In the ever-evolving world of medical advancements, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for various health conditions. By delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing process, promotes tissue repair, and accelerates recovery from injuries, infections, and even neurological disorders. Once primarily used to treat decompression sickness in divers, this therapy is now gaining widespread recognition for its ability to support patients with chronic wounds, traumatic brain injuries, and other complex medical conditions.

Despite its proven benefits, many individuals in need of hyperbaric treatment face barriers to access—often due to strict insurance policies or a lack of specialized clinics offering this life-changing therapy. For example, a patient recovering from radiation therapy may experience painful tissue damage, yet be denied coverage for hyperbaric treatment because their condition does not meet the rigid criteria set by insurance providers. Frustrated by these limitations, many turn to private centers, searching for a place where they can receive the care they need without unnecessary restrictions.

This is where Erika Jordan steps in. As a seasoned expert in hyperbaric medicine, Erika saw firsthand how many patients were being turned away due to insurance constraints, despite clear medical benefits. Driven by her passion for healing and a deep commitment to patient care, she founded Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, a facility dedicated to making HBOT more accessible to those in need. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Erika has built a center that combines hospital-level safety standards with a personalized, patient-focused approach, ensuring that more people can experience the transformative power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Her journey began with a strong foundation in diagnostic medical sonography, where she received specialized training in echocardiography, general ultrasound, obstetrics, and vascular ultrasound. However, her passion for hyperbaric medicine led her to pursue further qualifications, including becoming a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and obtaining certifications as a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) from the National Board of Diving Hyperbaric Medical Technology and a Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) from the American Board of Wound Healing.

Building a Career in Hyperbaric Medicine

Erika’s hyperbaric career began when she was just 18 years old, working at a private hyperbaric facility that treated both off-label hyperbaric medical conditions and a few insurance-covered conditions. Over eight years, she climbed the ranks from an aide to office manager and eventually became the facility’s Hyperbaric Safety Director. Her deep curiosity and desire for growth led her to explore the hospital sector, where she worked as a Hyperbaric Safety Director, treating only insurance-approved conditions.

With years of hands-on experience across different hyperbaric settings, Erika realized that her knowledge, expertise, and vision were enough to take the bold step of establishing her own center.

Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center

Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center was incorporated on November 4, 2017, but due to the complex build-out and permitting process, the clinic officially welcomed its first patient in June 2018.

The motivation behind starting her own center stemmed from her experiences in hospital settings, where she frequently had to turn patients away due to strict insurance criteria. Seeing patients struggle to access treatment simply because they didn’t meet insurance requirements was heartbreaking for her. She questioned why patients had to wait until their conditions worsened before being eligible for treatment.

“With my center, I wanted to create a place where anyone in need—regardless of age or insurance status—could receive care,” she shares. Erika’s goal was to combine the safety standards of hospital-based hyperbaric units with the comfort and personalized attention of a private medical practice.

Since its inception, the Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center has expanded significantly. The Orlando location grew from two to four hyperbaric chambers, and a second location was opened in New Smyrna Beach, which now houses three chambers. Today, her company operates in two locations with a total of seven hyperbaric chambers.

A Unique Approach to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Erika’s business specializes in medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy, administered by trained medical professionals and overseen by a hyperbaric-trained medical director. What sets her clinic apart is its ability to offer both insurance-covered treatments and out-of-pocket treatments for off-label conditions. Unlike many hospital-based hyperbaric centers, which are limited to treating only insurance-approved conditions, Erika’s clinics provide hyperbaric therapy for a broader range of medical concerns, ensuring that more people can access the benefits of this powerful treatment.

Her center treats patients of all ages and customizes treatment protocols based on the latest medical research.

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy remains the core service, the company continues to evolve. Erika plans to expand operations by:

• Extending operating hours to accommodate more patients in need.

• Opening additional centers to increase accessibility to hyperbaric therapy.

• Staying at the forefront of research to refine treatment protocols and enhance patient outcomes.

As the industry grows, Erika is committed to ensuring that no patient is turned away due to a lack of insurance coverage.

Long-Term Vision and Team Development

The long-term vision for the Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center is to open multiple locations across different regions, making hyperbaric oxygen therapy widely available. Erika recognizes that her dedicated team is instrumental in achieving this vision.

She fosters a work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and aligned with the company’s mission. From day one, new hires are instilled with the center’s passion for safety, patient care, and medical excellence. The company also rewards hard work, ensuring that employees grow alongside the business.

Challenges in the Hyperbaric Medicine Industry

“One of the biggest challenges in the private hyperbaric sector is ensuring safety. Hyperbaric therapy involves working with medical-grade oxygen and high-pressure environments, which, if not properly managed, can be dangerous,” Erika shares.

Having worked in various facilities, Erika has seen both exemplary safety protocols and serious lapses in safety standards. She took it upon herself to implement hospital-level safety measures in her private clinic—something that is not required but that she believes is essential for patient well-being.

To reinforce safety and transparency:

• The clinic displays annual maintenance certifications in the entryway for patients to see.

• Preventive maintenance is conducted annually by the chamber manufacturer.

• The staff performs regular in-house safety checks (start-up, closing, weekly, monthly, and semi-annual).

• On-site safety directors conduct medical and emergency drills with the team to keep them prepared for any situation.

She has also raised concerns about competitors cutting corners while charging similar prices, emphasizing that patient safety should never be compromised for profit.

Overcoming Barriers to Growth

As the company continues to grow, one of the major barriers to expansion is finding the perfect location for the third center. Since hyperbaric chambers require specific building codes and safety regulations, not all properties are suitable for housing such a facility.

Once the ideal location is secured, the build-out process can take several months. However, Erika remains optimistic and is actively working toward announcing the opening of a third location soon.

Core Strengths and Leadership Approach

One of the greatest strengths of the Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center is its dedicated team. The clinic’s customized treatment protocols, overseen by a hyperbaric-trained medical director, are backed by cutting-edge research and an empathetic patient-centered approach.

Unlike some businesses that rush the hiring process, Erika takes the time to carefully select and train her employees. She believes that hiring the right people is crucial for delivering the highest quality care. While this approach requires extra time and effort, it ensures that patients receive treatment from highly skilled, compassionate professionals.

As a leader, Erika places a strong emphasis on empathy and open communication. She understands that her team members come from diverse backgrounds and that their roles can be stressful at times.

Having worked in various positions herself, she can relate to the challenges her employees face. She encourages open discussions and actively listens to their concerns, creating an environment where employees feel valued and respected.

Ensuring Customer Satisfaction and Continuous Improvement

Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, ensuring that every individual receives the highest level of treatment and attention. This commitment begins with a rigorous onboarding program that instills the company’s culture and high standards of etiquette, ensuring that every team member upholds the clinic’s values. Additionally, a continuous feedback system allows patient reviews to play a crucial role in shaping improvements in care, reinforcing a patient-centered approach. The clinic also fosters a culture of listening and learning, ensuring that patients feel heard, understood, and valued throughout their healing journey.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Erika’s advice to aspiring business leaders is simple yet powerful:

“Find what you love and do it! Success doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence and passion will take you far. Keep growing, even if it means switching companies or taking risks to follow your dreams.”

Her journey—from working as an aide in a private hyperbaric center to becoming the founder of a rapidly growing medical business—is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Through the Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, Erika Jordan continues to redefine the standard of care, ensuring that more people have access to the healing power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.