Modern Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Dear Friends,
The Centre of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Nové Zámky launched its activity on 1st July, 2009. During the first two months 62 patients - self-payers received their treatment, and in mid-July, we sent full applications to all health insurance companies; negotiations on the contracts are still going on.

In connection with the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is to be noted that monoplace chambers have been in use for 50 years. According to data from 2007, there were 503 hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities only in the USA, out of which 396 were monoplace chambers and 107 multiplace ones. In the European Union countries:  Belgium, 11; England, 16; France, 21; Germany, 100; Italy, 22; Sweden,11; Spain,16; Switzerland, 18.

Indications for HBOT have been clearly defined all around the world, based on decades of experience, and special pressure - time profiles for different diseases have been developed. You can find 14 HBOT facilities in the Czech Republic, and as a result of years of efforts, a separate section of medical examinations "Qualification Exam (Attestation) in Hyperbaric Medicine" was established there in 2004.

“in accordance with the concept of hyperbaric medicine, one place in a hyperbaric chamber per 100 000 inhabitants should be calculated. These facilities are supposed to be implemented by the end of 2010. By the way, it is not an excessive requirement. If HBOT is to be recommended and promoted for its undoubted value, there must be some spare capacity ensured. Otherwise, we are creating a source of complaints and discrimination ...“ (freely, according to the foreword of doc. MUDr. Milada Emmerová, CSc., former Minister of Health of the Czech Republic).

In Slovakia, we are at a stage that the colleagues in Bohemia have partially overcome. The lay public as well as professionals lack basic information on the possibilities and indications for hyperbaric oxygen treatment of various diseases. HBOT is not a cure-all, but has great importance as part of a comprehensive treatment of some diseases. There is a tendency to underestimate this method, although there are specified indication criteria and HBO therapy schemes.

In Slovakia, we have only two monoplace HBOT chamber facilities available, which is quite inadequate. To increase the interest of professional circles in the treatment's indications, it appears to be necessary that patients themselves should make their doctors take a more active part in the issue of indications and health insurance agencies in treatment reimbursement.

Many monographs and scientific works from all around the world very clearly demonstrate the basic effect of HBOT in certain, especially, chronic diseases (ischemic lower extremities, diabetic ulcers, etc.). HBOT can fundamentally alter the patient's quality of life and, last but not least, bring an economic effect in terms of cost reduction in treatment of some chronic diseases...

If you need more explanation or details about treatment options, contact your doctor or seek information on our website or on other sites on the Internet and ask for consultations at HBOT centres. If your condition is indicated for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy; we will give you a medical report, with which you can contact your health insurance agency.

We believe that, especially with your help, we will gradually succeed in achieving the level of the Czech Republic and other EU countries in the field of HBOT. Above all, however, we will strive to help you – our patients!