Abstractor/Research Associate - Tumor Registry

The position of Abstractor/Research Associate is in the North Louisiana Regional Tumor Registry located on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. This position is required for routine registry operations and is supported entirely by federal and state grant funding. The primary purpose of this position is to provide a staff member who is able to identify, abstract, and code all newly diagnosed cases of cancer and other reportable diseases in order to provide baseline data for statewide research. This position is for a candidate who holds the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS-C) credential or is willing to complete the prerequisites required to sit for the ODS certification exam within 4 years of hire.

This position is responsible for:

• Screening, abstracting, and editing all newly diagnosed cancer cases in hospitals, physicians offices, pathology laboratories and other health care facilities in northern Louisiana (regions 7 and 8) to be used in statistical reports, research, and cancer prevention
• Performing quality control tasks in case ascertainment as well as abstracting and coding accuracy
• Participation in reviewing patient records for special studies and active follow-up on all cases diagnosed in northern Louisiana after registry reference date
• Screening pathology reports, radiology reports, and other clinical documents to determine the reportability of the cases
• Performing similar registry-related duties as assigned
• Obtaining all mandatory registry-directed and campus training as needed to perform the duties listed above.

A bachelors degree in Health Information Management, Nursing, or other health-related field or current certification as an Oncology Data Specialist- Certified (formerly Certified Tumor Registrar-CTR).
Minimum qualifications: College credit in medical terminology and 2 semesters of pre-allied health Anatomy and Physiology. Any college hours or degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Working knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, histology and medical terminology
• Detail oriented
• Can perform repetitive work with accuracy
• Transition smoothly from one task to another as required by the registrys operational needs
• Ability to adapt to changes in coding rules and requirements
• Plan and prioritize tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
• Team player