The tumor registrar is responsible to abstract data for the cancer registry and to assist with all activities in association with accreditation of the cancer program. The incumbent will serve Veterans at our main campus, the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, our facilities on New Castle Road, including the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick Community Living Center and the Domiciliary, as well as at our five VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Searches the medical record to identify and code all information pertinent to the patient's diagnosis Adheres to the guidelines set forth by the the AJCC Staging Manual International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICDO), ICD-10, and SEER Surgical Codes when coding tumor registry abstracts. Keeps abreast of new medical terminology and revisions to the above manuals. Utilizes coding references to ensure that complete and accurate data is collected. Codes information contained on several forms and documents that make up an entire record. Codes diseases, surgical procedures, and causes of injury (uses specific codes required in a cancer registry, stage of disease, morphology, and topography using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, AJCC Staging Manual and the ROADS Manual) Independently codes a wide variety of medical diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures. Codes diseases and possible causes of disease. Codes stages of disease using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology. Analyzes the consistency of coding of registry data, cancer diagnosis, histology, treatment (including surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy.) Identifies coding discrepancies. Facilitates resolution of coding discrepancies by discussion with providers/registry coordinator. Codes complicated medical records having diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic procedures that are identified as difficult to classify. Maintains a control system to ensure that all cases of cancer are coded in a timely manner by adhering to Registry Operations and Data Standards and appropriate VA Regulations. Reviews records to obtain data which is then entered into the registry software (The oncology data is available for analysis and used by health care staff for research, patient care, protocol studies, and trends in cancer). Submits data from the tumor registry in accordance with VA guidelines to the VA Central Cancer Registry. Collects core data from patients' records, including demographic characteristics, diagnostic procedures, diagnoses, stage and extent of disease. Ensures that data is reported accurately and in correct format. Devises format for disseminating information, to meet requirements established by requestor. Prepares correspondence and summaries of medical records in response to a variety of requests. Reviews and screens requests to release medical information from records by interpreting and applying Privacy Act and applicable local policies. Reviews medical records to gather information on cancer statistics. Assists with surveys and other assignments related to coding. Obtains statistical information, applies formulas, and completes reports as required. Advises researchers and healthcare staff of the data available and retrieves and compiles specified reports. Maintains special registries of disease occurrences. Assists in research and preparing correspondence by retrieving and releasing data following a standardized approach which meets the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act regulations. Independently maintains registry to show occurrences of disease by type, extent of illness and survival. Maintains health record indexes and compiles administrative and health statistics for physicians as well as all other health care staff at this facility and throughout the VA. System (may also include public health officials, medical center management, planners, and others. Organizes and maintains a data system which conforms to the standards of an Approved Cancer Program and meets the needs of the users of the registry data. Maintains quality control of follow-up procedures. Monitors work processes to prevent ineffective work practices and to verify adherence to plans and requirements of the unit. Provides technical advice to the clinical staff relative to the best method of recording AJCC Staging, the use of staging forms, and the correct documentation of diagnoses/procedures. Consults with the appropriate physician or other clinician(s) for clarification when conflicting information appears in the medical record. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7am - 3:30pm Functional Statement #: PD000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework: May be authorized at supervisors discretion Remote: Remote may be authorized for HIGHLY qualified candidates. For remote positions, the actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and location of the selectee(s) and/or position. View the 2024 Locality Pay Charts for more information: General Schedule (opm.gov).

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and Experience: Experience- One year of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record. Six months of the required one year of experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT work. OR Education- Two years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours directly related to MRT work (e.g. courses in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and introduction to health records). Experience/Education combination- Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and experience: Six months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology courses. Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. Training may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience, provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical record techniques and procedures. The position requires six additional months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record. *May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-4: Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements.(2) Assignment. MRT (Cancer Registrar)] at this level serve in entry level positions and receive close supervision from more experienced MRT (Cancer Registrar) staff members GS-5: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or successful completion of four years of education above high school from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information technology. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: Ability to utilize health information technology and various office software products utilized in MRT (Cancer Registrar) positions (e.g., the electronic health record, coding and abstracting software, release of information systems, etc.) Knowledge of the Joint Commission requirements, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service], Commission on Cancer , and American College of Surgeons (ACoS) guidance and/or health record documentation guidelines. Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work to complete duties within required timeframes and ability to follow-up on pending issues. Assignment. [MRTs (Cancer Registrar)] at this grade level serve in developmental positions [ ] and receive guidance from more experienced MRT (Cancer Registrar) staff members for more complex issues and/or procedures. GS-6: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology to understand the content of the medical record. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand the location of the cancer. Ability to operate computerized programs to review documentation within the electronic medical record. Ability to notify appropriate parties and organize all required documentation to ensure complete case presentation at tumor boards. Assignment. MRT (Cancer Registrar) at this grade level searches the medical record to identify and abstract/code information. The abstract is conducted by collecting, summarizing, coding detailed demographic and clinical information, and assisting with organizing and maintaining the cancer registry data system. Assists with lifetime follow-up on patients, including cancer status and vital status. Coordinates and participates on tumor boards to ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained. GS-7: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of pathophysiology to understand the spread of the cancer disease process. Ability to analyze the electronic health record and enter appropriate data into the OncoTrax cancer registry software abstract. Knowledge of ACoS standards regarding tumor boards, including clinical staging, prognostic indicators, clinical guidelines, and clinical trials availability. Assignment. MRTs (Cancer Registrar) at this grade level serve in developmental cancer registrar positions by thoroughly searching the medical record to identify and abstract/code all information. Organizes and maintains the cancer registry data system. Reviews lifetime follow-up on patients including cancer status and vital status. Coordinates and attends multidisciplinary tumor boards to ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained. Abstracts by collecting, summarizing and coding detailed demographic, and clinical information. GS-8: Experience: In addition to the basic requirements of this position, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) is required. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional registry operations. Knowledge of medical terminology, staging of cancer, and requirements of internal and external approving organizations. Knowledge of the cancer committee processes and procedures to improve patient care and verify compliance with ACoS and/or facility standards. Ability to serve as a subject matter expert on cancer programs for the medical center. Skill in utilizing electronic health records and cancer registry software. References: A Handbook 5005/128, Part II, Appendix G35 Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar) Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Employee generally sits to do the work. There may be some walking, standing, or carrying of light items such as patient charts/ records, manuals or files.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Butler Healthcare 353 North Duffy Road Butler, PA 16001 US
• Name: Paula Schubele
• Phone: 850-710-0150
• Email: [email protected]