Duties

The Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar) is primarily charged with being the Administrative Assistant to the Cancer Committee and Tumor Registry Coordinator. The job duties include but are not limited to:

• Utilizes information from Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons Cancer Program guidelines, National VA Oncology Program and NCI SEER Program.
• Identifies and codes pertinent information regarding patient's diagnosis including demographics, diagnosis, site and histology, diagnostic procedures, extent of disease, and treatment.
• Utilizes pertinent references such as coding references to ensure complete and accurate data is captures.
• Understands anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, the structure and physiology of major anatomical systems and major disease processes.
• Utilizes specific resources, such as medical references, accepted nomenclatures, accepted disease and operation classification systems, medical dictionaries, manuals, textbooks, and glossaries.
• Uses medical terminology related to every professional specialty, particularly in relation to neoplastic disease.
• Through the use of classification and coding systems, determines how to code and record new diagnostic terms, treatments, drugs and therapies for which no reference or precedent is available as a guide to coding and classification.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in modes of therapy in relation to method of diagnosis to type of treatment.
• Uses VistA Tumor Registry database to enter, edit, update, list, delete and print relevant cases.
• Assembles and disseminates data collected within the Tumor Registry database when called upon for information
• Submits the data on a monthly basis to the VA Central Cancer Registry, American College of Surgeon's National Cancer Database, and the State's tumor registry program.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday- 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not authorized for this position
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Not authorized for this position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar)/PD000000
Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized for this position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• 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 Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

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.
• 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).
• 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).

Grade Determinations:
MRT (Cancer Registrar), [GS-4]

1) Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements.

(2) Assignment. [MRT (Cancer Registrar)] at this level serve in entry level positions and receive close supervision from more experienced MRT (Cancer Registrar)] staff members.

MRT (Cancer Registrar), [GS-5]

(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or successful completion of four years of education above high school from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information technology.

(2) Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: (a) Ability to utilize health information technology and various office software products utilized in MRT (Cancer Registrar) positions (e.g., the electronic health record, coding and abstracting software, release of information systems, etc.). (b) Knowledge of the Joint Commission requirements, [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services], Commission on Cancer, and American College of Surgeons (ACoS) guidance and/or health record documentation guidelines. (c) Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work to complete duties within required timeframes and ability to follow-up on pending issues.

(3) Assignment. [MRTs (Cancer Registrar)] at this grade level serve in developmental positions and receive guidance from more experienced MRT (Cancer Registrar) staff members for more complex issues and/or procedures.

MRT (Cancer Registrar), [GS-6]
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level.

(2) Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of medical terminology to understand the content of the medical record [.] (b) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand the location of the cancer[.] (c) Ability to operate computerized programs to review documentation within the electronic medical record. (d) Ability to notify appropriate parties and organize all required documentation to ensure complete case presentation at tumor boards.

(3) Assignment. [MRT (Cancer Registrar)] at this grade level searches the medical record to identify and abstract/code information. The abstract is conducted by collecting, summarizing, coding detailed demographic and clinical information, and assisting with organizing and maintaining the cancer registry data system.

MRT (Cancer Registrar), [GS-7]
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(2) Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate [all of] the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of pathophysiology to understand the spread of the cancer disease process. (b) Ability to analyze the electronic health record and enter appropriate data into the OncoTrax cancer registry software abstract. (c) Knowledge of ACoS standards regarding tumor boards, including clinical staging, prognostic indicators, clinical guidelines, and clinical trials availability.

(3) Assignment. [MRTs (Cancer Registrar)] at this grade level serve in developmental cancer registrar positions by thoroughly searching the medical record to identify and abstract/code all information. Organizes and maintains the cancer registry data system. Reviews lifetime follow-up on patients including cancer status and vital status. Coordinates and attends multidisciplinary tumor boards to ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained. Abstracts by collecting, summarizing and coding detailed demographic, and clinical information

MRT (Cancer Registrar) [GS-8]

(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(2) Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities]. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all o] the following KSAs:(a) Knowledge of professional registry operations.(b) Knowledge of medical terminology, staging of cancer, and requirements of internal and external approving organizations.(c) Knowledge of the cancer committee processes and procedures to improve patient care and verify compliance with ACoS and/or facility standards.(d) Ability to serve as a subject matter expert on cancer programs for the medical center.(e) Skill in utilizing electronic health records and cancer registry software.

(3) Assignment. This is the full performance level for this assignment. [MRTs (Cancer Registrar) at this level perform all tasks and duties autonomously. Searches the medical record to identify and abstract/code all information. Organizes and maintains the cancer registry data system. Reviews lifetime follow-up on patients including cancer status and vital status. Oversees tumor board documentation, ensuring documentation meets the requirements and standards set VA Handbook 5005/128 March 5, 2020 PART II APPENDIX G35 II-G35-6 forth by ACoS and/or facility standards. Ascertains a random sampling of annual analytic case load for physician review to ensure quality registry data.

References: References: VA Handbook 5005/128, Part II, Appendix G35, Medical Records Technician (Cancer Registrar).

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements: May include but not limited to standing up to two hours per day, use of both hands, use of fingers, and sitting up to eight hours per day.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

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.

As required by Executive Order 14043 , Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. 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 exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .