PT as the First Stop for MSK Care: What Must Change in Policy, Practice, and Workflow

In this episode, host Susan Lofton (WebPT) sits down with guests Stephen Hunter (Intermountain Healthcare) and Alice Bell (American Physical Therapy Association) to explore what it will take to make PT a true first stop for musculoskeletal care. Listen in as they discuss the differences between direct access, PT-first, and primary care physical therapy and share real-world examples of PT-first models, from ED-based care to PTs embedded in primary care clinics. They also discuss the cultural and operational shifts needed to move PT upstream, including consumer education, institutional referral barriers, and training that strengthens screening and referral decision-making. Plus, they examine how hybrid care and AI can expand access while keeping quality and safety front and center. You won't want to miss this one!  Learn more: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/  https://www.apta.org/ https://www.webpt.com/podcast