Cancer Registrar

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences•Little Rock, AR

17d

About The Position

The Cancer Registrar is a highly trained data management expert who is involved in managing, analyzing and interpreting clinical cancer information for the purpose of education, research and outcome measurement. CTRs utilize quantitative and qualitative decision making to identify all reportable cancer cases as well as to code each case accurately within 6 months of the first contact with a patient. CTRs capture a complete summary of the history, diagnosis, treatment and disease status for every cancer patient. CTRs ensure timely, accurate and complete cancer data collection on all types of cancer diagnosed and/or treated within the UAMS system, while adhering to the standards of the American College of Surgeons (ACOS), Commission on Cancer (CoC). The data collected by the CTR includes in and out migration of the UAMS Health System for patients with cancer for treatment and services as well as identifying the top cancer sites served at the facility. The CTR serves as a data subject matter expert and is responsible for bridging the gap between clinicians and statisticians. The Cancer Registry is a valuable resource for hospital and administrative planning, treatment planning, research and monitoring of patient outcomes. They use a fully integrated, multifunctional database comprised of demographic, diagnostic treatment and outcome information on all cancer patients with reportable disease, both analytic and non-analytic. The Cancer Registry is a vital part of the NCI designation requirements for the UAMS Cancer Institute.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Health Information Management or related field plus two (2) years registry experience.
Applicant is within 30 days of completion of Cancer Registry required coursework from an accredited training program. A formal letter from the accredited program confirming current enrollment and expected completion date is required.
Successful completion of two (2) semesters of college-level Anatomy and Physiology from an accredited 2-or 4-year institution.
Eligible to sit for the next Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) examination administered by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Knowledge of cancer registry principles and practices, including medical record policies and procedures; indexing, classification, and staging systems; and medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology related to cancer processes.
Proficiency in database management, with experience abstracting and coding cancer-related data from computerized medical records and laboratory reports.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports; interpret and follow written policies, instructions, and regulatory standards; analyze information; and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

RHIA, RHIT, CPC or CCS

Responsibilities

Identifies reportable cancer cases and abstract comprehensive clinical and demographic information from medical records in accordance with registry standards.
Ensures that all cancer data entries are complete, accurate, consistent, and compliant with state, national, and accrediting requirements (e.g., Arkansas Central Cancer Registry, Commission on Cancer).
Prepares and submit cancer case data to statewide and national databases such as the Arkansas Central Cancer Registry and the National Cancer Database (NCDB) in a timely manner.
Works with physicians, pathologists, clinical teams, and Health Information Management (HIM) to verify, clarify, supplement, and ensure completeness of cancer case documentation.
Conducts quality control checks (e.g., computer edit checks, audits, re-abstracting), participate in peer review, and implement quality improvement studies to maintain high standards of data integrity and compliance.
Generates reports and pull data for internal stakeholders for statistical analysis, research, program planning, and outcomes tracking.
Tracks patients longitudinally from initial diagnosis through treatment and beyond to update records with outcomes and status changes.
Assists in developing, maintaining, and revising policies and procedures relating to registry operations and ensure day-to-day compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
May perform other duties as assigned.