Why Every ED Needs a Physical Therapist — with Dr. Cassie Mountz
Thu Jul 03 2025
🔹 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 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 …
AudienceBenefitPhysical Therapists (PTs)Understand how to start or scale ED-PT servicesClinic & Hospital AdministratorsSee cost and care benefits of early PT in EDInterprofessional CliniciansLearn strategies for seamless team integrationPolicy & Advocacy LeadersGet 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.
More
🔹 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 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 … AudienceBenefitPhysical Therapists (PTs)Understand how to start or scale ED-PT servicesClinic & Hospital AdministratorsSee cost and care benefits of early PT in EDInterprofessional CliniciansLearn strategies for seamless team integrationPolicy & Advocacy LeadersGet 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.