UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is seeking a casual Oncology Data Specialist II for approximately 8 hours per week.
You must have an Oncology Data Specialist certification and at least two years oncology or abstracting/coding experience or at least one year of direct Cancer Registry experience for this role.
The Oncology Data Specialist II is responsible for the abstracting functions at UPMC facilities having cancer programs approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as well as any other UPMC facility, standalone cancer center, or office location assigned by the Manager, Registry Information Services. The Oncology Data Specialist II may also perform follow up functions as required. The Oncology Data Specialist II must have the ability to interact effectively, courteously, and tactfully with physicians and other health care professionals to promote the registry and motivate its use. The Oncology Data Specialist II performs daily registry operations for the UPMC location in accordance with UPMC Network Cancer Registry policies and procedures. Abstracts and codes core clinical data using appropriate classifications systems; analyzes medical records according to published guidelines and requirements of UPMC, American College of Surgeons (ACoS), Pennsylvania Department of Health (if facility is located in Pennsylvania), North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO). Obtains long term follow up data for outcomes/end results reporting.
Responsibilities:
- Case finding/Abstracting: Timely and complete abstracting reviewing at the required standard that is dependent on the annual caseload. Methodology: Generate and utilize the suspense reports, pathology reports and radiation reports to find all reportable diagnoses seen at the UPMC facility, standalone cancer center, or office location under general guidance from the Manager, Clinical Registry Information Services. Meet or exceed annual expected productivity levels. Abstracts reportable cases in accordance with data collection and coding standards within six months of the date of first contact. Utilize experience to assist Oncology Data Specialist I staff with any problems associated with their ability to abstract information from UPMC electronic data sources. A report is generated from the cancer registry database reflecting the number of total cases reviewed/entered in the review cycle by case status code (C=complete, I=incomplete, R=report to state only, N=non-reportable).
- Other Responsibilities Performs all other functions and tasks required to maintain a current and accurate database and stay in compliance with the requirements of UPMC, American College of Surgeons (ACoS), Pennsylvania Department of Health (if facility is located in Pennsylvania), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO).Methodology: The Oncology Data Specialist II will be required to participate in local, regional, and national educational activities. Will attend Tumor Boards if available on a regular basis to keep abreast of new diagnoses presenting at UPMC and new treatments and technologies being offered at UPMC. The Oncology Data Specialist II will be asked to work on other projects such as data requests, the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry reconciliation list (if facility is located in Pennsylvania), the National Cancer Database edit reports, American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer CP3R (Cancer Program Practice Profile Reports), and any other initiative directly associated with UPMC, Pennsylvania Department of Health (if facility is located in Pennsylvania) or American College of Surgeons directives, etc.
- Follow Up Maintain a follow up success rate of at least 90% for cases abstracted in a five-year timeframe, 80% for entire database. Methodology: The Oncology Data Specialist II reviews return visits and updates the follow-up database accordingly to assure timely contact information is recorded in the cancer registry database. May be asked to assist the Oncology Outcomes Specialists in regular follow-up activities from time to time in facilities where the Outcomes position exists.
- General Receive general direction from Manager of Clinical Registry Information Services and QI/Regulatory Coordinator. Assist in delegating assignments to Oncology Data Specialist I staff an Oncology Outcome Specialists as warranted. Generate reports associated with case finding and abstracting functions. Assist Oncology Data Specialist I and Oncology Outcomes Specialist staff with problems associated with abstracting and/or follow up functions.
- Data Quality Minimally, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (if facility is located in Pennsylvania) standard, must maintain a data quality level of at least 95% for data items reviewed. Methodology: Cases are randomly selected and specific data items are reviewed for each case. Results are documented on quality review form and discussed with the registry specialist at the time of review Additional quality reviews are conducted on a regular basis.
- High school diploma and two years oncology or abstracting/coding experience or at least one year of direct Cancer Registry experience required.
- Must be a certified Oncology Data Specialist
- In accordance with National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) eligibility requirements for CTR: Hold or earn an Associates Degree (or equivalent 60 college credits) or completion of National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) certificate program and 160 hours of registry-related experience or hold/earn an Associates Degree with 2 courses anatomy and physiology with one year of Cancer Registry experience.
- Bachelors degree in Health Information Management or other health related field preferred.
- Must be knowledgeable of American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Standards for approved cancer programs and Pennsylvania Department of Health (if facility is located in Pennsylvania) data collection and reporting requirements.
- Must have proficiency in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, abstracting techniques, AJCC and SEER summary staging systems, ICDO with knowledge of ICD-9/10-CM, and/or other clinical coding systems.
- Experience with hospital data systems, MS Office software products and personal computers required.
- Accurate and efficient keyboarding skills necessary to meet productivity standards required.
- Prior UPMC experience preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Oncology Data Specialist certification required.
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred.
- Oncology Data Specialist
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

