What is a Patient Advocate?

The healthcare industry is complex, fragmented and not completely patient centered. It has become so tenuous that patients really do need a go-between to help them navigate. Doctors can’t do it alone anymore, nor can nurses. Without that expert to step in and shepherd us, patients may succumb not to a disease or condition, but to the problems in the system that is intended to help them.

Patient advocates support and promote patients' rights as they navigate the healthcare system. Whether or not you are ill, managing your health can be confusing and overwhelming. And when things go wrong, it can be hard to get your voice heard by healthcare professionals around you. Healthcare providers and administrators do not intend to make things difficult for patients, but the system is so complicated that there is not much time for compassion and understanding. A patient advocate may act as liaison between a patient and their healthcare provider.

Typical patient advocacy activities are the following:

� Patient rights

� Matters of privacy

� Confidentiality or informed consent

� Patient representation

� Awareness building

� Support and education of patients

� Resolving disputes between patients and their healthcare provider

Your Partner in Digestive Care

The Patient Advocate ProgramThe Patient Advocate Program assist patients receiving care at GANV. The advocate can guide you through the confusing maze of healthcare. She or he can focus exclusively on your needs and help you resolve concerns about the quality of your care, get the care you need, and ensure that your voice is heard and that you are included in the decision-making.

Our Patient Advocate Program goals:

� Ensure appropriate use of healthcare resources on behalf of the patient

� Improve patient outcomes and satisfaction

� Ensure patients and families have a voice in their care

In general, a patient advocate handles complaints that you have about your treatment, healthcare providers or staff. They are employed by GANV at no cost to you, and is the one person dedicated to ensure you have someone who you can communicate with, to raise concerns and better understand your care so you can make informed decisions. The patient advocate is your partner on the path to a healthier you.

Iris Lee, MD

Ivan P. Harnden, MD

Felice L. Banson, MD

Bezawit D. Tekola, MD

Rupa N Shah, MD

Mahmood Abedi, MD

Behzad Kalaghchi, MD

Nader H. Balba, MD

Asma Khapra, MD

Ahmed Hegab, MD

Jeremias C. Tan, MD

Tonya Adams, MD

Byungki Kim, MD

Peter L. Scudera, MD

Michael A. Garone, MD

Kenneth R. Mirkin, MD

Emarie Hill, PA-C

Hanna L. Kim, PA-C

Lindsey A. Suffredini, PA-C

Stephanie Byers, PA-C

Kristin D. Maggi, PA-C

Rebecca Dieterich, PA-C

Your Partner in Digestive Care

703.698.8960 | myGANV.com

Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Patient Advocate: Giuliana Alvarez | 703.776.1775

Locations:3028 Javier Rd., 3rd FloorFairfax, VA 22031

3700 Joseph Siewick Dr.Suite 308Fairfax, VA 22033

100 Elden St.Suite 12Herndon, VA 20170

3914 Centreville Rd.Suite 350Chantilly, VA 20151.

Medical Drive Building 24570 Gum Spring Rd.Sterling, VA 20166

Endoscopy Centers:

3028 Javier Rd., 4th FloorFairfax, VA 22031

3914 Centreville Rd.Suite 350Chantilly, VA 20151

Infusion Suite:

3028 Javier Rd., 5th FloorFairfax, VA 22031