Cancer registrars billed as ‘recording artists’

SAMC appreciates its own during national, state observances

The role of cancer registrars may be a mystery to many, but it is important enough to be recognized nationally and by Indiana’s governor.

The Virginia-based National Cancer Registrars Association, chartered in 1974, calls those in its field “recording artists’’ and has designated April 12 to 16 National Cancer Registrars Week. Locally, Gov. Mitch Daniels has proclaimed that period Cancer Registrars Week.

Rosemarie Taylor and Stacy Whaley, who hold registrar positions at Saint Anthony Medical Center, are pleased with the recognition, although they believe that job title could use clarification. At Saint Anthony, their titles are charge data coordinator and data coordinator, respectively.

“Some people think we just make appointments and register people for care,’’ said Whaley, who has been in her position since last year. “We maintain and interpret a database of diagnostic and treatment information that provides clinicians with measurable outcomes of treatment, survival and quality improvement opportunities.’’

Taylor, who has been a registrar since 1994, and also is a nationally certified tumor registrar, agrees. “A better title might be cancer data management coordinator. We work with physicians to make sure patients are getting the correct treatment to assure quality of life and improve their care.’’

Taylor and Whaley have college degrees as Registered Health Information Technicians.

Saint Anthony’s registrars also provide support for the hospital’s Cancer Services Committee, made up of physicians and others in the field, to ensure compliance with standards for the hospital’s Commission on Cancer nationally accredited program.

“We meet at monthly tumor conferences to present newly diagnosed cases and discuss findings and treatment options with pathologists, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists. We verify they are following treatment prescribed by National Comprehensive Cancer Care Network guidelines,’’ Taylor said, adding, “We collect data and submit it to the state board of health and national cancer databases. We can prove that our doctors are meeting required standards of care.’’

Taylor, who has held various positions in the health care field since 1978, said Saint Anthony annually treats approximately 600 newly diagnosed cancer cases.
“It’s extremely detailed work and the standards change annually, but we are blessed to have a great team of professionals to work with at Saint Anthony,’’ she added.

Becky Grove, manager of the Breast Care Center and Burrell Cancer Institute on the Saint Anthony campus, said the registrars play a key role in the hospital’s efforts.
“With the current climate of quality on everyone’s mind, their work becomes even more important. It’s a pleasure to recognize such a talented staff. They are the unsung heroes of our cancer program,’’ she added.