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2010 Data Changes

Keeping you updated on 2010 Data Changes.

Updates & Resources

07/08/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website]

The CSv2 Implementation Guide PDF was just updated. Documentation for the release versions of CSv2 is maintained on the Software Products for Collaborative Staging Version 2 (CSv2) webpage.


07/01/10

Sweeping Revisions for Cancer Registries [Journal of AHIMA]

While updates to cancer registry commonly occur every few years, 2010 marks an unusually high number of changes to the field, according to Susan Koering, MEd, RHIA, CTR, president of the National Cancer Registrars Association and oncology registry manager at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital–Frauenshuh Cancer Center, based in St. Louis Park, MN. Changes that registrars face in 2010 include:

  • New content in four different reference books used for cancer reporting
  • Major changes in cancer staging announced by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)
  • Collaborative staging changes that could result in nearly 150 additional fields for registrars to learn and report, which in turn require major software revisions
  • Implementation of new hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasm case reporting and coding rules
  • Implementation of the AJCC Rapid Reporting Requirement, which will eventually reduce the turnaround time for abstraction

Changes in cancer reporting requirements and standards announced by the American College of Surgeons Tightened cancer registry certification requirements “This is a massive change. It is a new way to look at how we are gathering our data,” says Laura Vondenhuevel, RHIT, CTR, the assistant tumor registrar at Wright-Patterson Medical Center, located at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Vondenhuevel also facilitates the AHIMA cancer registry Community of Practice. “It is not just coding changes for us, it is also staging changes for the doctors. So it is a whole new ballgame.”

Most of the changes begin with 2010 cases. But since many cancer registry units have a six-month delay in working on cases, the changes are expected to hit much of the industry in July...


06/22/10

Hematopoietic & Lymphoid Neoplasm Project [Version 1.6 released June 18, 2010]

Version 1.6 of the Hematopoietic DB and the embedded Hematopoietic Manual are now available on the SEER website. The new version includes corrections to the Hemato DB and to the Manual, including the requested corrections to the flowcharts. A complete list of the corrections is attached and is also posted on the website.


06/07/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website] Version 02.02.00.

A new version of CSv2 software (version 02.02.00) was released on April 29, 2010. This release includes updates for issues detected by system tests and mapping refinements as requested by the CSv2 Mapping and IT teams. This version provides updates to the DLL, including all API calls, schemas, table attributes, systems documentation and sample programs.

A new release of the CSv2 software (version 02.03.00) is planned for October 2010. This release will include updates resulting from the schema proofing and validation project currently underway. This release will also include updates scheduled for implementation in January 2011. Details on the specific updates included in this release will be documented and posted when the software is released.


05/20/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website] SEER Abstract Addendum Generator for 2010 Cases Abstracted under Collaborative Stage version 1 (CSv1) released May 14, 2010.

While the ideal situation is that all 2010+ cases are abstracted into Collaborative Staging version 2 (CSv2) software, some facilities/registries may need to abstract 2010+ cases before their abstracting software can be updated to CSv2. This tool lists the Collaborative Staging (CS) fields and space to abstract the information needed for CSv2. You must have Word 2003 or later on your computer to run this tool. See http://www.seer.cancer.gov/tools/absgenerator/ for more information.

Read full details....


05/13/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website] Collaborative Stage Version 02.02.00 Release Announcement

Contents of Release

The new version includes corrections to the software and corresponding API documentation. Two new components have been added: VB source code and HTML documentation for schema selection. The function cstage_get_version was added to the EDITS interface. A blank in the field Lymph-Vascular Invasion will now be considered valid when the year of diagnosis is 2009 or earlier and CS Version Input Original is less than 020000. See the “Release Notes” and the file “Changes for CSv2.2.doc” for more details...

Implementing Version 02.02.00

If you have not yet implemented CS version 02.00.01 (released in 01/10), or 02.01.00 (released in 2/10), you can implement this new release instead. Note that all conversion specifications and implementation instructions published for the initial version 2 release must still be followed.

