TABLE 1.

Overview of maximal wait times by selected acuity categories

Within two weeks

High likelihood of cancer based on imaging or physical examination

Severe and/or rapidly progressive dysphagia or odynophagia

Clinical features suggestive of acute inflammatory bowel disease

Within two months

Bright red rectal bleeding

Documented iron-deficiency anemia

One or more positive fecal occult blood tests

Chronic viral hepatitis

Stable dysphagia (not severe)

Poorly controlled reflux/dyspepsia

Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea

New-onset change in bowel habits

Chronic, unexplained abdominal pain

Confirmation of a diagnosis of celiac disease (antibody test)

Within six months

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease for screening endoscopy

Screening colonoscopy

Persistent (>6 months) unexplained abnormal liver enzyme tests

Data are adapted from reference 5