Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore our FAQ section to get detailed answers to common questions about wound care, hyperbaric therapy, appointments, insurance, and more.
What is TenMed Health?
TenMed Health is a specialized wound care and hyperbaric medicine center based in Atlanta. We focus on treating chronic and complex wounds using advanced wound care techniques and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Our team of board-certified physicians is dedicated to helping patients heal faster and avoid complications like amputation.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of conditions including diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical wounds, burns, trauma wounds, and radiation injuries. We also use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for conditions like osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts, and gas gangrene.
Do I need a referral to be seen at TenMed?
While a referral from your primary care physician is helpful, it is not always required. We welcome patients who self-refer. However, for insurance coverage, some plans may require a referral, so we recommend checking with your insurer before your visit.
Who are TenMed's physicians?
Our team consists of board-certified physicians specializing in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. You can learn more about each physician, their credentials, and areas of expertise on our Physicians page at tenmedhealth.com/our-team.
Is TenMed accepting new patients?
Yes, TenMed Health is actively accepting new patients at all three of our locations — Atlanta, Cumming, and Lawrenceville. You can request an appointment online or call us directly.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment online at tenmedhealth.com/request-an-appointment, or call your nearest TenMed location directly. Our staff will confirm your appointment and let you know what to bring to your first visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card(s), a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging (X-rays, MRI), and a referral letter if required by your insurance plan. Arriving 15 minutes early to complete paperwork is recommended.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule, so we can offer the slot to another patient. You can call your clinic directly or use the patient portal.
How long does a typical visit take?
Initial consultations typically last 60–90 minutes. Follow-up wound care visits usually take 30–60 minutes depending on your treatment plan. HBOT sessions last approximately 90 minutes per dive, and most patients require multiple sessions.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
We currently offer in-person visits at our clinics to ensure thorough wound assessment and hands-on treatment. Please contact us to inquire about any available virtual consultation options for follow-ups.
What types of wound care treatments are available?
We offer a comprehensive range of advanced wound care treatments including debridement, advanced wound dressings, negative pressure wound therapy (wound VAC), collagen-based therapies, skin substitutes, bioengineered tissue grafts, and vascular assessments to address the underlying cause of your wound.
How many wound care visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on the size, depth, and cause of your wound. Chronic wounds may require weekly visits over several weeks or months. Your physician will develop a personalized care plan and monitor your progress at each visit.
Is wound care painful?
We do everything possible to minimize discomfort. Some procedures, such as debridement, may cause mild discomfort, but local anesthesia or numbing agents are used when appropriate. Our staff will keep you informed and comfortable throughout every step of your treatment.
What should I do to care for my wound at home?
Home care instructions will be provided by your care team after each visit. Generally this includes keeping the wound clean and protected, following your dressing change schedule, monitoring for signs of infection, maintaining good nutrition, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes or blood pressure.
When should I go to the ER vs. coming to TenMed?
If your wound is actively bleeding and not controlled, showing rapid spread of redness or streaking, accompanied by high fever, or if you feel severely ill — please go to the nearest emergency room. For chronic or non-emergency wounds, schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.
What therapies does TenMed offer beyond standard wound care?
In addition to advanced wound dressings and debridement, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), negative pressure wound therapy, skin substitutes and grafts, collagen treatments, and vascular evaluations. Each treatment plan is customized based on your specific diagnosis and wound characteristics.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work alongside wound care?
HBOT is used as an adjunct therapy alongside traditional wound care. By delivering 100% oxygen under increased pressure, HBOT stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), reduces inflammation, and enhances the body’s ability to fight infection — all of which accelerate wound healing.
What is negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)?
NPWT, also called wound VAC therapy, uses a vacuum device to apply controlled negative pressure to a wound. This draws out fluid, reduces swelling, promotes blood flow, and encourages healthy tissue growth. It is especially effective for larger, complex, or post-surgical wounds.
Are skin grafts or substitutes painful?
The application of biological skin substitutes is generally minimally painful and is done in a clinical setting. Traditional skin grafting is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia by our surgical partners. Your physician will discuss which option is best for your wound.
What is a diabetic foot ulcer and how is it treated?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that commonly occurs on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes. Treatment includes thorough debridement, infection control, offloading pressure from the wound, advanced wound dressings, and HBOT if needed. Early treatment significantly reduces amputation risk.
How are venous leg ulcers different from arterial ulcers?
Venous ulcers are caused by poor blood return in the veins, usually appearing around the ankle with irregular borders. Arterial ulcers result from poor arterial blood supply and tend to appear on the toes or heel with a punched-out appearance. Treatment differs: venous ulcers respond well to compression therapy, while arterial ulcers require vascular intervention first.