If you have implemented CS version 2 and converted your old data, but have not yet collected any new cases under CSv2, you can just replace the DLL with the new one and re-derive all stage data with the new version, setting the CS Version Derived to ‘020200’.

If you have implemented CSv2, converted old data, and collected any new data under CSv2, you may also need to review some cases for which the schema selection algorithm may have returned an incorrect result. This new release includes a change in the handling of blanks in schema discriminator, Site-Specific Factor 25 (SSF25). The schema selection algorithm will no longer resolve to a schema when a discriminator is needed but is blank. Any cases matching the following sites and histologies and having a blank string in SSF25 should be reviewed. The blank string should be replaced with an appropriate non-blank code and all of the CS fields should be reviewed and recoded if necessary...

Software

The CSv2 teams are still resolving some outstanding issues. Revisions to existing content and new features will be announced on this page. Check back often to view news and updated content. Additionally, e- mail notifications will be sent to cancer registry professionals and vendors as updates for CSv2 products are released. In the meantime, CSv2 teams will continue their diligent efforts to provide the cancer registry community with the CSv2 products for 2010 implementation....

Read full details....


05/04/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website] Organization Recommendations and Requirements for Implementation of CS Version 02.00.01

Each standard-setting group has specific requirements and recommendations for implementation of CS Version 2. Click on the links below to download the individual requirements. Where necessary, refer to individual program or central cancer registry requirements for additional information.

  • Commission on Cancer (CoC) (85K PDF) - updated April 29, 2010
  • CoC SSF Requirements for 2010 (50K XLS) - updated April 29, 2010
  • National Cancer Institute–Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (NCI-SEER) (15K PDF)
  • SEER Required SSFs for 2010
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Program of Cancer Registries (CDC/NPCR) (40K PDF)
  • Canadian Council of Cancer Registries (Statistics Canada–Canadian Cancer Registry)

Download the available PDFs.


04/29/10

[From the Collaborative Staging Website]

Part II: Collaborative Staging and Coding Manual, Part II, version 02.02.00 (April 2010). PDF Schemas. These PDF files collectively incorporate Part II of the coding manual, and contain all the tables required to code CS version 2.

Download the PDF Schemas.


04/12/10

[From the CoC Flash] The year 2010 has brought many changes for the cancer registry. As we turn to the second quarter of 2010, activity is still brisk within the CSv2 teams. The purpose of this communication is to provide timely updates related to various CSv2 activities, including software releases, timelines, and future activities.

The CSv2 Project Management Team met recently and underwent a process review session to determine what worked in the development of CSv2 and where things could be improved. Feedback received on the implementation of CSv2 was reviewed with the Project Management Team and all team leaders. A comprehensive plan for the ongoing maintenance of CSv2 is in development.

Data Validation of Site-Specific Schema
The site-specific schema are available on the CS Web pages in individual table format. Currently, an exhaustive data validation effort is underway to review the schemas. The focus of this effort is for code clarification and to look at the quality of the product. This work is being performed by a group of experienced, senior-level cancer registrars. They are reviewing the schemas for accurate stage group derivation, coding errors, typos and to ensure that the notes are clear and comprehensive. Based on their findings, some schema may be updated in a future version release, which is anticipated in late Summer 2010 (see below).

PDF Formatting of Site-Specific Schema
The CSv2 Work Group is pleased to announce that the site-specific schema will be available in .pdf format on April 29, 2010. The schemas will be grouped by anatomic site, e.g., the “lower GI” .pdf will contain schemas for appendix, carcinoid appendix, GIST appendix, colon, GIST colon, NET colon, rectum, GIST rectum, NET rectum, and anus. This format will facilitate downloading the schema and navigation between tables within the schema, and, at the same time, not require manipulation of over 1000 pages of tables with a complete download of all schemas.

Collection of Pre/Post Treatment Data Elements
The CSv2 Project Management Team has elected to delay implementation of the collection of pre/post treatment data elements until January 1, 2012. Watch for more information on this topic in future communications.

