ABSTRACT
Standardization to a five-level triage system in the United States has yet to be achieved. The benefits and reliability of a five-level system in accurate acuity assignment have been reported, and accurate triage has obvious benefits for patient care and patient safety. Predictive resource allocation based on acuity level is another advantage of five-level triage. This article will describe the impact of five-level triage on operational indicators such as length of stay in the emergency department, patient satisfaction, left without treatment numbers, and level of service charges in two pilot facilities.