Oncology Data Specialist II

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Oncology Data Specialist II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• The Oncology Data Specialist is a data information specialist who performs medical record review and captures a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the Northwestern Medicine Healthcare Corporation system. The Oncology Data Specialist also assists in maintaining cancer program accreditation requirements through the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer. Registry data provides essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs. The Oncology Data Specialist proactively raises quality of care and quality of documentation issues to the appropriate committees, nurse and physician managers
• Oncology Data Specialist II is a senior-level position requiring the Oncology Data Specialist certification (ODS-C) with a strong background in Cancer Registry standards who can work independently and assist with special projects.

Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with physicians and staff at all levels of seniority to define and achieve common aims. 
• Ensure complete, accurate and timely data abstraction for all NM reportable cancer cases. 
  • Review all case finding resources to identify reportable cases and enter cases into suspense, such as ICD-10 disease indices, path reports, cytology reports, autopsy reports, dermatology office reports, ambulatory surgery reports, as relevant to their assigned facilities.  Oncology Data Specialist II is proficient and independent in their work. 
  • Abstract information from patients' electronic and/or manual medical records according to the Commission on Cancer standards. Oncology Data Specialist II is proficient in all cancer case complexities. Consult with physicians, physician offices, and outside facilities to obtain incomplete information or clarify discrepant documentation.
  • Understands current oncology treatment guidelines; document reasons for non-concordance of treatment guidelines within the abstract.
  • Extensive knowledge in finding follow-up on eligible cases per ACoS standards by utilizing EPIC system, physician contact, outside facility contact, and if needed, patient contact.
  • Proficiency in determining current cancer status, progression/recurrence of disease, and cause of death along with distinguishing first course vs subsequent treatments; to provide accurate survival information on all cancer sites.
  • Meets productivity at 20 cases per week (6-month average) and quality standards at 95% accuracy (6-month average).
  • Understands department priorities and navigates work independently.
  • Supports special projects (e.g. clear edits for data submission)
  • Uses concise and effective written and verbal communication
• Assist with cross coverage in daily department activities as needed to ensure smooth workflow among individuals and as a team.
• Identify improvement opportunities and participate in improvement activities as set forth by coordinators or manager. 
• Assist with data reporting and requests from the coordinators or manager
• Completes other duties assigned by manager.

Required:

• ODS-Certified
• Minimum of 3 years
• Microsoft Office software advanced training/proficiency (Level 2 Excel/Word, PPT basic)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred:

• 5 years of Oncology Data Specialist experience
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Technology Management or similar, or commensurate skills and work experience
• Experience with Epic, Mosaiq and Cancer Registry Software systems

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.