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We’ve already written over the past year about expected changes to the Cancer Registry– and how extensive they are likely to be. No doubt – this is a big deal. Remember the shift from ICD-9 to ICD-10? The Cancer Registry changes are a lot like that – but with an even more profound impact on hospital workload and productivity. 

In a blog that I wrote earlier this year, I talked about the importance of being prepared for expected changes in the cancer registry.  Well, we are well past the half way point of 2018 and are still navigating the changes. In fact, after attending the Florida Cancer Registry Association Meeting, I learned of some changes Cancer Registrars should be aware of.  So, I thought it might be high time to provide an update!

Here’s what I learned at the meeting:

• The STORE Manual (Standards for Oncology Registry Entry) was released on August 15, 2018 and is now available and ready to use.  You can access the STORE Manual by clicking here.
• Some cancer registry software vendors might not have their 2018 versions released until October.  
• The Solid Tumor Manual still has some chapters in draft format. 

Back in 2016, cancer registries were faced with the question of whether or not to abstract given delays in getting new standards released to software vendors and state registries. In 2018, we find ourselves in the same situation and with each tick of the clock, cancer registrars are feeling more and more anxious to receive information from the cancer registry standard setters regarding this year’s changes. But until the new standards are released, no one can complete or submit 2018 cases to state or regional registries.

Before we know it 2017 will be wrapping up and 2018 will be upon us. 2018 promises to be a year of change for cancer registry. I believe life favors the prepared so I made a list of projected changes that will hit in the new year. Hopefully this will get you jump started for what is ahead!

Earlier this year, the Commission on Cancer released the 2016 Edition of the Cancer Program Standards: Ensuring Patient-Centered Care. This manual includes clarification and improved language to help further understand how the standards are intended and the criteria for compliance.

With each tick of the clock cancer registrars are feeling more and more anxious to receive information from the cancer registry standard setters regarding the 2016 changes.  This information is usually released in January, however, six months later many registrars are finding their hands tied.  Until the new standards are released to the software vendors and state registries, no one can complete or submit 2016 cases to state or regional registries.