal artery occlusion
H90.3	Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
H91.20-H91.23	Sudden idiopathic hearing loss

ICD-10 Codes Not Covered (partial list)ICD-10Not Covered

A02.21	Salmonella meningitis
A04.71-A04.72	Clostridium difficile enterocolitis
B20	HIV disease

Covered ICD-10 examples for postoperative lower-extremity complicationsICD-10Covered

T81.89x+	Other complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified (reaching tendons or bone) of the lower extremity unresponsive to at least 1 month of meticulous wound care
T85.693+	Other mechanical complication of artificial skin graft and decellularized allodermis [compromised skin grafts and flaps]
T85.79x+	Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts [compromised skin grafts and flaps]
T85.810+ - T85.898+	Other specified complications of internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, not elsewhere classified [compromised skin grafts and flaps]
T86.820 - T86.829	Complications of skin graft (allograft) (autograft) [compromised skin grafts and flaps]

Not covered / contraindicated ICD-10 codesICD-10Not Covered

A02.21	Salmonella meningitis (listed among ICD-10 codes not covered for indications in CPB)
A04.71 - A04.72	Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile
A17.0	Tuberculous meningitis
A27.81	Aseptic meningitis in leptospirosis
A30.5	Lepromatous leprosy
A35	Other tetanus
A39.0	Meningococcal meningitis
A40.0 - A41.3, A41.50 - A41.9	Sepsis [except sepsis due to anaerobes]
Various codes (see chunks 19–28)	Long list of ICD-10 codes across infections, neoplasms, neurologic, pulmonary, GI, skin, musculoskeletal, obstetric, pediatric, injury, and post-transplant codes that are listed as not covered or contraindicated

Documented HBOT regimens and parameters (no billing codes provided in this segment)mixed

No codes listed

inv-65: TcPO2 threshold

TcPO2 thresholdTcPO2 < 40 mm Hg indicates hypoxia of flap or graft (documentation requirement for compromised grafts/flaps)

TcPO2 wound-healing concernTissue oxygen tensions below 30–40 mm Hg are considered suboptimal for wound healing and infection control

TcPO2 role in authorizationTranscutaneous oxygen testing required for compromised grafts/flaps; results support medical necessity decisions

inv-66: Wound healing evaluation interval

Healing evaluation intervalFailure to respond defined as no measurable signs of healing for ≥ 30 consecutive days; wounds must be evaluated at least every 30 days during HBOT

Photo documentation timingPhotographic documentation with a ruler required at baseline and after every 15 treatments and/or at least every 30 days

Continued HBOT requirementContinued HBOT is not considered medically necessary if measurable signs of healing are not demonstrated within any 30‑day period of treatment

inv-67: Typical treatment duration

Typical treatment durationAverage course is 2–4 weeks; hyperbaric therapy beyond 2 months is usually not necessary

Common course lengthUsual duration for many indications reported as up to ~40 daily sessions; continuation requires documented progress

Upper duration guidance>60 sessions generally not considered medically necessary (policy notes no more than 60 sessions)

inv-68: Common HBOT regimen parameters

Example pressures and indicationsReported regimens include 1.3 ATA (e.g., autism trial) and 2.0–2.5 ATA for radiation cystitis/hemorrhagic cystitis

Session durationSession lengths commonly reported as 90–120 minutes (examples: 90–120 minutes per session for radiation cystitis reports)

Course session countsCourses in the literature often range from ~20 to 60 sessions (examples: average ~31 sessions in some HC series; planned 40 sessions in several protocols)

inv-69: Audiometric threshold for ISSNHL diagnosis

Audiometric diagnostic thresholdISSNHL diagnosed when audiometry confirms ≥30 dB hearing loss at 3 consecutive frequencies

Evaluation recommendationsEvaluate for bilateral loss, recurrent episodes, and retro-cochlear pathology (MRI/ABR) as part of SSNHL assessment

