advocate lutheran general hospital is part of downers grove-based advocate health care, which is the largest health care provider in illinois and the largest accountable care organization in the us. with more than 25,000 employees and 4,600 affiliated physicians, advocate health care operates 10 acute care hospitals, including two children's hospitals and a specialty hospital for extended care needs, three large medical groups, and comprehensive home health and hospice services. advocate health care is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization related to both the evangelical lutheran church in america and the united church of christ.