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


🔹 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Clinical Impacts of Embedded PT
    • Improved pain management, reduced opioid use, fewer unnecessary admissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
    • Highlighted metrics and case outcomes.
  4. Teamwork That Works
    • Best practices for coordination between PTs, physicians, nurses, and case managers.
    • Embedding PT workflows within existing ED processes.
  5. 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 …

AudienceBenefit
Physical Therapists (PTs)Understand how to start or scale ED-PT services
Clinic & Hospital AdministratorsSee cost and care benefits of early PT in ED
Interprofessional CliniciansLearn strategies for seamless team integration
Policy & 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.