How does BLISCare work?

BLISCare is a “casualty” insurance policy covering the surgeon, not a “health” insurance policy covering patients.  Each individual bariatric surgeon must complete a BLIS application and must meet BLIS underwriting requirements in order to participate.  If accepted, the surgeon works with BLIS to customize a version of BLISCare specific to their program.  On completion BLIS will issue an insurance policy from a U.S. licensed insurance carrier.  Prior to surgery the BLIS surgeon reports their patient to BLIS where the patient is added to the surgeons roster of covered cases.  If a covered complication event develops following surgery, BLIS will reimburse all providers for medical expense related to the care of the patient when the care is authorized by the BLIS surgeon. 

How to become a BLIS Surgeon?  (underwriting requirements)

A number of requirements must be met in order to be accepted by BLIS.   Some of these include:

• ASMBS membership
• Minimum bariatric surgical procedure thresholds of lifetime and annual cases along with historical reported outcomes within expected norms
• Hospital’s express support of participation
• Mandatory enrollment of all covered cases

What are BLISCare ‘Covered Procedures' and 'Covered Complications’?

BLISCare Covered Procedures:

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.
• Laparoscopic Vertical Gastric Sleeve

BLISCare Covered Complications:

BLISCare offers coverage for weight loss surgery related infections, bleeding, leaks, band slip, band erosion, port site problems and other known complications.  Once approved by BLIS you will work with BLIS to customize a version of BLISCare specific to your program and within a broad framework develope by BLIS. 

All hospital facility charges, medical professionals and ancillary services, rehabilitation and medicine are included as part of the BLISCare coverage. 

BLIS staff training and patient enrollment: 

Participating surgeons will receive training by BLIS staff on all aspects of BLIS.  Training will occur after the surgeon has completed the design of their verison of BLISCare and final insurance documents have been issued by BLIS.  At the conclusion of the training, surgeons will be able to report their cases to BLIS for protection.