Certified Cancer Registrar

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center, 1 Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, NJ 07109
Req #: 0000231892 | Full-Time, Hourly | Day Shift: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 37.5 hours per week

About the role

A tumor registrar is a data specialist who collects, analyzes, and manages cancer patient information (history, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes) for hospital and state registries, providing vital data for cancer research, treatment guidelines, and prevention programs to help fight cancer. They translate complex medical jargon into standardized codes and ensure data quality for reporting to national databases. Cancer registrars work closely with physicians, administrators, researchers, and health care planners to provide support for cancer program development, ensure compliance with reporting standards, and serve as a valuable resource for cancer information with the goal of preventing and controlling cancer.

Responsibilities

• Performs clinical data abstraction by capturing the complete patient history, diagnosis, staging, and treatment information for all patients accessioned into the cancer registry in accordance with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the New Jersey State Cancer Registry.
• Familiarized with classification systems such as: International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (CD-O), AJCC Cancer Staging, Collaborative Staging, Coding, Surveillance of Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Guidelines, etc.
• Familiarized with the standards and guidelines set forth by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer standards for an NCI designated program.
• Ensures complete and accurate data is collected and maintained for all patients diagnosed and treated at CMMC.
• Records pertinent cancer data from medical records about the patient, the disease, cancer-directed treatment, and the disease process from the time of diagnosis until the patient's death.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of the staging of disease using the AJCC TNM and Collaborative staging systems.
• Maintains an Excel spreadsheet of all abstracted cases that are missing treatment information.
• Responsible for mailing treatment letters to physicians, hospitals, and patients.
• Reviews patient listings from CMMC, Radiation, and Information Systems.
• Checks patients against the Registry's existing Master Patient Index and compiles a suspense list.
• Identifies new patients and classifies them accordingly: analytic, non-analytic, consult, history, etc.
• Identifies patients due to follow-up and mails follow-up letters to physicians, patients, and other contacts.
• Assists the Cancer Registry Assistant with extensively utilizing all methods deemed necessary to locate patients who are lost to follow-up.
• Attends Tumor Board conferences to record attendance and monitor the use of the TB study group form.
• Takes minutes at the Cancer Committee meetings.
• Demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly.
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.
• Answers telephone and maintains a Request Log form for all telephone calls.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, hospital, or physician-related information.
• Observes hospital and departmental policies concerning dress code, ID badge, internet access, personal telephone calls, and other rules governing conduct while at work.
• Observes rules and regulations related to time off, proper notification of absences or tardiness, safety, and health hazards.
• Maintains certification and participates in local, state, regional, and national cancer-related educational activities.

Requirements

• Minimum of an associate degree in any health-related field.
• Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential from the National Cancer Registrars Association is required, with working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, oncology disease process, coding, and staging.
• Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential.

Qualifications

• Preferred: 2 years of recent experience as an Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) in an ACOS-approved facility.
• Preferred: Knowledge of OncoLOG and EPIC.

Pay

The anticipated hourly wage range for this position is $36.00 - $41.00 per hour. The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills, and professional experience.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance.
• Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Plans.
• Short & Long Term Disability.
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance).
• Discounts through partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more.