As medical records coordinator at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Donna Pridgen has played a vital behind-the-scenes role for the past four years. While many residents may not realize all that goes into maintaining accurate medical records, Pridgen understands that every detail contributes to quality care.

With a quiet smile and calm confidence, Pridgen approaches her work with professionalism, precision and genuine dedication. Her work plays an important role in supporting resident care and helping Oak Hammock meet the high standards expected of a premier senior living community.

In senior living, quality care depends far more than what residents see each day. Accurate documentation, regulatory compliance and attention to detail are essential to ensuring continuity of care and maintaining the organization’s commitment to excellence. Team members like Pridgen help support those efforts every day, contributing to the culture of quality care that has helped Oak Hammock earn recognition, including the Bronze National Quality Award and a Five-Star rating.

With more than 30 years of healthcare experience, Pridgen has dedicated her career to serving others. She began working at age 16 and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, where she discovered a passion for caring for older adults in assisted living. Her career has included attending nursing school, Hospice care, home health care for veterans, medical coding and office administration, giving her a broad understanding of the healthcare field and the importance of accurate documentation.

Today, Pridgen’s responsibilities include medical coding, medical records management, provider credentialing, physician orders and visit oversight, HIPAA compliance support and maintaining complete, accurate resident records. She carefully reviews resident charts; updates diagnoses and treatments and helps ensure physicians’ documentation is complete and current. Her work supports regulatory compliance while providing the clinical team with the information they need to deliver safe, coordinated care.

Pridgen is well respected by both the residents and Oak Hammock administration. As VP and Chief Operating Officer Sonja Donlin said, “Donna is one of those rare professionals who makes everyone around her better.  Her medical records and exceptional coding skills demonstrate her incredible attention to detail and commitment to excellence.  Donna is always willing to lend a hand, answer questions and support her teammates with patience and kindness.  She is often in the background not always seen, but those that have the privilege of working with her know how fortunate they are to have her as part of their team.”

Whether she’s ensuring the accuracy of a medical record or quietly encouraging someone with a thoughtful gesture, Pridgen approaches every day with compassion, professionalism and a commitment to making a difference for the residents and team members of Oak Hammock.

Away from work, Pridgen enjoys spending time with her husband, Marc, whom she met at church as a teenager. The couple has been married for 40 years and has three daughters who all live nearby, making family time especially meaningful. She also considers one of her daughters’ childhood friends to be a fourth daughter, saying her heart makes no distinction, as they are all simply her daughters.

The family enjoys fishing, biking, kayaking, going to the beach and spending time outdoors, cooking/baking, crafting and just being together.

Recently, Pridgen reflected on her role at Oak Hammock:

What do you like most about your job?

I genuinely enjoy all aspects of my role because each responsibility contributes to supporting resident care and ensuring accurate healthcare documentation. If I had to identify a favorite area, it would be medical coding.

I often describe medical coding as solving a puzzle. I review a residents’ medical history, diagnoses, treatments and provider documentation to develop a complete understanding of their healthcare needs. By carefully analyzing the information and assigning the most accurate codes, I help ensure the resident’s medical story is accurately represented while supporting proper billing, compliance and continuity of care. I find the analytical nature of coding both challenging and rewarding.

How do you apply We Care to what you do? –

Although much of my work takes place in my office, I embrace Oak Hammock’s We Care values of welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic every day.

I believe small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on everyone. Whether it’s offering assistance, checking on someone, sending a thoughtful note or simply taking the time to listen, I enjoy finding ways to make people feel valued and supported. I hope through this it brings a smile to someone’s face and a feeling of them being valued.

I make a point to greet residents, visitors and team members with a smile, helping connect people with the resources they need. I also understand that careful, accurate work in my office ultimately benefits every resident by supporting quality care and protecting sensitive health information.

How do you make a difference for the residents?

I have experienced firsthand how meaningful relationships with residents can become.  I remember one resident in particular living with Parkinson’s disease. Because my mother-in-law was also living with Parkinson’s, I felt a special connection with him and his family, offering empathy and understanding throughout their journey. I would stop by and see him whenever I could.

I also treasure memories of another resident who was a gifted pianist and singer. I would often visit her to listen to her play and sing. Those quiet moments always brought joy to my day.

Ultimately, I feel my work is important. By assigning the most accurate codes, I help ensure each resident’s medical story is represented accurately while supporting proper billing, compliance and continuity of care.  I also feel that the opportunity to be a notary for Oak Hammock makes a difference by helping residents and employees with this important service.

I strive to remain attentive and responsive to the needs of others. I take pride in completing my responsibilities accurately and efficiently because I understand that my work supports resident care, protects sensitive information and helps other departments serve residents effectively. By approaching my work with professionalism, compassion and attention to details, I contribute to creating a positive experience for residents, families and team members.

What would people be surprised to learn about you

I grew up on a farm near Hampton, Florida, where my family raised much of their own food. Caring for animals, harvesting crops and preserving food taught me responsibility, a strong work ethic and dedication from an early age.

Many people are surprised to learn that before focusing on healthcare, I worked in education as both a third-grade teacher and principal of a private school. I also enjoy crafting, writing and performing anonymous acts of kindness, often creating handmade cards to brighten someone’s day. I am even working on a book inspired by the important work CNAs do every day to care for others.

“Donna is one of the sweetest and most dedicated people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She is always willing to help me obtain records I need to ensure our residents receive the best possible care, and incredible attention to detail. Donna takes great pride in everything she does, and her pride and commitment and positive attitude make her an invaluable part of the Oak Hammock Team!”  – Nadia Luna, Health Pavilion admissions and marketing coordinator

“Donna is one of Oak Hammock’s hidden gems.  As a member of the team in the Health Pavilion, she is primarily responsible for coding information that results in Oak Hammock being paid for the many services it provides to residents in Skilled Nursing.  She works quietly but efficiently and is available to help those in the Health Pavilion who need notary services.  If you see her, you will likely receive a ready smile and a friendly greeting.  She is a real asset to Oak Hammock, and we are lucky to have her tucked away in her office, working on our behalf.”  – Martha Rader, resident