CHRISTUS St. Vincent 

Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center

The CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Wound & Hyperbaric Center is dedicated to the provision of state-of-the-art, outpatient clinical wound care and hyperbaric medicine. We are the first Center in the state to receive the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) National Accreditation. Our Center was evaluated based on patient care, safety, education, and a physical evaluation of the facility.

Our professional staff provides specialized, comprehensive therapy to assist in healing problematic wounds. We work with patients' regular physicians to ensure continuity of medical care. We want physicians to think of our Center as an extension of their practice. Referring physicians maintain the care of their patient's underlying disease and continue to provide for the patient's overall care. When you refer a patient, the patient meets with our staff for a consultation, including an examination and medical history evaluation. Information regarding the patient's progress, along with updated photos of the wound, will be submitted to you at your request. You are always welcome to call the Center for an update. The patient remains under your care. The Center only treats the wound.

The coordinated use of a variety of clinical treatments, debridement, medicines, dressings, and support services to treat chronic wounds has proven highly effective in facilitating the healing process.

A Referral Form to the Wound and Hyperbaric Center is available. Call 505-913-3180

Hours & Locations

CHRISTUS

St. Vincent Regional Wound & Hyperbaric Center

Hours
  • Monday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dealing with Problem Wounds

Nearly six million Americans suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds. There are many different types of wounds. Some are associated with complications from diabetes and other related vascular disorders. Other types include pressure sores and traumatic wounds. It can be very frustrating and time consuming to heal these wounds. The CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Wound & Hyperbaric Center is an extension of the overall wound care program at CHRISTUS St. Vincent. Patients receiving inpatient wound care are transferred to the outpatient component by inpatient wound care nurses, hospitalists, case managers, and patients' primary care physicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a candidate for our Wound Care Center? 

If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing wound, speak with your physician about our Wound Care Center. You may be a candidate for our outpatient program.

If you are, the Wound Care Center will work with you and your doctor to deliver:

  • Advanced therapies
  • Proven clinical protocols
  • An individualized, comprehensive plan of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your particular needs
  • Assessment and ongoing care by our highly skilled team of wound care specialists, including a case manager who will oversee every aspect of your case
  • Thorough training for you and your family on caring for the wound at home
  • Education materials and resources related to prevention, nutrition, hygiene and other key topics for you and your family
  • Ongoing communication so that you and your doctor stay informed and up-to-date on all aspects of your healing.
  • The Wound Care Center can provide treatment through the use of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (HBO) which is a means of providing additional oxygen to the tissues of your body.

No referral is necessary for access to the Center, however we do want to know which physicians you have been seeing.

How can I get ready for my hyperbaric chamber appointment? 

For safety reasons there are certain items not allowed inside the hyperbaric chamber. Please do not wear or bring the following into the chamber during your treatment.

  • Makeup
  • Alcohol or petroleum based products
  • Perfume
  • Cell phones/pagers
  • Aftershave
  • Metallic items (such as jewelry, titanium frame eyeglasses, keys, watches and coins
  • Hairspray/hair oils
  • Flammable materials or heat producing items (heating pad, lighters, cigarettes)
  • Wigs/hairpieces
  • Hearing aids
  • Nail polish
  • Food, gum or candy

Ask your hyperbaric physician for advice on wearing contact lenses, dentures, partial plates or hearing aides during treatment. You should also refrain from smoking or the use of tobacco products over the entire course of treatment. Tobacco use will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site due to its constricting effect on the blood vessels in your body.

 

What should I do if I'm sick and/or taking medication? 

You should inform the staff at the Center if you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Alert the staff to any medications you are taking or changes in medication during the course of your treatment.

If you are diabetic, please eat properly and continue to take your prescription medication to control blood sugar level. Your blood sugar level will also be checked before, during and after each visit to the Center.

 

What happens when I arrive for hyperbaric oxygen therapy? 

After an initial consultation and examination at the Center, you will be ready to begin your treatment. When you arrive, you will receive complete instructions regarding your treatment. Before starting, you will change into a 100% cotton garment provided by the Center. For safety reasons, no other clothing may be worn inside the hyperbaric oxygen treatment chamber.

Is my hyperbaric oxygen therapy reimbursed? 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is reimbursable by Medicare and most other third party payors for certain clinical applications. Reimbursement, however, varies and pre- authorization for this service may be required by the patient's health care plan. The Center will work with you to ascertain coverage.

Is high pressure oxygen therapy safe? 

You will be closely monitored by a hyperbaric medicine team who will also work with your physicians to assure your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is safe and effective. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy usually has limited or no after or side effects. Your hyperbaric medical team physician will discuss possible side effects with you directly.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy painful?  

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not painful. During certain parts of the treatment you may feel a plugging in your ears from the pressurization, similar to when you are flying in an airplane or diving to the bottom of a pool of water.

How many treatments are needed? 

The number of treatments administered will depend on your specific condition. Your hyperbaric oxygen team of specialists will discuss your treatment course before you begin therapy. Some conditions may require as many as 20-40 treatments. The treatment course depends on your body's response to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

How long do treatments last? 

Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments typically last 90-120 minutes and are administered 1-2 times daily, 5-6 days a week.