What the heck is a trauma registrar, anyway?

Once upon a time even my guest asked that question. After starting a career in nursing in 1987, Stefanie Arp became a trauma nurse specialist in 2001. And quickly became tasked with the responsibilities of trauma coordinator, a position she knew very little about but found herself immersed in, whether she wanted to or not.

Trauma registry opened up a new world of data abstraction, quality improvement, trauma center designation, high-pressure American College of Surgeons site surveys, and much more, including medical coding and the use of trauma activation codes. And opened Arp’s eyes (and now, mine) to an under the radar profession that plays a huge impact on patient outcomes and organizational quality.

We get into all of that on today’s Off the Record, covering:

• What is a trauma registry professional and why should an organization invest in them?
• The nitty-gritty of the role including data abstraction process, record review and productivity expectations
• American College of Surgeons and facility specific requirements, including trauma center designation levels
• Revenue implications including the use of trauma activation HCPCS code G0930
• Arp’s fascinating origin story, from nurse to national consultant
• What makes for a good trauma registrar--desired background, skills, and mindset, and Arp’s advice for folks looking to break in
• Finding meaning in her work (no shortage of that)