What is Hill Country Wound Care And Hyperbarics?

Specialized treatment for chronic, acute, and hard-to-heal wounds in San Antonio, including advanced hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate healing.

Do I need a doctor's referral to be seen at Hill Country Wound Care?

While many patients are referred by their primary care physicians, you may also contact us directly to schedule an evaluation. We work closely with your existing care team to ensure coordinated treatment.

What insurance plans does Hill Country Wound Care accept?

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans. Our team will verify your specific coverage before your first visit so there are no surprises.

Where are your clinic locations?

We have three convenient locations serving Greater San Antonio: Bulverde (serving the Hill Country), Live Oak (serving Northeast San Antonio), and Southwest San Antonio. Each location is staffed by the same physician-led team.

How quickly can I be seen?

Most patients are seen within 48 hours of their initial contact. Physician-referred patients are typically scheduled even faster. Contact any of our clinics for current availability.

Do you accept walk-ins?

We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure you receive immediate physician attention. However, we prioritize urgent wound cases and will accommodate walk-in patients when possible. Call ahead to confirm.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of your current medications, any prior wound care records or imaging, and a list of your medical conditions. If referred by a physician, bring the referral documentation.

How long does a typical wound care visit take?

Initial consultations typically take 45–60 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually 20–30 minutes. HBOT sessions take approximately 90 minutes including preparation and pressurization.

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Yes. We understand that life happens. Please call your clinic as soon as possible if you need to reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a fee.

Does Medicare cover wound care?

Yes. Medicare covers wound care services, including debridement, advanced dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (for approved indications), when medically necessary and properly documented.

What will I owe out of pocket?

Out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance plan and the services needed. Our team will verify your benefits and give you a clear picture of any expected costs before beginning treatment.

Do you accept workers' compensation?

Yes. We accept workers' compensation claims for work-related wound injuries and illnesses. Our team will coordinate directly with your employer's carrier.

What if I don't have insurance?

We offer flexible payment plans and financing options. Contact our billing team to discuss options that work for your situation.

What types of wounds do you treat?

We treat the full spectrum of complex and chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical wounds, burn wounds, traumatic wounds, radiation injuries, osteomyelitis, and more.

How long does wound healing take?

Healing time varies significantly by wound type, size, depth, and your overall health. Many patients see meaningful improvement within 4–8 weeks of consistent specialist care. Deeply infected or poorly vascularized wounds may require longer treatment.

What is debridement and does it hurt?

Debridement is the removal of dead, infected, or damaged tissue from a wound to enable healing. We use the most appropriate type for your wound — surgical, enzymatic, or autolytic. Our team takes every measure to ensure patient comfort, including local anesthesia when needed.

What are advanced wound dressings?

Advanced wound dressings go beyond standard gauze. They include foam, hydrocolloid, alginate, silver antimicrobial, and collagen dressings — each selected based on your wound's moisture levels, infection status, and healing stage.

Do you treat infected wounds?

Yes. We specialize in infected wound management including osteomyelitis (bone infection). Infection treatment may include debridement, antimicrobial dressings, IV antibiotics (coordinated with your physician), negative pressure therapy, and HBOT.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

HBOT is a medical treatment where you breathe 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Under increased pressure, your blood carries dramatically more oxygen — up to 10–15x normal — delivering it to oxygen-starved, non-healing wound tissue.

Yes. HBOT is FDA-cleared and has an excellent safety record when administered in a proper clinical setting under physician supervision. The most common side effect is mild ear pressure (similar to an airplane), which resolves quickly.

How many HBOT sessions will I need?

Treatment plans are individualized. Most Medicare-approved wound indications require 20–40 sessions. Your physician will determine the appropriate number based on your wound's response to therapy.

What conditions does HBOT treat?

FDA-approved HBOT indications include diabetic lower extremity wounds, radiation tissue damage (osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis/proctitis), refractory osteomyelitis, failed skin grafts and flaps, crush injuries, and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

What should I wear during HBOT?

We provide comfortable, breathable clothing free of static hazards. Metal jewelry, watches, and hearing aids must be removed. Please arrive in casual, loose-fitting clothing.

Can I bring someone into the chamber with me?

HBOT chambers are designed for individual treatment. However, a support person may wait in our lounge during your session. We encourage family involvement in your care plan.

Why do diabetics get foot ulcers?

Diabetes damages both nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels. Neuropathy reduces sensation so small injuries go unnoticed, while poor circulation slows healing. Together, minor wounds can become serious, deep ulcers.

Can a diabetic foot ulcer lead to amputation?

Without proper care, severe diabetic foot ulcers can progress to bone infection (osteomyelitis) and may require amputation. Early specialist intervention dramatically reduces this risk — which is why prompt evaluation is critical.

How long does diabetic foot ulcer treatment take?

Most patients see significant improvement within 4–8 weeks with consistent care. Healing time depends on wound depth, infection severity, and circulation. Our physicians create a personalized timeline at your first evaluation.

Can a diabetic foot ulcer be healed without surgery?

Yes. Many diabetic ulcers heal with advanced non-surgical therapies like hyperbaric oxygen, debridement, negative pressure therapy, and specialized dressings. Surgery may be needed only if there's severe infection or tissue death.

Can diabetic foot ulcers be prevented?

Yes. Daily foot inspection, proper footwear, blood sugar control, and regular professional care can prevent most ulcers. If an ulcer develops, early specialist care prevents complications.

What is a venous ulcer?

A venous ulcer is a chronic wound on the lower leg caused by venous insufficiency — when damaged vein valves allow blood to pool in the legs. The resulting high pressure damages skin and underlying tissue, creating wounds that are notoriously slow to heal.

Does compression therapy hurt?

