Diagnosis
Table 1. Definitions of Urgency and Risk
Category Definitions
Emergency • Life or limb is threatened if not in the operating room where
there is time for no or very limited or minimal clinical evaluation,
typically within <6 h.
Urgent • There may be time for a limited clinical evaluation, usually when
life or limb is threatened if not in the operating room, typically
between 6 and 24 h.
Time-sensitive • A delay of >1 to 6 wk to allow for an evaluation and significant
changes in management will negatively affect outcome.
(Most oncologic procedures would fall into this category.)
Elective • The procedure could be delayed for up to 1 y.
Low risk • The combined surgical and patient characteristics predict a risk of
a MACE of death or MI of <1%.
Elevated risk • A risk of MACE of ≥1%.
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