Our Medical Director
North Shore Health and Hyperbarics is the medical practice of Kevin Harrison, MD, FACS. Dr. Harrison has over 35 years experience in medicine. He is a board certified surgeon and certified in Hyperbaric medicine.
Our Mission
To focus on improving our patients' condition, as well as, their overall well-being. We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy and wound care. Some patients require HBOT and Wound Care while others require either HBOT or Wound Care. On the patient's first visit, Dr. Harrison will layout his plan for how to best heal the patient. Dr. Harrison or his partner, Dr. Tomasula will be present for all HBOT and will administer all wound care.
Dr. Tomasula is also a board certified surgeon with over 35 years experience.
Our staff of certified hyperbaric technicians have an average of 10 years in the field. Their experience, knowledge and care for the patient is what makes us the best in the field.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The air we normally breathe only contains 19-21% oxygen. During HBOT, patients breathe 100% pure oxygen. Under these conditions, the lungs can gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. The increased oxygen assists the body’s natural healing ability. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also helps the body build new connective tissue. Consequently, HBOT may assist the body’s organs in
functioning more efficiently altogether. It is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness which is a hazard of scuba diving or carbon monoxide poisoning. Other conditions treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include non-healing diabetic ulcers, radiation damage, pre/post cosmetic surgery, serious infections and air embolism.
How does the body normally transport oxygen?
Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body by red blood cells. Because HBOT forces oxygen into the body under pressure, oxygen dissolves into all of the body’s fluid, including the plasma, the lymph, and the cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These fluids can carry the extra oxygen to areas where circulation is poor or blocked. In this way, more oxygen can reach damaged tissues and the body has a greater opportunity to support its own healing.
How many treatments are needed and how often?
Each condition is different, the patient is evaluated according to their needs. The minimum amount of treatments is usually 10, although there are some situations where a patient may require less. The average patient typically requires 30-40 treatments or dives, each of which lasts approximately 60-120 minutes. In order for the treatments to be effective a patient should have no less than three treatments per week.
Is HBOT right for me?
HBOT is a non-invasive, painless, and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. There are currently 13 conditions treatable with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which are approved by the FDA. There are numerous “off-label” uses for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy that doctors may prescribe.
Approved Conditions Treatable with HBOT. These conditions are typically covered by insurance.
Air or Gas Embolism
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Smoke Inhalation
Gas Gangrene
Crush Injury
Acute Traumatic Ischemia
Decompression Sickness
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Osteomyelitis
Radiation Tissue Damage (Osteoradionecrosis)
Severe Anemia
Skin Grafts and Flaps (Compromised)
Thermal Burns
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
The following are known as "off label" which are typically NOT covered by insurance.
ADD/ADHD
ALS
Migraines
Alzheimer’s Disease
Mitochondrial Disorders
Anoxic Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Autism
Near Drowning
Pre/Post Surgery
Pre/Post Cosmetic Surgery
Bell’s Palsy
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Cerebral Palsy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic Fatigue
Wound Care - Non-Healing or Chronic Wounds
Patients who suffer from a non-healing or chronic wound, can expect our team to deliver an individualized treatment plan to facilitate healing.
A comprehensive wound care plan may include of the following:
- Debridement
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
- Specialty Dressings and Wraps
- Compression Therapy
- Topical Medications
If you are interested in HBOT or Wound Care please call us at 516-487-1902 or email us. We would be happy to speak with you about how our facility can help you heal.
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