Informatics Team
The initial production release (version 02.00.01) was implemented on January 13, 2010. This version provides a fully functional DLL, includes all API calls, schemas, table attributes, systems documentation and sample programs. The Informatics Team encourages vendor implementation as soon as possible.

A new release (version 02.02.00) is planned for April 29, 2010. This release will include updates for issues detected by system tests and mapping refinements as requested by the Mapping and IT teams. Details on the specific updates included in this release will be documented and posted when the software is released.

Lastly, a future release (version 02.03.00) is planned for late August 2010. This release will incorporate changes resulting from the data validation process mentioned above.


04/01/10
NAACCR launched an Everything 2010 a “one-stop-shop” for 2010 change implementation - a collection of important information, programs, documentation and updates concerning 2010 and placed them in one convenient location for you.


03/12/10
Revised version of Hematopoietic DB and 2010 Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Case Reportability and Coding Manual now available.

Version 1.4 of the Hematopoietic DB and the embedded Hematopoietic Manual are now available on the SEER website. The new version includes corrections to the Hemato DB and to the Manual, including the requested corrections to the flowcharts. A complete list of the corrections is also posted on the website.


03/01/10

CSv2 PART I Available for Download!

Part I, Section 1: General Rules [125 pgs] & Part I, Section 2: Lab Tests, Tumor Markers, and Site- Specific Factor Notes [130 pgs] PDFs.

Download now.


02/18/10
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: GIST/Neuroendocrin

Order past Webinars! Learn more @ Archived Webinars


02/04/10
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: Liver/Biliary

Order past Webinars! Learn more @ Archived Webinars


01/14/10
The Collaborative Stage Version 2 Work Group announces the release of Collaborative Stage version 02.00.01 (CSv2), which collects cancer data among several standard-setting organizations. The staging system has been renamed the Collaborative Stage (CS) Data Collection System.

The new version incorporates significant changes to collaborative staging that are effective for cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2010, and are based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual, 7th edition. Available at http://cancerstaging.org/cstage/index.html, CSv2 contains software programs and tools, general instructions and implementation guidelines, site-specific codes and coding instructions for the new variables, and standard-setter requirements.

Cases diagnosed in 2010 must be coded using the revised version. Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited programs should install software updates before abstracting 2010 diagnoses. The CSv2 software will include new staging algorithms and will utilize the data elements as defined in the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) Inc.?s Record Layout Standards, Volume II, Version 12. Registry software systems must incorporate the new CSv2 software. In addition, current registry data will need to be converted to the new CSv2 and NAACCR version 12 standards prior to using CSv2. Specifications for the data conversion will be available on the CS Web page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide a program for the conversion of the staging data elements.

If abstracting of 2010 cases begins before the software is updated, it will be necessary to review those cases after the update to code the new items and ensure that converted items have specific codes assigned. Electronic conversion of Class of Case and Race items may result in broader categories than the items require for 2010 cases. Cases diagnosed prior to 2010 may be coded using the new layout, but it is not necessary to code the items with a 2010 implementation date.

To ensure correct conversion and derivation of CS data, all records in the registry database with staging information diagnosed from 1/1/2004 through the date of implementation must be processed through the CSv2 conversion algorithm. AJCC 6 stage and SS1977 and SS2000 will be re-derived on all cases where sufficient information is available. Registries are urged to identify all edits developed for use with CSv1 on the fields they collect and re-edit all cases before implementation of CSv2. CSv1 edits were added to the standard NAACCR metafile at intervals from 2004 through mid-2009; all CSv1 cases in the registry database may not have passed through all available CS edits. Users can expect fewer conversion problems with edited data.

Once CSv2 is installed, it will be the only CS version used for all cases diagnosed from the year 2004 to the present, regardless of diagnosis year.

