🔹 Episode Summary
Emergency Department Physical Therapy is more than just mobility support — it’s a gateway to better outcomes, reduced admissions, enhanced patient experience, and system-wide cost savings. In this episode, Dr. Cassie Mountz explains why embedding PT at the “front porch” of care transforms the entire healthcare house.
🗣️ Featured Guest
Dr. Cassie Mountz, DPT, ED-PT leader and innovator. Dr. Mountz shares practical insights from her experience pioneering ED-based PT programs and advocates for expanding practice scope nationwide.
🧭 Key Takeaways
The ED as Healthcare’s Front PorchEarly PT involvement influences admission decisions and care pathways immediately upon patient arrival.Example scenarios where prompt PT action shifted the patient journey.Implementing ED‑PT in Real World SettingsEffective strategies for training, staffing, and securing administrative support.Practical tips for building interprofessional collaboration in fast‑paced environments.Clinical Impacts of Embedded PTImproved pain management, reduced opioid use, fewer unnecessary admissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction.Highlighted metrics and case outcomes.Teamwork That WorksBest practices for coordination between PTs, physicians, nurses, and case managers.Embedding PT workflows within existing ED processes.Advocacy & Vision for the FutureDr. Mountz’s goals for national recognition and standardized ED-PT protocols.Steps practitioners can take to champion change in their institutions.💬 Noteworthy Quotes
“We’re caring at the threshold — right where everything begins.” (~00:05:40)“Early mobilization isn’t just convenient — it prevents decline in complex patients.” (~00:13:25)“When PT is embedded in the ED team, positive ripple effects spread throughout the system.” (~00:22:10)🔗 Links & Resources
Dr. Mountz’s key publications on ED-based PT and service integrationCase series and pilot studies showing admission rates and length-of-stay reductionsAdditional reading on interprofessional collaboration in acute care settings👤 Why This Episode Matters
Ideal listening for ED clinicians, physical therapists, hospital leaders, and health policy stakeholdersCombines story-driven examples with system-level evidence and action stepsA motivational roadmap for expanding PT scope and creating value at the point of entry✅ Great For …
Audience
Benefit
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Understand how to start or scale ED-PT services
Clinic & Hospital Administrators
See cost and care benefits of early PT in ED
Interprofessional Clinicians
Learn strategies for seamless team integration
Policy & Advocacy Leaders
Get vision-aligned frameworks for role expansion
🎧 Listen or watch now and discover how the ED “front porch” can become a powerful gateway to patient-centered, cost-effective care.
