Handy List of Resources on the Web
Most cancer registrars, at one time or another, go through volumes of books to do cancer reporting. The cancer registry standard setters provide a repository of books on abstracting, coding instructions and guidelines with titles spanning the entire alphabet. For example, do you remember lugging around books for AJCC, CS, DAM, FORDS, ICD-O, MPH, ROADS, NAACCR, SEER, etcetera?
These days, registrars still rely on a large number of references and resources to do
Elizabeth Patena, M.D., CTR VP of Cancer Registry
their job. However, through technology, most items are contained within PC-based abstracting software or available on the Web.
Web-Based Wins
There are benefits to web-based formats over PC-based software. While PC-based software pulls everything together in one place for registrars, web-based resources save time, money and IT headaches. Here’s how.
- Updates are automatic: users do not have to install anything to access the latest revisions.
- Allows access from any computer or device with an Internet connection; best choice for traveling registrars or consultants.
- Eliminates the need for IT assistance, logins and passwords for installing software on work computers.
Each standard setter has their own dedicated webpage with links and easy access to a myriad of resources. But navigating websites and finding resources is sometimes confusing and time-consuming.
So to help registrars, I’ve compiled a list of the best direct links. Whether you are a seasoned registrar or just starting in the field, keep this list handy. And happy surfing!
CANCER REGISTRY RESOURCES
REPORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Massachusetts Abstracting and Coding Manual, 5th edition, Section II
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/health-stats/cancer-registry/coding-manual/
SEER Program Coding and Staging Manual 2013, Introduction and General Instructions
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/codingmanuals/index.html
CASEFINDING (CASE ASCERTAINEMENT)
Casefinding ICD-9-CM or ICD-10 code list
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/casefinding/
ICD-CM Conversion
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/conversion/
International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O-3) – hard copy
ABSTRACTING AND CODING
Massachusetts Abstracting and Coding Manual, 5th edition
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/health-stats/cancer-registry/coding-manual/
Facility Oncology Registry Data Standards (FORDS)
http://www.facs.org/cancer/coc/fords/fords-manual-2013.pdf
Multiple Primary and Histology Rules
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/mphrules/
Hematopoietics
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/heme/
Collaborative Staging
https://cancerstaging.org/cstage/Pages/default.aspx
AJCC Staging Manual – hard copy
Summary Staging Manual – hard copy
Interactive antineoplastic drugs database
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/seerrx/
EDITS
http://www.naaccr.org/StandardsandRegistryOperations/VolumeII.aspx
Chapter X: Data Dictionary data items are presented in alphabetical order by item names. For each item, a general description, specific codes and definitions are provided. For many items, the document provides a brief rationale for collecting the data item or for using the codes listed.
CoC CANCER PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
Cancer Program and Data Standards
http://www.facs.org/cancer/coc/standards.html
Rapid Quality Reporting System (RQRS)
http://www.facs.org/cancer/ncdb/rqrs.html
Best Practices Repository (BPR) – Best practices to assist you in meeting the standards.
https://www.socialtext.net/cancer_standards/coc_best_practices_repository
NATIONAL CANCER DATABASE (NCDB) DATA SUBMISSION
http://www.facs.org/cancer/ncdb/datasubmission.html
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR BREASTS CENTERS (NAPBC)Program standards and components
http://napbc-breast.org/standards/standards.html
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSSEER Inquiry (SINQ)
http://seer.cancer.gov/seerinquiry/index.php
Ask a SEER Registrar
http://seer.cancer.gov/registrars/contact.html
Data Collection Q&A
http://seer.cancer.gov/registrars/data-collection.html
CAnswer Forum
http://cancerbulletin.facs.org/forums
TRAINING
http://seer.cancer.gov/training/
https://cancerstaging.org/cstage/education/Pages/Education.aspx
http://www.naaccr.org/EducationandTraining/ResourcesandTrainingforCTRs.aspx