Timing for HBOT considerationHBOT is an option within 3 months of diagnosis for acute ISSNHL when diagnostic criteria met and after/with steroid therapy

inv-70: Transcutaneous oximetry (TcPO/TcPO2) thresholds

Sea-level and oxygen challenge rangesSea level on air: 50–90 mmHg; on 100% O2 at 1 ATA: 250–450 mmHg

Pressurized in-chamber rangesAt 2 ATA breathing 100% O2: ~700–900 mmHg; at 3 ATA: ~900–1300 mmHg; in‑chamber TcPO >200 mmHg predicts 74–88% success

Normobaric challenge predictive thresholdsNormobaric 100% O2: TcPO <35 mmHg or increase <10 mmHg predicts ~89% failure; in‑chamber TcPO <100 mmHg predicts high failure; <50 mmHg almost always failure

Prior Authorization, Documentation, and Operational Requirements

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization Required for Covered HBOT Codes

Covered HBOT CPT/HCPCS codes require prior authorization and clinical selection criteria to be met before authorization is issued.

Covered codes: CPT 99183 (physician attendance/supervision per session) and HCPCS G0277 (hyperbaric oxygen under pressure, full body chamber, per 30-minute interval)

Step Therapy

Prior Conservative Therapy Required

Documentation must demonstrate prior adequate conservative management before HBOT is authorized for wound indications (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers). At minimum, document ≥1 month of meticulous wound care including assessment/optimization of vascular status, debridement, infection control, off-loading, glycemic control, nutritional optimization, and appropriate dressings.

Failure to respond defined as no measurable signs of healing for ≥30 consecutive days
Insufficient prior wound care documentation may lead to denial

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization: Radiation‑Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

For radiation‑induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC), prior authorization should document that guideline‑recommended conservative and alternative measures were attempted and failed before HBOT is considered; include prior therapies, timing, and clinical response.

HBOT regimen in studies: ~90 minutes at ~2.2–2.4 ATA, average ~31–40 sessions
Document prior intravesical or medical therapies and reason for failure

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization: Indication and Prior Therapies Required

Prior authorization must be indication‑specific: submit the diagnosis, prior therapies and their outcomes, objective severity/stage, and supporting clinical evidence because trial data vary by indication.

Provide indication‑specific evidence (RCTs, systematic reviews, case series) as applicable
List prior therapies attempted and dates/outcomes

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization: Timing and Prior Steroid Therapy for SSNHL

For idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), prior authorization should document timing of onset and prior steroid therapy (systemic and/or intra‑tympanic) because HBOT is considered an early adjunctive or salvage therapy.

Document audiometry (pure‑tone audiogram showing ≥30 dB loss at 3 consecutive frequencies), date of onset, and timing/results of systemic and intra‑tympanic steroid therapy
HBOT initiation generally within 3 months of onset in supporting protocols

Documentation Required

HBOT Regimen Details Required for Prior Authorization

Prior authorization requests should include the proposed HBOT regimen (pressure, session duration, frequency, and total number of sessions) and plan for monitoring response and adverse events.

Example regimens cited: 2.0–2.5 ATA, 60–90 minutes per session, once daily for up to 20–45 sessions depending on indication
Specify planned frequency (e.g., once vs twice daily), total sessions, and stop/go criteria

Note

Prior Authorization Not Specified in Background Material

Background and evidence summaries in this document do not themselves specify payer prior authorization steps; operational requirements are plan‑specific and governed by the Clinical Policy Bulletin and the payer.

Clinical evidence sections summarize trials and do not set administrative rules
Providers must follow plan-specific prior authorization processes

Denial Risk

Insufficient Prior Wound Care Documentation May Lead to Denial

Absence of documentation of the required prior 1 month of meticulous wound care or failure to provide photographic documentation (with ruler) and objective perfusion testing (TcPO2/TCOM) may lead to denial of HBOT for diabetic or other wound indications.

