Tumor Registrar
Posted By: diddles on 2005-12-06
In Reply to: Tumor/Cancer Registrar question - JoJoMT
Getting the training you need is the easy part. Getting a job is the hard part. Since I have a CPC, I'll give you idea of how the process goes.
There are different types of coding certifications. You need a hospital-based coding certificate. You can get the CPC-H, costs about $1500, is an 8-hour proctored exam. You can't get the other hospital coding certification unless you are actually working in a coding position in a hospital (see how hard it's starting to get?).
My best suggestion would be to take an entry level position in a hospital doing clerical work while you are getting certified. The cert process really does not take that long but you need to get hands-on experience just to make contacts and find a mentor who will help you. See if you can develop a relationship with the MR director so on your off time you can browse through charts and compare them to how the coders billed them out to start the understanding process. Next get friendly with the onc doctors and see if you can get a position in an office to code out those fees. This may require the second certification for doctor's office coding. Now you need to need to specialize in oncology coding certification. This will need an investment of at least 2 years of college towards and RHIA degree. Network, network, network!
The pay is terrific. Depending on your location, you could earn as much as $100k a year and expect a $5 to $10k sign-on bonus. It is an autonomous position and you will deal with all sorts of personalities.
For me it has become a pipe dream due to my geographical location. But I still believe in dreams 
d~
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Tumor/Cancer Registrar question
Hi All .... I've been an MT for 13 years, but was interested in obtaining info about a cancer/tumor registrar position.
Can anyone tell me what they know about the position. I've been looking online, and I see I need a coding course, certification, etc. How can I get more info about getting started? Where do I start - a coding course only? Could I obtain an entry level position? I've been in the medical records field for a long time - is my MT experience a foot in the door ?
What about salary? Someone told me it pays better than what an MT would make. Is this true?
Any info would be a blessing! Thanks a heap ...
JoJo
Tumor Registrar is a good field
for MTs to pursue, especially if they have had experience transcribing oncology reports. You can actually learn online, and there are many schools offering this program. Santa Barbara Community College is a good school, and they have an online program. Good luck!
You may also want to try obtaining your own MT accounts. You will of course have more administrative tasks, but will also make a greater income than working for a national service at slave wages.
A brain tumor such as meningioma can cause morning HA's, too. (nm)
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