Oncology Data Specialist

Oncology Data Specialist

An Oncology Data Specialist identifies, abstracts and maintains records for all eligible cancer cases in the cancer database. Conducts and maintains follow-up information for eligible patients listed in the registry database. Collaborates with the Cancer Registry Supervisor to complete all registry activities to ensure compliance with state regulations and the American College of Surgeon Commission on Cancer Standards.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Accurately abstracts and codes cancer cases from electronic medical records in alignment with standards set by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, Maryland Cancer Registry MCR and NCDB.
• Conducts comprehensive case finding to ensure all reportable malignancies are identified and included in the hospital cancer registry.
• Reviews complex oncology records including pathology, radiology, and treatment documentation to capture complete and abstract clinical data in OncoLog.
• Maintains and updates registry records with a high level of precision, ensuring data integrity, timeliness, and compliance with hospital and regulatory requirements.
• Runs, reviews and reconciles monthly suspense reports for case finding completion and abstracting readiness.
• Maintains abstracting timeliness as mandated by NCDB, RCRS and the Maryland Cancer Registry (MCR).
• Runs monthly follow-up reports and worksheet. Run Lost to Follow-Up reports when directed by Cancer Registry Supervisor.
• Collaborates with physicians, oncology teams, and registry leadership to clarify clinical information and support complete documentation.
• Performs routine quality checks, audits, and follow-up activities, proactively resolving discrepancies and maintaining registry excellence.
• Supports cancer program initiatives, including tumor board preparation, accreditation surveys, and outcomes reporting.
• Generate and validate reports for internal stakeholders, contributing to performance improvement, research, and patient care insights.
• Provides back up and assistance to Tumor Board Coordinator, such as preparing tumor board summaries, tracking attendance and coordinating cancer conferences.
• Provides back up to Cancer Registry Supervisor and Accreditations Manager at Cancer Committee.
• Provides timely and accurate data submission to the RCRS monthly, Maryland Cancer Registry on a quarterly basis, and to the National Cancer Data Base as requested if needed.
• Works with leaders to maintain compliance with ACoS and NAPBC accreditation standards.
• Assists in training other Cancer Registry team members, current and new.
• Reviews and reconciles MCR and NCDB report returns; enters all edits and corrections.
• Works collaboratively with the UMMS Cancer Registry Network.

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

• Associate or bachelor's degree in health information management, Cancer Registry Management, or a related healthcare field (or equivalent experience) required.
• 1-2 years of proven experience in oncology data abstraction within a hospital-based cancer registry environment required.
• Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential in good standing, awarded by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
• Experience working with ICD-9 and ICD-10, OncoLog registry software, Epic experience

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Experience working in a multi-facility environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of CoC, SEER, and NAACCR standards, including staging systems, treatment coding, and reportability guidelines.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs) and cancer registry software systems. OncoLog experience is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly when reviewing complex medical documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate remotely with interdisciplinary teams.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with demonstrated success working in a remote or hybrid environment.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry changes and best practices.
• Ability to effectively manage workload in a remote environment, maintaining productivity, communication, and accountability while contributing to a collaborative team culture.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in achieving expected results,
• Ability to handle confidential information and demonstrate effective decision-making.
• Attention to detail and follow through skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work with clinical staff in analyzing registry data.
• Respecting the confidential nature of all aspects of patient care.
• Effective navigating and understanding of medical records.
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, coding systems, and data management skills.

University of Maryland Medical Center