What are the responsibilities and job description for the Oncology Data Specialist position at Middlesex Hospital?
Position Highlights
- Department: Cancer Center
- Hours: 40.00 per week
- Shift: Shift 1
Position Summary
The Oncology Data Specialist assures thorough, accurate and quality data collection as required by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) and State of Connecticut. This includes case-finding, abstraction, follow-up and reporting requirements. This role will maintain accurate cancer registry data, ensuring all cancer cases are documented and reported in compliance with national standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Under general supervision the Oncology Data Specialist will;
Review medical records to identify and abstract cancer cases and related information.
Collect detailed data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, staging, treatment, and outcomes.
Maintain an accurate, up-to-date cancer registry, ensuring comprehensive and timely data entry
Perform data validation and quality checks to ensure completeness and consistency of the cancer registry.
Monitor data trends and resolve discrepancies in the dataset through communication with medical staff or external organizations.
Ensure that all data complies with industry standards and regulations, such as the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) and the Commission on Cancer (CoC) guidelines
Prepare and submit cancer registry reports to state, national, and regulatory agencies as required (e.g., SEER, National Cancer Database).
Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other confidentiality regulations when handling patient information.
Assist in preparing data for quality assurance, audits, and accreditation reviews.
Work closely with physicians, clinical staff, and healthcare providers to gather accurate and complete cancer data.
Serve as a resource for oncology teams by providing data for case reviews, performance improvement initiatives, and clinical research.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve data collection processes and accuracy.
Participate in the analysis of cancer data to identify trends, survival rates, and outcomes for internal reporting or external research studies.
Coordinates weekly tumor boards for the interdisciplinary team, this includes preparing detailed case summaries for each case presented.
Support research initiatives by providing tumor registry data for studies and clinical trials.
Assist in tracking patient outcomes and treatment patterns to guide cancer care planning.
Stay current with changes in tumor registry standards, coding systems (e.g., ICD-10, AJCC staging), and cancer care practices.
Participate in professional development and certification programs to maintain and enhance expertise in tumor registry operations.
Adheres to all Core Values: Compassion, Pursue Excellence, Cooperation and Collaboration, Upholds Honesty, and Supports Innovation.
Adheres to all Absolutes: Privacy and Confidentiality, Professional Appearance, and Responsibility and Commitment.
Other job related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
5 years experience in Cancer Registry
3 years experience reporting to national cancer databases or registries
Experience with cancer registry software (e.g., SEER, CoC tools, and other data management systems)
Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management, Medical Records or other related field
Certified Oncology Data Specialist
Preferred Qualifications
3 years experience in medical coding, healthcare data, and/or oncology terminology
Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management, Medical Records or other related field
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :
Familiarity with research and quality improvement initiatives within oncology settings
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with healthcare professionals and teams.
Comprehensive Benefits Offered
- Competitive and affordable benefits package
- Shift Differentials
- Continuing Education assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student Loan relief through Fiducius
- Quick commute access from I-84, Route 9 and surrounding areas
About Middlesex Health
The Smarter Choice for your Career!
Come join one of Connecticut’s Top Workplaces, and a Magnet designated organization! At Middlesex Health, we have a unique combination of award-winning talent, world-class technology, and patient-first care that's making health care better. Through our affiliation with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Middlesex Health has access to the most advanced medical knowledge and research available.
