Joel R. Plueger
Hinton,IA
Summary
Senior Healthcare IT Analyst with 15+ years of experience supporting laboratory information systems (LIS), clinical applications, and multi-site healthcare environments. Expertise in system implementation, interface management, workflow optimization, and cross-functional project leadership. Proven track record of improving system performance and supporting scalable lab operations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical Application Analyst
UnityPoint Health
06.2018 - Current
- Lead support and optimization of laboratory systems including Sunquest, PowerPath, Data Innovations Instrument Manager, BioRad Unity Realtime, Application Interfaces, HL7 Interfaces, SAP Crystal RALS across multiple sites
- Manage system databases, interfaces, billing processes, and reporting solutions
- Extensive Experience HL7 standards for healthcare
- Lead Reportable Disease implementation on going support
- Lead Data Innovations Instrument Manager implementation and on going support
- Lead integration projects for newly acquired laboratories into enterprise systems
- Partner with clinical, operational, and IT teams to design and implement new laboratory solutions
- Provide advanced troubleshooting and system performance improvements across the organization
Technical Application Analyst
UnityPoint Health
06.2015 - 06.2018
- Supported multiple laboratory systems across the health system
- Maintained databases, interfaces, billing processes, and reporting functionality
- Contributed to development of standardized solutions for lab operations
- Assisted with system upgrades, testing, and implementation efforts
Laboratory Information System (LIS) Manager
UnityPoint St. Luke’s
10.2006 - 06.2015
- Administered Sunquest laboratory and pathology systems, including database management, reporting, billing, and interfaces
- Developed and maintained LIS policies and procedures
- Trained laboratory and clinical staff on system functionality and upgrades
- Generated ad-hoc reports and provided enterprise-wide user support
Medical Technologist
St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center
07.2004 - 10.2006
- Performed laboratory testing in compliance with CAP and AABB standards
- Maintained quality control and quality assurance protocols
- Delivered accurate and timely diagnostic results to healthcare providers
- Ensured adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory requirements
Education
Medical Technologist Certification - ASCP Certification
St. Luke’s College
Sioux City, IA06-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN01-2002
Skills
- Laboratory Systems: Sunquest, PowerPath, RALS, Data Innovations Instrument Manager, SAP Crystal
- LIS & Clinical Application Support
- Interface & Integration Management
- Database Management & Reporting
- System Implementation & Upgrades
- Workflow Optimization
- User Training & Support
Timeline
Senior Technical Application Analyst
UnityPoint Health
06.2018 - Current
Technical Application Analyst
UnityPoint Health
06.2015 - 06.2018
Laboratory Information System (LIS) Manager
UnityPoint St. Luke’s
10.2006 - 06.2015
Medical Technologist
St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center
07.2004 - 10.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Southwest Minnesota State University
Medical Technologist Certification - ASCP Certification
St. Luke’s College