Duties included, but are not limited to:
According to the requirements of the Commission on Cancer, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System's Cancer Committee, the National VA Oncology Program and the NCI SEER Programs, incumbent identifies required reportable diseases in this facility's patients through the use of the VISTA Oncology Program.
Thoroughly searches the medical record to identify and code all information pertinent to the patient's diagnosis. This includes demographics, diagnosis, site and histology, diagnostic procedures, extent of disease, and treatment.
Coding assignments may involve highly technical, complex diagnoses/procedures. The incumbent utilizes coding references to ensure that complete and accurate data is collected. In addition, 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 FORDS manual.
Independently codes a wide variety of medical diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. These include:
- 1) Codes stages of disease using American Joint Commission on Cancer staging requirements.
- 2) Analyzes the consistency of coding of registry data, cancer diagnosis, histology, treatment, (including surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation therapy).
- 3) Identifies coding discrepancies.
- 4) Facilitates resolution of coding discrepancies by discussion with providers.
- 5) Codes complicated medical records having diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic procedures that are identified as difficult to classify.
- 6) Reviews records to obtain data.
- 7) Enters data obtained from the record into the registry software.
- 8) Analyzes data retrieved and provides the results to health care staff for research, patient care, protocol studies and trends in cancer.
The incumbent submits data monthly to the VA:. Central Cancer Registry, per directives and to the American College of Surgeon's National Cancer Database annually. Data includes codes for diagnosis and procedures, topography, morphology, and stag of disease, provider information and coded data for the treatment of cancer. The incumbent ensures that data is reported accurately and in correct format.
Performs research and periodic statistical repo sand prepares correspondence by retrieving and releasing data following a standardized approach that meets the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act regulations. The incumbent 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.
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. The incumbent must follow these patients until their death, entering the progression of their disease into the computer program. Each patient abstract is updated as recurrences develop and annual follow-up is completed.
Independently maintains a registry that is continuously prepared for a Commission on Cancer survey, to include the necessary documentation needed for the surveyor's review. This includes but is not limited to Tumor Board/Cancer Conference documentation, Cancer Committee 1minutes, and the registry procedure manual.
Coordinates, oversees, and facilitates the Cancer Committee meetings to monitor compliance with ACoC standards to ensure certification of the Cancer Program. The incumbent is obliged to verify updates to maintain compliance with Regulatory Organizations. Develops and Monitors Quality Management and Improvement, Performance Projects and Special Studies to Enhance Cancer Patient Care and to meet Requirements of the Commission on Cancer Monitors cancer committee processes and procedures implemented to improve patient care and to verify compliance of plans and requirements.
Provides administrative guidance and advice to staff regarding methods of proper use of AJCC Staging forms and other medical record documentation concerning the cancer patient. Performs the quantitative and qualitative analysis on medical records to ensure that all component parts are present, accurate, complete, timely, and will meet the established requirements and standards of JCAHO and the American College of Surgeons.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Virtual: This is a Remote position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Starting at $39,576 Per Year (GS 00)