The CSv2 algorithm for AJCC 6 and 7 will be applied to cases as described below:
+ The AJCC 7th edition mapping algorithm will be applied only to cases diagnosed from January 1, 2010, and forward.
+ Cases diagnosed before January 1, 2010 can be coded using CSv2, but the mapping algorithm will only calculate AJCC 6th edition for these cases.
+ Site-specific factors may be coded for any year?that is, new site-specific factors can be coded for pre- 2010 cases.
+ Blanks will be allowed for data collected under CSv2 for Site-Specific Factors 1-25. For data converted from CSv1 to CSv2, SSFs 1-25 may also be left blank.

All programming files for this release are available for download from the CS Web page of the American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) Web site. It is recommended that vendors deliver these updates to their clients as soon as possible.

The CS Implementation Guide, CSv2 User Documentation, and other tools will provide detailed information to ensure a smooth transition from CSv1 to CSv2. These documents are also available on the CS Web page.

Recommendations and Requirements for Implementation of CS Version 02.00.01
Each standard-setting organization has specific requirements and recommendations for applying the CS Version 2. Visit the CS Web pages to view and download the individual requirements. Refer to individual program or central cancer registry requirements for additional information.

Vendor and general questions regarding the CS release can be submitted to CSv2@facs.org. All technical and coding questions should be submitted to the Inquiry and Response (I&R) System.

Note: The CS Web pages have been redesigned for CSv2, and any bookmarks for pages within the Web site may need to be reset.

01/07/10
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: Lymphoma/Hematopoietic (120 minutes)

Order past Webinars! Learn more @ Archived Webinars


12/09/09

SEER announced the Hematopoietic Database (DB) is now available on the SEER website. The Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Case Reportability and Coding Manual is embedded in the Hematopoietic DB. The Manual can be accessed from the first screen of the Hematopoietic DB by clicking on the Hemato Manual button located on the lower-right of the screen.

A total of 13 hematopoietic educational presentations will be available on the SEER website. There is no charge for the Hematopoietic DB, the manual, or any of the presentations.

Download Hematopoietic DB with the embedded Manual. Main contact: NCISEERQI@mail.nih.gov.

12/08/09

NAACCR's 2010 Implementation Guidelines and Recommendations (For NAACCR Standards Volume II, Data Standards and Data Dictionary, Version 12, effective with cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2010) have been released. They have been completed to the best of the ability of the work group. At the time the guidelines were released the materials for CSV2 and Hematopoietic MP/H Rules were not finalized; therefore, more detailed information could not be incorporated in to the guidelines. As updated information is received it will be shared with the NAACCR membership through the NAACCR listserv.

Access NAACCR's 2010 Implementation Guidelines and Recommendations (PDF).

12/07/09

CSv2 Speakers Bureau members were trained to deliver presentations and case exercises that address the following sites included in version two of the Collaborative Stage Data Collection System.

View Speakers Bureau lists.
View 2009-2010 training calendar.


12/03/09
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: Head & Neck (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


11/23/09
A Case Data Collection Web Site for CSv2 is available. Be sure to read the site's instructions before submitting cases.

Go to the Case Data Collection Site. (account required)


11/05/09
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: Lung (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


10/22/09
NCRA's CSv2 LIVE Webinar continues today! TOPIC: Colorectal (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


10/14/09
CHICAGO: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) released the seventh edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. The manual is intended to provide physicians and health care professionals around the world with a tool to facilitate the uniform description and reporting of cancer. The manual was last updated in 2002.

Considered the gold standard in cancer staging, the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual brings together the appropriate and evidence-based criteria for the staging of cancer for 52 anatomic primary sites, which includes the rational and rules for staging; the background explanation of the changes between the sixth and seventh editions; the definitions of tumor, lymph node involvement, and metastasis; stage groupings; and histologic grade. “The AJCC believes this newly released Edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manualwill enhance the utility of the TNM* staging to patients and clinicians,” said Stephen Edge, MD, FACS, the publication’s editor. “This seventh edition is also a springboard to the exciting future of personalized cancer care using data to more specifically define prognosis and the potential for benefit from specific therapies,” Dr. Edge said.

