Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of wounds are treated?
A: The Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine team at Bravera Health Spring Hill provides advanced treatments for wounds which have resisted traditional forms of care. These wounds include:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Lower leg ulcers
- Pressure ulcers
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Gangrene
- Radiation wounds
- Post-operative infections/incisions
- Burns
- Traumatic injuries
- Comprised skin grafts and flaps
- Any wound that has not shown signs of improvement in 30 days
Q: What resources and treatments do you use?
A: We utilize resources and treatment modalities which include:
- Transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCPO2) which determines the level of oxygen available at the wound site to promote healing
- Doppler evaluation of pulses which determines the among of blood flow (circulation) available to transport nutrients and medications to the wound
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) which involves placing the patient into a mono-place HBOT chamber which is hyper-oxygenated with 100% oxygen at 2.0 or 2.5 times atmospheric pressure. HBOT increases the among of oxygen in your blood, allowing oxygen levels in your tissues to increase. It also increases circulation to the wound site(s), promotes healing, fights infection and expedites the overall healing process.
- Wound dressings, including bio-engineered dressings, are specialized products which are often used – based upon your individualized treatment needs – to promote and expedite the healing process of the wound
- Wound debridement is a minor procedure, performed in the Center, which promotes the growth of healthy tissue at the site of your wound
Our Wound Healing Center is staffed and equipped to address your medical needs, with most treatments covered by Medicare/Medicaid and other insurance plans.
Q: What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
A: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which increases the amount of oxygen concentration in the patient’s blood, allowing the oxygen to pass through the plasma and tissues into your wound(s) to expedite the treatment process. HBOT chambers surround you with 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Those who benefit from hyperbaric treatments include those with:
- Diabetic ulcers of the lower extremities
- Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
- Compromised skin grafts
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Progressive necrotizing infections
- Actinomycosis
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
- Soft tissue radionecrosis
- Crush injuries
- Gas gangrene
Non-wound care indications:
- Acute CO intoxication
- Decompression illness
- Gas embolism
- Cyanide poisoning
Q: What should I bring on my first visit?
A: Please bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, a list of your allergies, and any medical records, including x-rays, if you have them in your possession.
Dowload our new patient forms.
Q: What should I wear?
A: As safety is our priority, we will provide our HBOT patients with clothing to wear during the actual treatment. Please do not wear any of the following items when you come to the Center for your treatments:
- Contact lenses
- Makeup
- Wigs or hairpieces
- Nail polish
- Skin lotions
- Vaseline-based products
- Perfume, cologne or aftershave
- Jewelry, including watches and earrings
- Hair spray or oils
Q: How long do treatments last?
A: Treatments generally last about two hours, which includes the time needed to pressurize and depressurize the chamber, in addition to the prescribed treatment depth.
The number of treatments is not pre-determined, since each patient responds differently to the therapy depending on his or her medical condition. The average number of treatments to heal a patient with a problem wound may range from 20 - 40. Treatments are provided Mondays - Fridays. If you have diabetes, please make sure you eat prior to your treatment. If your sinuses are congested, or if you feel ill, please inform the HBOT technician so we can make you more comfortable.
Your daily therapy will be supervised by physicians and clinicians specially trained in hyperbaric medicine.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Generally, the physician caring for your wound will refer you to the Bravera Health Spring Hill Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, or you can call us directly to schedule your appointment.
When you schedule your first appointment, our staff will ask you a few questions about your wound and general health. Before initiating treatment, our wound care team of physicians and clinicians will thoroughly evaluate your wound and review your health and medical history in detail.
Tests may be performed/ordered to tell us more about your blood flow and tissue oxygenation, as well as to determine if infection is present.
Together with your wound care physician, we’ll develop a treatment program specific to your individualized medical needs, based on our assessment. This will likely involve regular visits to the Center, where your progress will be meticulously documented and care will be adjusted as necessary.
We will be in constant communication with your doctor throughout your care at the Center. Once your wound is healed, you will return to your doctor for follow-up care and continued treatment for any related medical ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.