Summary The Lead Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar) according to the guidelines of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer's standards carries out the Oncology Patient Registry operations duties and responsibilities independently. Work problems are normally resolved by the Cancer Program Specialist without reference to the supervisor, in accordance with policies, procedures, knowledge of the medical record field, consultation with other Cancer Program Specialists, and training. Responsibilities Lead [MRTs (Cancer Registrar)] are responsible for developing, organizing, implementing and maintaining an accurate system to identify all reportable diagnoses, assuring that all eligible cases are identified and coded into the registry system. Utilizes the electronic health record to identify and abstract/code the required data elements. Conducts lifetime follow-up on patients, documenting the progression/recurrence of their disease and other required elements. Distributes workload and maintains productivity while assuring accuracy and completeness of registry data. Analyzes and submits data to the internal and external entities as required. Prepares routine statistical reports. 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. Codes information contained on several forms and documents that makes up an entire record: codes diseases, surgical procedures, and co-morbid conditions. 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 d i a g n o s t i c , therapeutic and surgical procedures. These include: Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities to meet deadlines. Knowledge of neoplastic disease processes, cancer staging systems, biologic and molecular prognostic indicators to determine derived stage. Knowledge of reportable diseases, surveillance, epidemiology and end results program, cancer staging systems, multiple primary and histology rules, international classification of diseases for oncology, morphology and topography, cancer treatment modalities, and data requirements. Ability to analyze data using comparative statistical methods and present the data in graph format. Ability to interpret and apply facility bylaws regarding the cancer program. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements governing cancer registry operations to plan, organize, and maintain special cancer registries. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules, and regulations. Submits data monthly to the VA:. Central Cancer Registry, per directives, submits data 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. Collects core data from patient's records including demographic characteristics, diagnosis procedures, diagnoses, stage, and extent of disease. The incumbent ensures that data is reported accurately and in correct format. Devises format for some information, to meet requirements established by requests. 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 validates data gather from various sources. 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 as well as public health officials, medical center management, planners and others. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not vitrtual position. Functional Statement #: 93974-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education (1) Experience. One year of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record. Six months of the required one year of experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT work. OR (2) Education. Two years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours directly related to MRT work (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and introduction to health records).OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and experience: (a) Six months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology courses. (b) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. Training may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience, provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical record techniques and procedures. The position requires six additional months of experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of the health record. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). English Language Proficiency. MRT (Cancer Registrar) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).. Grade Determinations: Lead MRT (Cancer Registrar), [GS-9] Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: (a) Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities [ ] to meet deadlines[.] (b) Knowledge of neoplastic disease processes, cancer staging systems, biologic and molecular prognostic indicators to determine derived stage[.] (c) Knowledge of reportable diseases, surveillance, epidemiology and end results [ ] program, cancer staging systems, multiple primary and histology rules, international classification of diseases for oncology, [ ] morphology and topography, cancer treatment modalities, and data requirements[.] (d) Ability to analyze data using comparative statistical methods and present the data in graph [ ] format[.] (e) Ability to interpret and apply facility bylaws regarding the cancer program[.] (f) Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements governing cancer registry operations to plan, organize, and maintain special cancer registries[.] (g) Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules, and regulations. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead [MRTs (Cancer Registrar)] are responsible for developing, organizing, implementing and maintaining an accurate system to identify all reportable diagnoses, assuring that all eligible cases are identified and coded into the registry system. Utilizes the electronic health record to identify and abstract/code the required data elements. Conducts lifetime follow-up on patients, documenting the progression/recurrence of their disease and other required elements. Distributes workload and maintains productivity while assuring accuracy and completeness of registry data. Analyzes and submits data to the internal and external entities as required. Prepares routine statistical reports. Preferred Experience: Oncology Data Specialist, Cancer Tumor Registry Certification Reference: VA Handbook 5005/128, Part II, Appendix 35 dated September 5, 2014. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The position is primarily sedentary, with some bending, walking and stooping required. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.