Photographic wound documentation at baseline and after every 15 treatments or at least every 30 days
Provide TcPO2/TCOM results and normobaric oxygen challenge when available

Denial Risk

Evidence‑Quality Related Denial Risk

Evidence limitations and trials at unclear or high risk of bias for many indications may lead to authorization denials or requests for additional justification; indicate the strength/quality of supporting evidence in requests.

Denial risk higher for indications supported only by small, nonrandomized, or low‑quality studies
Include RCT data when available and explain how patient matches studied populations

Denial Risk

Insufficient Evidence for CRAO; Denial Risk

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) lacks robust evidence and consensus on timing/benefit; authorization may be denied or require strong justification and acute presentation timing documentation.

Case reports/series show mixed results; larger studies/guidelines are lacking
Document time from symptom onset and ophthalmology evaluations if requesting HBOT for CRAO

Denial Risk

Post‑Concussive Syndrome — Negative RCT Evidence

Randomized sham‑controlled trials for post‑concussive syndrome (PCS) have found no benefit of HBOT over sham in several high‑quality trials; prior authorization may be denied for chronic PCS absent compelling new evidence.

Cited RCTs (Cifu 2014; Miller 2015) showed no between‑group benefit versus sham
Provide RCT-level justification if requesting HBOT for PCS

Denial Risk

Chronic Bowel Dysfunction — Negative RCT (HOT2)

For chronic bowel dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy, a randomized sham‑controlled trial (HOT2) found no benefit of HBOT; authorization for this indication should be supported by strong, case‑specific justification or may be denied.

HOT2: 40 exposures (90 min) at 2.4 ATA showed no significant improvement in primary IBDQ endpoints at 12 months
Document prior ≥3 months of optimal medical therapy and lack of cancer recurrence when requesting HBOT for this indication

Documentation Required

Mechanistic/Preclinical Indications — Provide Clinical Justification

Many indications remain supported mainly by mechanistic or preclinical data; when clinical evidence is lacking, prior authorization should include clinical justification linking patient condition to plausible benefit and note investigational status.

For mechanistic/preclinical indications (e.g., some surgical prophylaxis, animal models), explain rationale and cite any human data
Providers should expect higher scrutiny or denial for indications lacking human efficacy data

Step Therapy

Failure to Improve with HBOT May Require Conversion to Alternative Therapies

If a patient fails to improve with HBOT as documented by objective measures (photography, wound size, TcPO2), prior authorization for continuation may be denied and conversion to alternative therapies (e.g., decompression/tube therapy for SBO or surgical options) may be required.

Continued HBOT not medically necessary if no measurable signs of healing within any 30‑day period
For adhesive postoperative SBO, document if decompression/tube therapy was used or considered after HBOT failure

Documentation Required

Low TcPO2/TCOM Predicts HBOT Failure — Include Results

Low transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2/TCOM) or poor response to normobaric oxygen challenge predicts HBOT failure; include these test results in prior authorization requests for wounds.

Normobaric oxygen challenge: TcPO2 <35 mmHg or increase <10 mmHg predicts ~89% failure rate with HBOT
In-chamber TcPO2 <50 mmHg is almost always associated with HBOT failure; report TcPO2 values

Note

Background/References: No Authorization Requirements Present

Some sections of this document are background, references, or appendices and do not impose operational authorization requirements; they summarize evidence and trials only.

Background and References sections: no administrative requirements specified
Appendix contains Wagner grading, TcPO2 guidance and documentation requirements

Note

Administrative Note: Provider Responsibility and Plan‑Specific Rules

Administrative note: Clinical Policy Bulletins assist in administering plan benefits and do not constitute coverage guarantees. Providers are responsible for following plan‑specific prior authorization processes and documenting compliance with the CPB criteria when submitting requests.

