The cancer registry plays a critical role in capturing the data that impacts cancer research, treatment, prevention, and screening programs. The Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) is expected to analyze, interpret, and accurately code pertinent information on cancer patients in the cancer registry database. The ODS is expected to ensure and maintain the integrity and quality of data on various types of cancers diagnosed and/or treated within Centra Health that is collected in accordance with complex guidelines from national, state, and cancer program accreditation agencies. Such agencies include American College of Surgeons (ACoS), The Joint Commission, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), Standards for Oncology Registry Entry (STORE), North American Association of Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the Virgina Cancer Registry (VCR). The ODS serves as a resource for cancer information, monitoring quality of care, and clinical practice guidelines.
Registry activity includes collection and reporting of cancer data to state and national databases and providing data as requested to Centra administrators and physicians.
Actively participates on committees as appropriate
Demonstrates a working knowledge of Cancer Registry database software
Demonstrates an awareness of appropriate confidentiality rules and regulations and acts accordingly
Develops knowledge of available resources that improve the quality of data collection
Maintains accuracy and completeness in case finding abstracting coding and reporting of data
Maintains the Cancer Registry according to state and national standards to include case finding abstracting reporting follow-up and record keeping
Participates in learning opportunities that enhance personal performance and professional growth - includes attendance at local, state or national workshops - and shares acquired knowledge with co-workers
Provides cancer data to administrators, researchers, and physicians as requested
Recognizes and implements changes in Registry operations standards and guidelines as determined by state and national registries the American College of Surgeons, etc.
Perform case finding to maintain a complete cancer registry database. The ODS will use the registry software and EMR’s to identify patients with reportable malignant and benign neoplasms according to established state and national protocol. Case finding practices include but are not limited to: reviewing pathology and cytology reports, medical and radiation oncology records, disease indexes, radiology reports, cancer conferences, and other sources. The ODS will also create suspense files for any new reportable cases identified.
Perform follow-up activities on patients within the cancer registry database for the duration of their lifetime to provide continued surveillance and outcome data. The ODS must analyze and interpret clinical information from various sources to determine a cancer patient’s current disease status, disease recurrences, quality of life, and length of survival.
Perform multi-facility case abstraction under the supervision of a certified ODS per national standards. The ODS will perform case abstraction using cancer registry software and various electronic medical records to code defined pertinent cancer case information based on disease process at time of presentation, diagnostic tests, and first course of treatment utilizing standards defined by state and national regulatory guidelines. The ODS must be able to analyze core information from the medical record including demographics, diagnostic procedures, and extent of disease as specified. The ODS must be able to conceptualize the cancer case as a whole and provide adequate text information in the cancer abstract to substantiate coding per state requirements. To ensure compliance with mandatory physician AJCC staging, the ODS will send staging forms to managing physicians as needed.
Coordinate and attend multi-disciplinary cancer conferences per CoC and NAPBC standard
Under the direction of the registry coordinator, coordinate Cancer Committee meetings. They will prepare and maintain Cancer Committee meetings, oversee records of Cancer Conferences, and assist with accreditations for other departments in the service line.
Prepare statistical reports on mortality rates, effectiveness of treatment, incidence rates of various diagnostic categories and demographic variables as requested by cancer leadership team and governing agencies.
Required Education
An Associate’s degree is required and must include college level Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology coursework.
Must be willing to complete specified training and education in preparation for obtaining ODS certification. Must obtain ODS certification within 1 year of hire
Preferred Education and Experience
At least one year of experience working in a Cancer Registry
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) Certification
Knowledge of NCCN, AJCC, ACoS CoC, NAPBC, SEER, and NCDB guidelines.
Experience with using registry software database such as CRStar. Must have pertinent experience with using electronic health record software such as Cerner, Aria, Varian, and EPIC.