Oncology Data Specialist

Position Overview

The position of the ODS combines the basic registry skills set and deliverables to include compiling and maintaining records of hospital patients treated for cancer from diagnosis through treatment, contacting discharged patients, their families, and physicians to maintain the Registry with follow‑up information, and running statistical reports from the registry as requested. Candidate must demonstrate professional appearance and attitude. Excellent organizational and communication skills are mandatory.

Adaptability, flexibility, self‑initiative and ability to prioritize work assignments are necessary. Exceptional collaborative skills expected. This position utilizes confidential information on a daily basis. Information may include confidential co‑worker data, patient medical or financial data, sensitive corporate trade information, physician practice information. Disclosure could be damaging to the Organization, our patients or our medical staff. Disclosure of this type of information may be misunderstood by the community and have a detrimental public relations effect on the Organization.

Must be willing and able to pass the ODS exam within three years of hire.

• Associate's Degree - Preferred
• Completed or willing to complete college‑level Human Anatomy and Human Physiology course(s)

• 1‑2 Years Tumor Registry - Preferred
• 1‑2 Years of health‑related field or Medical Records experience preferred
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Enthusiastic about enhanced learning opportunities (i.e. conferences, classes, etc.)
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and software
• Excellent research skills

• Must obtain Oncology Data Specialist Certification (ODS‑C) within three years of hire

• Remains current on changes in regulatory data management to comply with state and national accrediting bodies, i.e., STORE, American College of Surgeons‑Commission on Cancer, National Cancer Database, Georgia Cancer Registry
• Participates in the acquisition of cancer information from diagnostic reports, treatment records and electronic records, both institutional and private practice—including follow‑up information—to complete the missing elements for a complete patient data record detailing the patient's complete cancer experience
• Abstracts demographic, diagnostic, epidemiologic, treatment and survival information from inpatient and outpatient reports, records and electronic databases according to approved abstracting timeliness, e.g., within 48 hours from pathological resection report to within 4 months for complete account of treatment plan and activity
• Confirms patients have diagnoses meeting specific criteria for inclusion in the SJC Cancer Registry; reviews pathology and radiology reports in real time (i.e., as reports are released) and reviews disease index for discharges IP & OP
• Reviews clinical cases with the Medical Director and prepares evidence‑based guidelines for cancer conference discussion and review
• Accurately selects the primary site code for the cancer and the morphology code for the disease; accurately stages the extent of the disease using diagnostic clinical and pathological reports and stages according to the most recent AJCC staging manual and in accordance with the Commission on Cancer STORE manual
• Through team effort provides support to the committees, which includes data compilation, presentation, organization of conferences, compiling case presentation information and operating audiovisual equipment