CPB is guidance for policy administration; follow the payer's prior authorization portal/process
Providers (not Aetna) are responsible for medical management and documentation submission

Documentation Required

Study Regimen and Required Documentation for Peri‑Anal Fistula Pilot and Similar Trials

Study protocols or pilot trial regimens (e.g., peri‑anal fistula pilot) should be submitted with prior authorization requests when relevant; include protocol details, number of sessions, pressure, and planned assessments.

Example: peri‑anal fistula pilot — 40 sessions at 243–253 kPa with assessment at baseline, 16, 34, and 60 weeks
Attach study protocol or IRB documentation when requesting coverage for trial‑like regimens

Step Therapy

Adjunctive Use / Stepwise Care Required

Adjunctive use and stepwise care: HBOT should be adjunctive and not replace standard therapies; prior authorization should document coordination with other treatments and that standard/less invasive options were tried and exhausted as appropriate.

For radiation‑related conditions, document exhaustion of guideline‑recommended alternatives (e.g., IMRT, amifostine)
For ONJ and complex conditions, document multimodal therapy (surgery/antibiotics) prior to HBOT

Denial Risk

Adjunctive Topical/Vaporous Oxygen Therapies — Investigational; Document Rationale

Adjunctive topical or vaporous oxygen therapies are considered investigational in this CPB; if such therapies are proposed, prior authorization must include rationale and acknowledgement of investigational status.

Topical hyperbaric oxygen (A4575), topical oxygen delivery systems (E0446) and vaporous hyperoxia therapy are listed as not covered or investigational
Provide strong clinical justification and trial data if requesting coverage for nonstandard topical/vapor therapies

Definitions and Key Terms

inv-127: Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2)

Definition of TcPO2Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measures the partial pressure of oxygen diffusing through the skin; tissue oxygen tensions below 30–40 mm Hg are considered suboptimal for wound healing and infection control

Clinical implicationLow TcPO2 values support documenting compromised perfusion and may guide HBOT candidacy

Documentation roleTcPO2 results are required for compromised grafts/flaps and affect authorization and expected HBOT success

inv-128: Wagner grade 3

Wagner grade 3 definitionWagner Grade 3: deep ulcer with abscess, infectious tendonitis, or osteomyelitis (ulceration reaching tendon or bone)

Documentation requirementsFor Grade 3: note fluid release for abscess, X-ray or culture for osteomyelitis, and photographic evidence or culture for infectious tendonitis

Use in coverage criteriaWagner Grade ≥3 used to define non‑healing infected deep lower-extremity ulcers eligible for HBOT after prior wound care failure

inv-129: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

HBOT definitionSystemic HBOT: patient placed inside a pressurized chamber breathing 100% oxygen at pressure >1 ATA

Adjunctive, not replacementHBOT should not replace standard therapies; used adjunctively for selected indications with documented criteria

Typical session/frequency examplesCommon regimens include daily sessions (often 5 days/week) with up to ~40 sessions for many indications; twice‑daily schedules reported for some acute conditions

inv-130: Topical HBOT (topical oxygen)

Topical HBOT definitionTopical hyperbaric oxygen therapy: application of oxygen to an open wound in small limb‑encasing devices; not systemic HBOT and physiology differs

Evidence and coverage stanceTopical oxygen should not be termed or considered equivalent to hyperbaric oxygen; efficacy not established and not recommended for routine reimbursement

Recommendation for researchTopical oxygen application should be subjected to trials similar to systemic HBOT before recommendation

inv-131: BRONJ

BRONJ/ONJ definitionBRONJ (ONJ): area of uncovered bone in the maxillofacial region not healing within 8 weeks in a patient exposed to bisphosphonates without prior craniofacial radiation

Clinical contextONJ incidence varies by oral vs IV bisphosphonate exposure; management includes multimodal therapy and HBOT has been studied as an adjunct

Evidence summaryRandomized trial data show faster improvement and reduced pain with HBOT adjunct to surgery/antibiotics in some studies, but role remains incompletely defined

inv-132: Calciphylaxis (CUA)

