Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

What is defined as the date of first contact for a patient at a facility?

1. The first treatment appointment date

2. The date the patient first had contact with the facility for the diagnosis and/or first course of treatment

3. The date of first surgical intervention

4. The date of initial consultation

The correct answer is: The date the patient first had contact with the facility for the diagnosis and/or first course of treatment

The date of first contact for a patient at a facility is accurately defined as the date the patient first had contact with the facility for diagnosis and/or first course of treatment. This definition encompasses the broadest understanding of initial patient interaction, which may include various points such as registration, the first visit, or any preliminary assessments made before a definitive treatment or diagnosis is established. This date is crucial for record-keeping and tracking patient care timelines in cancer registries, as it establishes the starting point for the patient's treatment journey and the subsequent collection of relevant data. It is the point of entry into the healthcare system for that specific condition and is used for determining timelines related to quality measures, treatment decisions, and outcomes. In contrast with the other options, the first treatment appointment date does not necessarily reflect the complete patient experience or include situations where patients may have sought diagnostic evaluations without the initiation of treatment. The date of first surgical intervention is relevant only for specific treatment pathways and does not capture all the types of initial engagement with the healthcare facility that might occur. Lastly, the date of initial consultation may refer to a meeting with a healthcare provider but might not encompass all types of first contact, particularly if it did not involve a definitive assessment or treatment-related evaluation. Thus