Dr. Robert Pinnick has become the first Central Oregon physician to achieve board certification by the American Board of Preventative Medicine as a specialist in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

This follows Bend Memorial Clinic becoming the first accredited facility in the state of Oregon for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in 2009. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while inside a high-pressure chamber. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been used for more than 40 years to help people recover from illnesses such as carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression illness commonly referred to as “The Bends”.  HBOT can play an important role in the treatment of wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and in patients suffering from serious radiation injury to bladder, bowel, chest or jaw.

“At BMC, we have successfully treated a great number of patients using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy,” said Pinnick.  “For many patients these treatments have been life changing and have worked when other treatment options have been exhausted. We have seen HBOT retain limbs of patients and successfully mend deep and dramatic internal wounds and, literally, give our patients a new lease on life.”

BMC is the only facility in Central Oregon to offer this service, which is covered by Medicare and most insurance.  Previously patients needing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy had to travel long distances for treatment. “

Our patients come to us having tried to heal long-standing wounds and very serious internal injuries that have significantly diminished their quality of life,” said Pinnick.  “Often they are in a great deal of pain and desperate for relief.  To provide HBOT as a successful treatment option in Central Oregon is absolutely inspiring.” For more information on how to receive this treatment, please call 541-382-2811.

image_printPrint

Post Comment