Calciphylaxis (CUA) definitionCalciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy): a syndrome often in end‑stage renal disease causing necrotic skin ulcers with high morbidity/mortality

HBOT roleHBOT has been used adjunctively to promote wound healing in CUA, but randomized controlled trials are lacking and its role is unclear

Management approachAuthors recommend combination approaches addressing calcium/phosphate derangements plus wound‑healing measures (including possible HBOT)

inv-133: Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

CRAO definitionCentral Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO): an ophthalmic emergency producing severe vision loss due to ischemia of the inner retinal layers

Time-sensitivityExperimental models suggest irreversible damage after ~90 minutes, but clinical recovery may occur with incomplete occlusion up to 8–24 hours; early oxygenation is critical

HBOT evidence contextSmall case series report visual improvement with HBOT (mixed results); evidence inconsistent and not standardized for routine use

inv-134: Calciphylaxis duplicate entry

Calciphylaxis (CUA) restatementCalciphylaxis is a syndrome associated with ESRD causing necrotic skin ulcers; HBOT has been used adjunctively but evidence is limited

High morbidity noteCUA carries high morbidity and mortality; therapeutic strategies focus on addressing metabolic derangements alongside wound care

Evidence gapRandomized trials for HBOT in CUA are lacking; use remains investigational/adjunctive

inv-135: Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

CRAO — additional noteCRAO is an ophthalmologic emergency; HBOT has been reported to restore retinal oxygenation and sometimes visual acuity in early presentations but data are mixed

Clinical guidanceStart supplemental oxygen immediately in patients presenting within 24 hours; consider emergent HBOT if vision not restored and feasible

Evidence limitationSmall series and case reports preclude definitive recommendations; further study needed

inv-136: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)

ONJ definition and managementOsteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ): medication‑associated jaw bone necrosis managed by stage‑based multimodal therapy; HBOT described as adjunct in some studies

Evidence summaryRCT (n=46) showed faster improvement and reduced pain with HBOT adjunct to surgery/antibiotics though complete healing rates were not definitively different; HBOT considered adjunctive

Documentation expectationWhen used for ONJ, document multimodal therapy, disease stage, prior treatments, and rationale for adjunctive HBOT

inv-137: Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS)

Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS) definitionPersistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (PCS); randomized sham‑controlled trials have not demonstrated consistent HBOT benefit over sham

Trial evidenceWell‑designed sham‑controlled RCTs found no superiority of HBOT vs sham for persistent PCS, indicating observed benefits may be placebo or non‑oxygen mediated

Adverse eventsHBOT associated with reversible middle ear barotrauma and other transient effects reported in studies

inv-138: HBOT treatment parameters

Common HBOT treatment parametersTypical regimens reported: 100% oxygen at 2.0–2.4 ATA for 90–130 minutes per session, typically 5 days/week for up to ~40 sessions

Variability noteProtocols vary by indication and study; some trials used 1.3 ATA or other pressures and session lengths, so regimens are not fully standardized

Documentation for prior authorizationPrior authorization should include specific HBOT regimen details (pressure, duration, frequency, planned sessions) as reported in studies

inv-139: Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL)

ISSNHL diagnostic threshold (definition)Audiometrically confirmed sensorineural hearing loss of ≥30 dB over at least 3 consecutive frequencies without identifiable cause defines ISSNHL

Clinical urgencyISSNHL is considered an otological emergency; prompt evaluation including audiometry and imaging (MRI/ABR) is recommended

HBOT timing guidanceHBOT may be offered within 3 months of diagnosis as an adjunct to corticosteroids for acute ISSNHL when criteria are met

inv-140: ISSHL / SSNHL definition

ISSHL / SSNHL definitionIdiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss — sudden hearing loss without identifiable underlying cause; considered an otological emergency

Diagnostic workupAssess for bilateral loss, recurrent episodes, focal neurologic findings; obtain MRI/ABR as indicated to exclude retrocochlear pathology

