UPMC Registry Information Services (RIS)

Overview:

Registry Information Services is an emerging division of UPMC Cancer Centers. This service is separated into two distinct sub-divisions within the UPMC Network Cancer Registry, one handling data collection and dissemination for clinical and hospital operational purposes and the other dedicated to specific efforts and data needs of the research community of the Centers of Excellence within the UPMC Cancer Centers and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

The UPMC Network Cancer Registry is comprised of over 40 full time staff responsible for maintaining a standardized data system designed for the collection, management and analysis of patient demographic, grading, staging, treatment and progression data on patients having a diagnosis of cancer. It is also a key source for Honest Broker Services established in May 2003 to meet the needs of our oncology research environment here at UPMC Cancer Centers.

Standardized data is captured for all reportable diagnoses in accordance with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Health regulations. Due to these public health agency regulations, this registry process is exempt from HIPAA consenting processes. Most facilities within the Registry also adhere to the voluntary standards set forth by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for approved cancer programs. Primary sources for data extraction are both paper and electronic medical records. Data is abstracted via manual and electronic methods into the cancer registry database by Certified Cancer Registrars. Registry data includes demographics, personal and medical history, diagnostic findings, primary cancer identification, staging, grading, treatment and outcomes The entire UPMC Network Cancer Registry information system is architected on the North American Association of Central Cancer Registry (NAACCR) data standards.

For complete information on the Registry Information Services, please see http://cancerregistrynetwork.upmc.com/