An Interview with Dr. Villines
What does HBO stand for?
"HBO" stands for "hyperbaric oxygen;" usually we call it "HBOT," meaning "hyperbaric-oxygen therapy."
What do you treat at your clinic?
We have the first free-standing hyperbaric oxygen clinic in Arkansas. Our clinic was opened to treat traditional indications as well as what have become known as "off-label" indications for HBOT. Those are mostly neurological problems, they're called "off-label" because they're not officially recognized by the FDA or by insurance companies. Those indications include: traumatic brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, brain damage due to hypoxia, such as near-drowning, near-hanging, and post-cardiac resuscitation. There are other potential indications, such as fibromyalgia, arthritic conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of sport injuries. Also, we sometimes treat compromised grafts or flaps, resulting from elective cosmetic surgery. We also treat traditional indications for HBOT (listed on the home page) for patients who have limited incomes or who lack insurance coverage.
When did you open this clinic?
The clinic was opened in June of 2008.
Why did you choose to open this clinic?
I have been involved with HBOT for over 15 years now, primarily associated with hospital wound centers. I became increasingly frustrated that we were unable to treat certain indications, namely neurological problems, in a hospital-based unit. This was primarily because of restrictions placed by insurance companies. This even affected patients with traditionally-accepted indications who have insurance policies that do not cover HBOT.
Do I have to have a referral to come to your clinic?
No. You can be self-referred. You don't have to have a referral from your primary care physician.
Do you do autism assessments at your clinic?
We don't do assessments. That is not within my realm of specialty. We do treat children with autism. The assessment of autism is better done at a developmental testing center, such as the one they have at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Does insurance cover HBOT?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of the 13 traditional indications for HBOT. Other insurance companies totally exclude coverage of HBOT for any indication. Almost no insurance companies will provide coverage for "off-label" indications. If a patient has a condition that is covered by their insurance company, we would refer those patients to a hospital-based unit where they could file their insurance.
What would my treatment schedule be like?
Treatment is usually daily for 60 minutes, Monday through Friday. The number of treatments depends on the condition we're treating; it may be just a few treatments or as many as 20 to 40 treatments. Treatments work best if they're given on a consecutive, uninterrupted basis.