Published by Springer, the manual, handbook, and atlas are all prepared by the AJCC in collaboration with its member organizations, including the American Cancer Society, which provided primary funding for the development. These organizations work with the AJCC in the promotion of staging at the time of diagnosis in order to achieve better patient outcomes.


10/08/09
Another NCRA CSv2 LIVE Webinar is today! TOPIC: Prostate/GU (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


10/2/2009
Published updates from NCRA's The Connection (fall 2009):

  • Pages 1,4: Implementation: Brief Review of Site-Specific Factors for the Colon/Rectum Schema by Suzanna S. Hoyler, CTR [CSV2 PROJECT LEADER & Valerie J. Vesich, RHIT, CTR [CSV2 MAPPING TEAM MEMBER]
  • Page 5: CAP Cancer Committee by Rose Ross, RHIT, CTR [NCRA's CAP Liaison]
  • Pages 10: CSv2 Web Site: View the Latest Enhancements by Cynthia Boudreaux, LPN, CTR [CSV2 EDUCATION & TRAINING TEAM LEADER]
Read full articles...


09/24/09
Another NCRA CSv2 LIVE Webinar is today! TOPIC: Breast (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


09/17/09
A new forum topic - 2010 Changes - was added to the very popular Online Discussion Forum, the resource for NCRA members to share info, ask questions, search topics & monitor the latest hot issues.

Access the Online Discussion Forums


09/3/09
First NCRA CSv2 LIVE Webinar is today! TOPIC: Introduction, Overview; Developed & Presented by: April Fritz. (120 minutes)

Pre-Order the Archived Webinars


09/2/09
NAACCR announces Webex series - 3-hour class will present information about the data collection changes and additions included in Standards Volume II, Version 12 and scheduled to be collected for cases diagnosed January 1, 2010 and after. This will include Collaborative Stage Data Collection System Version 2 (CSv2) and other changes and additions identified in Standards Volume II, Version 12.

TOPIC: Session Information: 2010 Cancer Data Collection Updates: Standards Volume II, Version 12.


09/01/09
In preparation for the release of CSv2 effective with 2010 cases, AJCC seeks your feedback on the availability of the data in the medical record for the new Site-Specific Factors for the select cancer primary sites. (One questionnaire submission per facility)

Take the Online Survey. Survey deadline = 9/15/09


08/29/09
NCRA: Your CSv2 Resource (advance magazine) by Lilly Grossman.

"Webinar series will provide educational opportunities that are accessible and cost appropriate...NCRA has been involved in understanding these changes to be fully prepared to ascertain and deliver on the educational needs of the members and greater cancer registry community."

Read full article...


8/15/2009
Published updates from NCRA's The Connection (summer 2009):

  • Pages 1,4: New Version of Collaborative Stage...Let’s Get Ready by Suzanna S. Hoyler, CTR [CSV2 PROJECT LEADER & Valerie J. Vesich, RHIT, CTR [CSV2 MAPPING TEAM MEMBER]
  • Page 5: Education and Training for Collaborative Stage Version 2 by Cynthia Boudreaux, LPN, CTR [CSV2 EDUCATION AND TRAINING TEAM LEADER]
  • Pages 11-12: Hematopoietic Project by Carol Hahn Johnson, CS, CTR [CHAIR, HEMATOPOIETIC WORKING GROUP QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, NCI SEER]
Read full articles...


08/05/09
The first CSv2 training for the NPCR Education & Training Coordinators (ETCs) conducted in Atlanta.


07/31/09
Train-the Trainers program by the CSv2 Education & Training Team conducted in Chicago.


07/16/09
NCRA offers cost-effective & CE-worthy Webinar training for CSv2.


06/10/09
Cancer Registrars Prepare for Sweeping Changes: Six activities need to be on every registrar's 2010 readiness action plan. (advance magazine); Laurie Hebert interviewed.

