As a U.S.-licensed respiratory therapist and former ENT physician, I have seen firsthand how respiratory illnesses can devastate lives when early intervention is out of reach. From hospital wards in Moscow to respiratory units in Florida, the one constant I’ve observed is that underserved communities—whether due to geography or poverty—suffer the most. Across the United States, millions of patients living with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma lack consistent access to qualified respiratory therapy. As our population ages and health care costs rise, we must rethink how care is delivered. I believe remote robotics and AI-powered tools offer a path forward.
The U.S. crisis in respiratory access
Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more likely go undiagnosed. In rural and low-income communities, these numbers are even more concerning. A report from the American Thoracic Society notes that many counties in the U.S. have no registered respiratory therapists at all. For patients in these areas, the nearest hospital or clinic may be hours away—and even then, respiratory therapy may not be available daily.
This access gap results in repeated hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-term complications—most of which are preventable with timely outpatient care and pulmonary rehabilitation. These avoidable costs also place immense pressure on public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which cover the majority of Americans affected by chronic respiratory conditions.
A technology-based solution: Remote robotic respiratory therapy
To help address this crisis, I developed a remote, home-based respiratory therapy platform.. This innovative approach combines wearable sensors, AI-guided treatment plans, and robotic therapy delivery. The goal is simple but powerful: To bring high-quality respiratory therapy to patients who can’t access it regularly due to location, mobility, or resource constraints.
With this system, patients can receive personalized therapy protocols from home while their respiratory function is continuously monitored via wearable devices. The platform can detect early signs of exacerbation, recommend interventions, and alert providers when clinical input is needed. This model not only improves patient compliance and outcomes but also reduces unnecessary hospitalizations—especially for patients with COPD, asthma, or post-COVID complications.
This technology is designed to complement, not replace, human care. It gives respiratory therapists the tools to scale their expertise across regions, reduce travel burdens, and focus their time on the highest-need cases.
Aligned with national priorities
The U.S. health care system is at a turning point. Federal agencies like CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) are prioritizing home-based care, digital health equity, and innovations that reduce systemic costs. Telehealth usage has surged, and the 2022 National Strategy on Chronic Disease specifically calls for scalable, technology-driven approaches to manage and prevent disease in underserved populations.
This remote model aligns directly with these goals. It empowers patients to manage their conditions with dignity at home, supports the national shift to value-based care, and uses data-driven tools to improve health outcomes. In a time of rising demand and workforce shortages, scalable solutions like this can help fill the gap—especially in regions without enough licensed respiratory professionals.
A commitment to national impact
I came to the United States because I believe in using technology to solve real-world health challenges. I have pursued licensing, training, and now innovation to contribute to a system I admire. Through my work as a respiratory therapist and my ongoing efforts to develop and refine this platform, I am committed to improving lives—not just in one hospital, but across communities that are too often left behind.
I believe the next generation of respiratory care will be remote, responsive, and robotic. By integrating clinical experience with smart technology, we can extend the reach of compassionate, high-quality care far beyond traditional hospital walls.
Evgeny Ignatov is a respiratory therapist and former otolaryngologist.
