The information in this section refers to the Washington DC Transplant Center and is only applicable to you if this is your designated transplant site. Please remember that each transplant facility may handle transplantation differently.

Team Members

Much like at your local facility, your transplant facility will have a team of specialists working with you on your liver transplant. This team includes:

• Transplant Patient and His/Her Support Person (family/friends)
• Transplant Surgeon
• Hepatologist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Transplant Coordinator
• Social Worker
• Psychologist
• Pharmacist
• Dietitian
• Administrative Support Staff
• Physical Therapist

The Facility

The Washington DC VA Transplant Center is located in Washington, DC. The Washington DC Transplant Center is a shared liver transplant program with our affiliated academic partner, Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute (MGTI). The Washington DC VA Medical Center is located 5 miles away from the Georgetown MedStar Transplant Institute. It is approximately a 25-minute driving distance between centers.

Evaluation

After our transplant program receives your referral for liver transplant consideration from your referring provider and you are eligible for further evaluation, we will typically arrange an initial evaluation using telehealth within 30 days. Once you have been approved for an in-person evaluation at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, you will be contacted by the transplant coordinator in Washington DC to schedule your evaluation. You will be mailed an itinerary and a packet of information to prepare you for your evaluation at the transplant center.

When you are ready for your evaluation, your referring center will make travel arrangements for you and your designated caregiver to arrive into Washington DC. If you elect to drive to Washington DC, your travel miles will be reimbursed by your referring facility. Transportation will be arranged from airport to our lodging facilities. The transplant program will provide all transportation to and from your lodging to the VA Medical Center and MGTI.

The day after you arrive, you and your caregiver will go to the Washington DC VA Medical Center. You will report to the main laboratory to have blood and urine tests obtained and then report to the Transplant Clinic on the 2nd floor. The liver transplant coordinator and advanced medical assistant will be there to greet you. You will also meet with a hepatologist, who will take your full history, perform a physical exam, and provide more details about the transplant process. You will meet with a transplant surgeon on the same day.

You will have additional interviews with a social worker and psychiatrist or psychologist. You will also undergo additional diagnostic testing as needed. Some tests may need to be repeated during your evaluation.

The whole process usually takes less than 3 days. After your visit is completed, the transplant team will meet to discuss your case in the transplant selection committee to make a decision for listing on the national wait list. You will be notified of the team's decision by telephone, as well as by a mailed letter.

Lodging Information

While you are in Washington DC for your evaluation and transplant event (if you are listed), lodging will be provided in the area.

When you are ready to be discharged from the hospital, you will return to the provided lodging. During that time, you will have labs drawn and have frequent visits with your liver transplant medical and surgical team members.

Local Information

Washington DC has a diverse climate with changing and distinct temperatures in each season. During the winter months, the average high temperature is 48 degrees F and the average low temperature is 31 degrees F. Heavy winter clothing and a coat is highly recommended. Summer months in Washington average out at a high of 88 degrees F and a low of 68 degrees F. These months can be very humid. Spring and fall months tend to be balmy with an average high temperature of 67 degrees F and an average low temperature of 58 degrees F. A light jacket may be required for some individuals.

Contact Information

Washington DC VA Medical Center
50 Irving St
Washington, DC 20422
Phone: 475-450-5404
Fax: 202-745-8668