"Six activities need to be on every registrar's 2010 readiness action plan:

1. Read: Registrars can expect a lot of communication coming at them from a variety of sources such as ACoS, state associations and registries, NCRA, NAACCR, etc. To stay on top of what's happening, the following Web sites and resources are a must:
• ACoS CoC
• NCRA
• NAACCR
• NCI/SEER
• State association registry meetings

2. Plan: Create an implementation plan and timeline once all communication and deadlines have been finalized.

3. Prioritize: Determine what needs to occur and when and how current work will be accomplished while preparing for upcoming changes. There are a lot of moving parts and it will be important for registrars to be clear on priorities and to secure buy-in on those priorities from their organization.

4. Manage time: Time management skills will be essential during the transition to updated standards. Time management goes hand and hand with setting priorities and then being disciplined enough to not be distracted and veer off plan.

5. Educate: Educate early and often and that includes educating leadership on the upcoming changes.

6. Update: Update internal policy and procedure manuals."

Read full article...


06/01/09
NCRA welcomes attendees to the 35th Annual Conference in New Orleans. Seek to virtually attend the conference? Pre-Order the Encore Sessions of presentations.


05/20/09
Concerns on Cancer Registry Changes for 2010 (advance magazine) by By Lynn Jusinski.

"NAACCR and standard setters in cancer surveillance chose to implement major changes every 3 years to hopefully lighten the load on registrars and give them time to get ready for the new guidelines. Some in the cancer registry field have expressed concerns about the bulk of the changes coming in 2010..."

Read full article...


4/01/2009
Published update from NCRA's The Connection (spring 2009) - "Collaborative Stage Version 2: Who’s Doing the Work?" by Suzanna S. Hoyler, CTR [CSV2 PROJECT LEADER] & Lynda L. Douglas, CTR [CHAIR, CS FIELD TEST TEAM]

The latest revision of Collaborative Staging (CS) has provided an opportunity for many standards-setters, vendors, and other interested organizations to work together towards a new version of the Collaborative Staging that is compatible with the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 7th Edition. The AJCC manual will be published in summer 2009 and be effective with January 1, 2010, cancer cases.

The Collaborative Staging system is a joint effort between all standards-setting agencies and organizations involved in cancer surveillance in North America. These include AJCC, CoC, CDC/NPCR, NCI/SEER, NCRA, NAACCR, and Canadian Council of Cancer Registries. Several teams are involved in creating the changes necessary for CSv2—read about them in detail below...

Read full article...pages 1 & 4.


02/01/09
Topics at NCRA's 35th Annual Conference (June 2009 in New Orleans) offers a tremendous amount of presentations on 2010 Data Changes. Unable to attend the conference? Pre-Order the Encore Sessions of presentations.


12/31/08
Stephen B Edge, MD, FACS, Editor of AJCC Staging Manual 7th edition, wrote an article "Collaborative Staging Site-Specific Factors and Other New Data Items: Understanding Their Importance and Impact on Patient Care" published in NCRA's The Connection (winter 08-09).

"Advances in cancer medicine necessitate changes in how cancer data is collected. Some of these changes include the study of new biomarkers or existing tests that have new prognostic meaning. Diagnostic workup will begin to include the new markers that guide treatment decisions resulting in prognostic changes. These biomarkers and other significant prognostic information will be incorporated into the Site-Specific Factors (SSFs) of Collaborative Staging Version 2 (CSv2).

Cancer Registrars play an important role in collecting and reporting data vital to providing quality care, understanding incidence and mortality, and patterns of care and outcomes."

Read full article...pages 16-17.


12/01/08
Changes for 2010 (advance magazine) by Lynda Douglas.

"Changes to The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) record layout that will affect coding and abstracting for the year 2010 are being developed. Several years ago, national standard setters for cancer surveillance agreed major changes needed to be curtailed to once every 3 years. This was to allow for all the difficulties in making programmatic changes, education to learn new standards, labor costs, etc.

We are now preparing for our first 3-year cycle when major changes can happen. Consequently, we have 3 major changes happening at one time."

Read full article...


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