In the ED Now

Why Every ED Needs a Physical Therapist — with Dr. Cassie Mountz

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🔹 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
  1. The ED as Healthcare’s Front Porch
    • Early 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 Settings
      • Effective strategies for training, staffing, and securing administrative support.
      • Practical tips for building interprofessional collaboration in fast‑paced environments.
      • Clinical Impacts of Embedded PT
        • Improved pain management, reduced opioid use, fewer unnecessary admissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
        • Highlighted metrics and case outcomes.
        • Teamwork That Works
          • Best practices for coordination between PTs, physicians, nurses, and case managers.
          • Embedding PT workflows within existing ED processes.
          • Advocacy & Vision for the Future
            • Dr. 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 integration
                • Case series and pilot studies showing admission rates and length-of-stay reductions
                • Additional reading on interprofessional collaboration in acute care settings
                  • 👤 Why This Episode Matters
                  • Ideal listening for ED clinicians, physical therapists, hospital leaders, and health policy stakeholders
                  • Combines story-driven examples with system-level evidence and action steps
                  • A 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.

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                    In the ED NowBy Rebekah Griffith
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