The Hyperbaric Medicine Foundation (HMF) is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the benefits and practice of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Established as a 501(c)(3) entity, HMF's mission centers on promoting safer, more effective, and accessible hyperbaric care through collaboration among hospital clinics, free-standing clinics, individual practitioners, therapists, researchers, and patients.

History and Purpose

The foundation was formed to provide a unified national voice for various stakeholders involved in hyperbaric medicine, addressing challenges faced by individuals and organizations in gaining recognition and coverage for hyperbaric treatments. HMF works to bridge the gap between diverse practitioners and institutions, facilitating communication and advocacy efforts to expand insurance coverage and adoption of hyperbaric therapies for a broader range of medical indications.

Mission and Vision

HMF envisions a sustainable and flexible hyperbaric care model that integrates private and hospital-based facilities to deliver high-quality treatment at lower costs. The foundation aims to advance HBOT as a recognized and widely accepted medical treatment, emphasizing patient safety, efficacy, and inclusivity.

One of the foundation's significant goals includes ensuring access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel, particularly for neurological injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). HMF advocates for insurance coverage of these therapies within both public and private sectors to support healing among service members.

Activities and Partnerships

HMF collaborates with a wide array of partners, including hyperbaric industry professionals, research organizations, government entities, allied technology practitioners, and patient advocacy groups. Through these partnerships, the foundation pursues positive changes in clinical practices, insurance policies, and public awareness to benefit both providers and patients.

Leadership

The foundation's leadership team comprises experts in organizational development, hospital administration, medical insurance, safety and certification, patient advocacy, medical research, veteran initiatives, as well as nonprofit management and fundraising. Paul S. Hoffecker serves as the CEO, guiding the organization's strategic direction and outreach.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit, HMF primarily relies on contributions, which constituted the majority of its revenue, with minimal income from investments or other sources. The organization reported total assets of approximately $31,000 with liabilities around $5,400 as of its 2022 fiscal year-end.

This summary reflects HMF’s role as an advocate and facilitator in the hyperbaric medicine field, focused on expanding the therapeutic use and insurance acceptance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the United States.

[1] https://hyperbaricmedicinefoundation.org/about/ [2] https://hyperbaricmedicinefoundation.org [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/813293665 [4] https://www.uhms.org/about-the-uhms.html [5] https://www.uhms.org/accreditation/accreditation-for-hyperbaric-medicine.html