Oncology Data Specialist

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Oncology Data Manager, the Oncology Data Specialist analyzes, abstracts, and codes selected cases using the appropriate manuals. The Oncology Data Specialist also may assist with the accreditation process activities for the American College of Surgeons Cancer CoC program, NAPRC, and NAPBC; quality improvement activities, cancer conferences, and community and professional education programs; and provides ongoing communications with the State Health Registries.

Primary Responsibilities:      

• Identifies cases to be registered, including malignancies on the reportable list and cases selected by the medical staff, and other case-finding activities (essential).

• Analyzes, abstracts, and codes selected cases utilizing a variety of manuals, including but not limited to :  ICD – 03, STORE, SEER, AJCC Staging, Grade, EOD, Solid Tumor Rules, Hematopoetic Manuals, and the Mass Cancer Registry.  

• Prepares data to be submitted to the Massachusetts Cancer Registry.

• Serves as liaison to internal and external customers related to registry functions and provides orientation and training for new staff and non-certified registry personnel

• Reviews quality control reports, reviewing the completed abstracts with physicians and/or other cancer registrars.  

• Collaborate with cancer registry team to achieve clear understanding of expectations,   maintaining high levels of  satisfaction through ongoing communication

• Assists with the follow up activities and recurrence rates to registry standards

• Attends meetings and educational conferences assuming personal responsibility for professional development and ongoing education to maintain proficiency and certification.

• Foster team member growth, providing subject matter support as needed

• Maintain targeted personal productivity

• Abstracts pertinent data elements from patient medical record in order to identify and assign appropriate topography and morphology codes, type of treatment and appropriate staging

• Updates knowledge of current trends and practices related to data abstracting and outcomes measurement in reference to the oncology population

• Contributes and/or reports data relevant as needed for the oncology annual report and service line activities

• Follows all guidelines set forth by HIPAA in regards to release of personal health information.

• Interfaces/problem solves with other departments within the system as well as physician offices and other health care facilities to obtain timely and appropriate patient information

• Oversees maintenance of automated records and appropriate manual filing systems for efficient functioning of the registry

Required Qualifications:

• Licensure Requirement: Oncology Data Specialist - Certified required

• Excellent knowledge of medical terminology and cancer staging required; coursework in anatomy and physiology desired

• Strong working knowledge of American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer accreditation standards related to registry activities

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external customers

• Exposure to multiple patient medical record systems (EMRs) and clinical databases

• Intermediate proficiency with MS Office (Microsoft Excel)

• Proficient in evaluating  cancer registry data for concordance with cancer program accreditation and other applicable standards

• Experience working at a CoC Accredited facility

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to approach problems in a systematic method using the ability to synthesize data and suggest recommendations

• Demonstrates high standards for accuracy and attention to detail

• Demonstrates technical savvy and strong desire to learn new systems and technology

• Thrives working independently and takes ownership of projects/patient records

• Consistently and clearly communicates, adjusting style and tone as needed to effectively collaborate with hospital partners, peers, team leads and others

• Demonstrates strong self-organizational and time management skills to concurrently manage multiple accounts, adjusting as needed to shifting timelines and priorities

• Adapts to changes in hospital partner timelines, requirements, and project assignments

• Maintains a high degree of responsibility in keeping PHI secure and confidential

Competencies:

• Interaction is with a variety of people inside or outside the organization. Communications are of moderate difficulty and sensitivity. Contact with others may involve detailed & lengthy dialogues & exchanges of information. Requires a moderate amount of interpersonal skills. Interactions involve dealing with moderately complicated problem situations or stressful encounters.

• Working Conditions: There are little or no adverse environmental conditions to consider.

• Possible Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens: None

Pay Range:

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law.  Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.