Can pressure ulcers (bedsores) be treated at TenMed?
Yes. We treat pressure injuries of all stages. Our team performs debridement, applies appropriate wound dressings, recommends offloading strategies, and coordinates with your care team or nursing facility to prevent recurrence and promote healing.
How can I prevent ulcers from getting worse?
Daily foot inspections (especially for diabetic patients), proper footwear, blood sugar management, smoking cessation, regular follow-up with your care team, and not walking on an open wound without protective offloading are all critical to preventing ulcer progression.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, typically at 2–3 times normal atmospheric pressure. This supersaturates the blood with oxygen, delivering it to oxygen-deprived tissues, stimulating healing, reducing infection, and promoting new blood vessel formation.
How many HBOT sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis. Most wound healing protocols involve 20–40 sessions (called dives), typically once daily, five days per week. Your physician will determine the exact number based on your response to treatment and medical condition.
What does HBOT feel like?
Most patients find HBOT relaxing. You lie comfortably inside the chamber while the pressure gradually increases — you may feel a mild sensation of fullness in your ears, similar to descending in an airplane. Once at pressure, you can read, watch TV, or rest for the approximately 90-minute session.
Are there any side effects or risks with HBOT?
HBOT is generally very safe. The most common side effect is mild ear or sinus discomfort due to pressure changes, which is usually resolved by equalizing (like yawning or swallowing). Rare risks include temporary vision changes or oxygen toxicity in susceptible individuals — your physician will screen you for contraindications before treatment.
Who is not a candidate for HBOT?
Contraindications include untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), certain chemotherapy agents that react with high oxygen, and severe claustrophobia. Conditions like COPD, ear problems, or pregnancy require special evaluation. Our physicians conduct a thorough pre-HBOT assessment for every patient.
Does TenMed accept insurance?
Yes, TenMed Health accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Coverage for wound care and HBOT varies by plan and diagnosis. We encourage you to contact our billing team or your insurance provider to verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy covered by insurance?
Medicare covers HBOT for approximately 14 approved diagnoses, including diabetic foot ulcers and chronic refractory osteomyelitis, when other treatments have failed. Private insurance coverage varies. Our team will assist you in obtaining prior authorization and verifying coverage before your first HBOT session.
How do I pay my bill?
You can pay your bill online through our secure patient portal at pp-wfe-101.advancedmd.com/159903/account/logon, by phone, or in person at any of our clinic locations. We also offer payment plan discussions for patients with financial concerns.
What if my insurance denies a claim?
Our billing team will work with you to appeal denied claims. We can provide clinical documentation and a letter of medical necessity to support your appeal. Please contact our billing department as soon as possible if you receive a denial notice.
Are there self-pay options if I don't have insurance?
Yes, we offer self-pay options. Please contact our administrative team to discuss pricing and payment arrangements. We want to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent you from receiving necessary wound care.
Where are TenMed's clinic locations?
TenMed Health has three locations: our Atlanta clinic (Chamblee area, formerly Sandy Springs), our Cumming location, and our newly opened Lawrenceville clinic. Full addresses and directions are available on our Locations page at tenmedhealth.com/locations.
Which location should I go to?
You are welcome to visit any of our three locations. We recommend choosing the one most convenient to you. All locations provide the same comprehensive wound care and HBOT services with our standardized clinical protocols.
Has the Sandy Springs location moved?
Yes — the Sandy Springs clinic has relocated to our expanded Atlanta clinic in the Chamblee area. All existing Sandy Springs patients are being seen at the new Chamblee location. Get directions at tenmedhealth.com/atlanta-wound-care-hyperbaric-center.
Is parking available at TenMed clinics?
Yes, all TenMed locations offer convenient on-site parking for patients. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when scheduling your appointment and we will ensure accommodations are made.
What are TenMed's operating hours?
Our clinics are generally open Monday through Friday. Hours may vary slightly by location. We recommend contacting your nearest TenMed clinic directly or visiting our website to confirm current hours, as they may be subject to change on holidays.
Are weekend or evening appointments available?
Currently, our standard appointments are offered during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Please contact your nearest clinic to inquire about any extended hours or special scheduling accommodations.
What should I do if I have a wound emergency after hours?
For life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For urgent but non-life-threatening wound concerns after clinic hours, please leave a message and our on-call team will return your call as soon as possible.
Are there any holiday closures I should be aware of?
TenMed observes major federal holidays. If you have an appointment near a holiday, we will contact you in advance to reschedule if needed. You can also call your clinic or check our website for any holiday schedule updates.