Treatment optionsInitial therapy often includes corticosteroids; HBOT may be considered as adjunct within 3 months if diagnostic criteria met

inv-141: Clinical remission (UC studies)

Clinical remission (UC studies) definitionPartial Mayo score ≤ 2 with no sub-score > 1 (primary outcome in Dulai pilot RCT of HBOT adjunct)

Trial contextSmall pilot RCT showed improved short‑term remission with HBOT adjunct to steroids in hospitalized moderate‑severe UC flares, but trial was underpowered and terminated early

Use cautionHBOT as adjunct for UC flares remains conditional and generally considered in trial or rescue contexts

inv-142: Osseointegration (implant)

Osseointegration definitionOsseointegration: bone forming a direct interface with an implant; improved by vascularity and assessed by bone‑implant contact (BIC) and implant stability metrics

HBOT research contextPreclinical and some clinical reports suggest HBOT may enhance early osseointegration histologically, but effects on mechanical stability are inconsistent

Evidence gapHuman RCTs are lacking; existing systematic reviews show reduced implant failure in irradiated patients but are limited by heterogeneity

inv-143: Tumor radiosensitization with HBOT

Tumor radiosensitization definitionTumor radiosensitization with HBOT: administering radiotherapy while breathing hyperbaric oxygen to reduce tumor hypoxia and potentially improve local control

Benefit vs riskCochrane review found improved local control and reduced mortality for some head & neck cancers but increased severe radiation tissue injury risk—benefits must be weighed against harms

Clinical implicationUse remains investigational/condition‑specific; document rationale and discuss risks with patient

inv-144: HBOT protocols described

Example protocols reportedExamples include 40 sessions at 243–253 kPa for peri‑anal fistula pilot and 2.0 ATA for 90 minutes daily in some COVID/palliative protocols

Common regimen rangeMany reported protocols use pressures of ~1.3–2.5 ATA, session durations 60–130 minutes, and total sessions often 20–40 (range reported 20–60)

Protocol variability noteHBOT protocols vary considerably by indication and study; standardized regimens are not universally established

inv-145: Radiation-induced GI improvement rates

Radiation‑induced GI improvement ratesMeta-analysis reported pooled improvement rates: rectal bleeding 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89), diarrhea 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61–0.90), pain 0.58 (95% CI: 0.38–0.79)

ContextThese pooled rates derive from heterogeneous studies; subgroup factors influenced heterogeneity (evaluation criteria, follow‑up time)

Clinical implicationHBOT may improve radiation‑related GI symptoms in selected refractory cases, but evidence quality varies

inv-146: Deep ulcerations

Deep ulceration definitionDeep ulcerations: ulcerations reaching tendon or bone

Relevance to coverageDeep ulcerations (Wagner grade ≥3) are used to define non‑healing infected lower‑extremity ulcers eligible for adjunctive HBOT after standard care failure

Documentation notePhotographic evidence and wound evaluation required per policy for such ulcers

inv-147: Wagner grade system

Wagner grading systemWagner grading: Grade 0 intact skin; Grade 1 superficial ulcer; Grade 2 involves tendon/joint/fascia without osteomyelitis; Grade 3 deep ulcer with abscess, infectious tendonitis, or osteomyelitis; Grade 4 forefoot gangrene; Grade 5 extensive gangrene

Use in authorizationWagner grade documented (including supporting imaging/culture/photography) is required to support HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers

Grade 3 documentation specificsAbscess: note fluid release at debridement; osteomyelitis: X-ray or culture; infectious tendonitis: clinical signs with photo or culture

OpenPayer

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Coverage Criteria and Evidence Summary

Billing, Codes, and Physiologic Parameters

Prior Authorization, Documentation, and Operational Requirements

Background, Definitions, and Evidence Context

Definitions and Key Terms

Policy Dates and Revision History