Portneuf Wound and Hyperbaric Center recently commemorated its 15-year anniversary, highlighting sustained growth in patient volumes and expanded use of advanced wound care therapies over the past two years. The Center continues to elevate standards in wound management and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), drawing on a team of experts to deliver strong outcomes.
In 2024 and 2025, the center reported record utilization of HBOT, with more than 1,600 HBOT sessions administered in 20225 alone. The therapy delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment and is used as part of a broader treatment approach for patients with chronic and complex wounds, including those associated with diabetes, infections, radiation injury and vascular conditions.
Wounds may not heal on their own due to various factors, such as poor circulation, arterial and venous diseases, infections, nutrient deficiencies, trauma to the wound area, and others. As the regional population affected by these conditions continues to grow, our center has expanded to meet the needs of our community.
The center tracks patient healing milestones through a longstanding recognition program. Since 2013, patients have been invited to place a pebble in a display in the clinic following a wound healing. There are now three displays in the clinic with pebbles representing more than 7,000 healed wounds over time.
Portneuf Wound and Hyperbaric Center operates through a partnership between Portneuf Medical Center and Healogics, a national provider of wound care services. Within the Healogics network, the center has received multiple performance recognitions, including eleven Center of Distinction awards and eight Center of Excellence designations, based on clinical and operational metrics. The program has also received a Clinical Excellence award and a President’s Circle recognition.
The facility maintains accreditation from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), first achieved in 2013 and renewed in 2025. UHMS accreditation is specific to hyperbaric medicine and involves a comprehensive review process. The center also adheres to standards set by Portneuf Medical Center, Ardent Health, The Joint Commission, and the National Fire Protection Association.
The clinical team includes physicians and specialists across multiple disciplines. Medical Director Dr. Julio Vasquez, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, oversees clinical protocols. Additional providers include Dr. Jared Price, certified in wound care, sports medicine, and family medicine; Dr. Buitrago, an infectious disease specialist; Dr. Vermon Esplin, an orthopedic hand surgeon; and Dr. Willis Parmley, an emergency medicine physician. Nursing leadership includes Nurse Manager Roxanne Symons, who has been with the center for more than a decade.
As Portneuf Wound and Hyperbaric marked its 15th year in 2025, the milestone served as a reflection on its evolution into a regional leader. Founded in 2010, the center has grown to address the rising demand for specialized wound care, particularly in an aging population and among those with diabetes or vascular issues.
“Patients come to see us from all around the region,” says Program Director, Ethan Ennis. “We treat patients from as far away as Salmon, Burley, and Bear Lake area. The quickest way to heal a wound is by having an MD or DO who specializes in wound care visually assess your wound and apply advanced wound care treatment.”
Looking ahead, the center plans to continue exploring opportunities to expand services and incorporate emerging wound care technologies.
For more information about Portneuf Wound and Hyperbaric Center, call 208-239-2670.