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Hospitals are recognizing the benefits of physical therapy services in the emergency department.
Physical therapists who practice as part of an emergency department team have the opportunity to collaborate in the care of patients with a wide range of acute and chronic problems coming from the neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, and integumentary systems.
Emergency department PTs play a critical role in screening for appropriateness of care, in consultation with other practitioners, and in the direct care of patients.
A greater number of emergency departments welcome the addition of physical therapy services to assist reducing costs, increasing patient satisfaction, and decreasing the potential for readmission through patient education and subsequent physical therapist follow-up.
Recommended Content
Feb 28, 2023
Understanding the value of physical therapist services in emergency care.
Jul 1, 2021 / Feature
While physical therapists practice in only a small portion of emergency departments, their presence in this setting is growing.
Aug 17, 2018 / Review
More hospitals should incorporate PTs into their emergency department workflow.
Oct 30, 2020 / Handouts
APTA has developed this handout that lists the wealth of research on the value, impact, and benefits of having physical therapists in the emergency department.
Jun 8, 2020
PTs and PTAs are critical members of the health care teams in hospital settings.
Additional Physical Therapy in the Emergency Department Content
Aug 31, 2021 / Podcast
APTA's monthly practice update: in this episode: physical therapists in emergency care, learning center resources, COVID-19, and more.
Jul 28, 2021 / Podcast
In this podcast, APTA members Rebekah Griffith, PT, DPT, Carleen Jogodka, PT, DPT, and Lisa TenBarge, PT, DPT, discuss the evolving role of the PT in the emergency department — and what that may look like going forward.
May 21, 2021 / Podcast
A recent large-scale study of postacute care sponsored has the potential to change the conversation on payment in these settings. This podcast takes a closer look at the TOPS study findings .
Aug 20, 2020 / Policies & Bylaws
House position: Supports emergency physical therapist practice.
May 6, 2020 / Podcast
An emergency department PT shares insight on what working in this setting is like, and gives advice to students and new grads considering pursing the ED as a career path.
Mar 11, 2020 / Review
Primary contact was with a PT in the ED leads to fewer orthopedic referrals and opioid prescriptions.
Aug 31, 2018 / Review
Consult by a PT in the ED reduced the odds of a fall-related revisit within 30 days by 35% and within 60 days by 32%.
Mar 26, 2017 / Review
Falls-related TBIs are growing at a disproportionate rate