Registry Change: Ready or Not
It seems building a meaningful EHR at the same time you are converting to ICD-10 at the same time recovery auditors and core measure reviewers are breathing down your neck is not enough. This year, the added pleasure of substantial changes to Cancer Registry needs to fit into your spare time.
When I say substantial changes, I really mean substantial! These changes are as big, if not bigger than those anticipated for coding. They include:
- Changes to all reference books
- Changes to reporting requirements and standards
- Changes to cancer staging
- Changes to reporting software
- Additions to the required data fields
- New rapid reporting requirements
- And more!
Now that these changes are in place, how are you dealing with them? Did you plan adequately for them? Did you evaluate your staffing and educate your registrars? Did you communicate your needs up and down the chain of command?
In the wake of all this change, many registry departments are woefully behind and barely keeping up with new cases. For others, things are fine and you have successfully navigated the disruption. Either way, let us know how 2010 cancer registry changes are impacting you and your organization.
And if you’ve developed any new best practice processes, we’re all ears.
Attendance at NCRA and regional State level meetings was a huge help in navigating the changing landscape. While the initial adaptation is always stressful, the changes we’re seeing will help position Cancer Registry to provide more relevant, higher quality data and that’s really what it’s all about!