May 14, 2009

By Rick Winterson

If you need medically required oxygen or respiratory medications, availability and professional service are nearby.  Respiratory Solutions, Inc., is at 383 Dorchester Avenue, and already provides 24/7/365 support to a number of South Boston residents.

There are a number of ways to treat breathing problems resulting from respiratory diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).  Medicines can be administered via inhalers and “nebulizers” for asthma and severe allergies.  Oxygen between 95% and 100% purity can be obtained in rechargeable reservoirs or from devices known as “concentrators”.

These alternates must prescribed by a medical doctor or other licensed medical practitioner, just like any other prescription medicine.  The difference here is that some fairly complicated equipment is also required.  Patients need to learn how to use this equipment, and it must be maintained and serviced.  Several options have to be explored, to find the one that best fits the needs and desires of each individual patient.

This is where Respiratory Solutions of South Boston comes in.  As Michael Ceglie, the Respiratory Solutions Center Manager at 383 Dorchester Avenue, puts it, “We provide equipment but we actually sell service.  We educate and train our clients in using our equipment; we inspect and maintain it more often than the minimum protocols require, and most important, we are available at all times.”

In addition to providing the optimum treatment for each customer, there are also quality-of-life issues.  A home concentrator comes with tubing that extends for 100 feet, which gives reasonable flexibility inside the customer’s dwelling.  There are portable oxygen systems that allow trips to the beach and for shopping.  Many clients can even play a round of golf, since the portable units last up to five hours.

For 100% pure oxygen, a refillable liquid oxygen (LOX) alternate is available.  The use of inhalers compared to nebulizers is often decided based upon the mobility and dexterity of the patient.  Obviously, with so many good choices available, a careful assessment of each potential customer is essential.  The intake process is easy and quick; feedback on how well each patient is doing is provided to the physician by Respiratory Solutions.

To work effectively with each patient and his/her doctor, Respiratory Solutions employs a staff of seven, overseen by Michael Ceglie.  His Customer Service person is Keri Saccardo.  It’s her voice you’ll hear when you call Respiratory Solutions at (617)269-8988.  Technical assessment, patient training, and follow-up are performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.  Field work is split between two sales representatives and two service technicians.  With an experienced staff in place, Respiratory Solutions is in a growth mode.  Michael Ceglie estimates he can effectively handle at least a 20% business growth, anywhere in South Boston or the surrounding neighborhoods.  It’s worth checking them out.

Respiratory Solutions is a wholly-owned acquisition of Lincare, a nationwide respiratory medical device corporation.  Lincare has been in the business for 40 years.  This is a major benefit for the patient who wants to travel – weddings, funerals, reunions, and so on – because Lincare can service the traveler’s need anywhere in the continental U.S.  Right in the traveler’s hotel room, if necessary.  You are able to get “small office care” from a national firm.

Usually, Medicare pays for oxygen and the equipment.  New Medicare rules have tightened up the payments made, but so far, Respiratory Solutions intends to keep its clients whole.  For the foreseeable future, there’ll be no added costs to customers of Respiratory Solutions.

On the personal side, Center Manager Michael Ceglie is from Braintree.  He and his wife Renee live there, and are expecting in October.  Their parents came from South Boston.  They enjoy movies and sports.