Table 1.

UAB case leveling system.

Case Level	Definition	Time Between Posting and Start
1	Immediate threat to life, as determined by an attending surgeon	None
2	Life or limb-threatening condition that requires operative intervention within 1–2 h as determined by an attending surgeon	1–2 h
3	Substantial risk to patient that requires operative intervention	<8 h
4	Cases deemed to be medically necessary and cleared by Department Chairs or Division Directors	Scheduled for Future Dates