Medical compression may feel tight initially, especially if your legs are swollen. Our team will carefully size and apply compression and adjust if needed. Most patients find compression comfortable and notice reduced swelling quickly.

What exactly causes a venous leg ulcer?

Venous leg ulcers happen when the one-way valves in your leg veins weaken or fail, letting blood pool in your lower legs. That extra pressure, called venous hypertension, stretches your skin, reduces oxygen delivery, and eventually leads to a sore that won't heal on its own.

How long will it take my ulcer to heal with treatment?

Healing times vary depending on size, depth, and how long the ulcer's been present. With our comprehensive approach, including compression wraps, advanced dressings, and if needed HBOT, most patients see significant improvement within 6–12 weeks.

What treatment options are available?

We offer Customized Compression Therapy (gradient wraps or stockings to improve circulation), Advanced Wound Care (gentle debridement and moisture-balanced antimicrobial dressings), Biologic Skin Grafts for stalled ulcers, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Will compression stockings really help?

Yes. Compression is the cornerstone of venous ulcer healing. By applying graduated pressure (highest at the ankle, easing toward the calf), stockings help push pooled blood back up your leg. We'll fit you properly and teach you correct application.

Can venous ulcers heal without surgery?

Yes. The majority of venous ulcers can be healed without surgery using proper compression therapy, wound care, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery (such as vein procedures) may be recommended in some cases to address underlying venous insufficiency.

How do I know if I have venous insufficiency?

Common signs include swollen ankles and legs, varicose veins, skin discoloration (brownish or reddish skin near ankles), skin thickening, and wounds that won't heal on the inner ankle or lower leg.

How long does each HBOT session last?

Each HBOT session typically lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. The number of sessions required varies, but many patients undergo treatment multiple times over several weeks for the best results.

What does HBOT feel like? Will I feel any discomfort?

Most patients report mild pressure in their ears (similar to an airplane descent) during the first few minutes, followed by a comfortable, relaxing session. You can relieve the pressure by yawning or swallowing. Most people read, watch TV, or nap during treatment.

Can I resume normal activities after HBOT treatment?

Yes, most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment. While some may feel slightly tired following the session, this usually resolves quickly, and there are no major restrictions on daily activities.

How soon can I expect to see results from HBOT?

While the timeline for results varies, many patients begin to notice improvement after several sessions. The effectiveness of HBOT depends on the type and severity of the condition being treated. Your physician will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

Who is a good candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Patients with chronic, non-healing wounds, radiation injuries, diabetic ulcers, and other conditions that affect circulation or oxygen delivery to tissues are ideal candidates for HBOT. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and condition to determine if HBOT is right for you.

Is HBOT covered by insurance?

Medicare and most major insurance plans cover HBOT for approved indications (like diabetic wounds and radiation injuries). Our care coordinators verify your coverage and handle prior authorizations before treatment begins — no financial surprises.

Can HBOT help if standard wound care hasn't worked?

For certain FDA-cleared indications — such as Wagner Grade 3+ diabetic foot ulcers — HBOT may be added when wounds haven't improved after 30 days of standard care. Your physician will evaluate whether your condition meets Medicare-covered criteria.

What is the difference between a pressure ulcer, bedsore, and pressure injury?

These terms all refer to the same condition — localized skin and tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony prominences. 'Pressure injury' is the current preferred clinical term (updated by NPIAP in 2016), as it covers both open and intact skin presentations. 'Bedsore' and 'pressure ulcer' are older terms still widely used by patients and families.

What are the stages of pressure injuries?

Pressure injuries are classified in 4 stages plus additional categories: Stage 1 (non-blanchable redness, intact skin), Stage 2 (partial thickness skin loss), Stage 3 (full thickness skin loss, subcutaneous tissue visible), Stage 4 (full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle), Unstageable (covered by eschar/slough), and Deep Tissue Injury (purple/maroon discoloration or blood-filled blister).

Who is most at risk for developing pressure injuries?

High-risk individuals include those who are bedbound or use a wheelchair, have limited sensation due to spinal cord injury or neuropathy, have poor nutrition or low body weight, are incontinent, have fragile or aged skin, or are recovering from surgery. Chronic conditions like diabetes and vascular disease also significantly increase risk.

How long does it take for a pressure ulcer to heal?

Healing time varies widely by stage and individual health. Stage 1 and 2 wounds may heal within weeks with proper offloading and wound care. Stage 3 and 4 injuries can take months. Our physicians track your progress at every visit and adjust the treatment plan to keep healing on track.

Does insurance cover pressure ulcer treatment?

Yes — Medicare and most major insurance plans cover medically necessary wound care for pressure injuries. Our care coordinators verify your benefits and handle prior authorizations before treatment begins, so you have no financial surprises.

Do I need a referral to be seen for a pressure wound?

While many patients are referred by their primary care physician, hospitalist, or home health agency, you can also contact us directly. Some insurance plans may require a referral — our team will help verify your coverage and determine what's needed before your first visit.

What is the difference between HBOT and other wound care therapies?

HBOT is an adjunct therapy for qualifying conditions, not a replacement for comprehensive wound care. It works by delivering 100% oxygen under pressure to increase tissue oxygenation and support healing. Other therapies address specific aspects like infection control, moisture balance, debridement, or growth factor delivery. The most effective approach often combines multiple evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific wound.

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Hill Country Wound Care and Hyperbarics provides physician-led wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at our three Greater San Antonio locations: Bulverde, Live Oak, and Southwest San Antonio. Our team treats diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, radiation injuries, osteomyelitis, and other complex wounds. To schedule an appointment or speak with our team, call (210) 610-8154.

Greater San Antonio

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Our physician-led team is here to help. Schedule your appointment at any of our three Greater San Antonio locations.

(210) 610-8154