BLIS reimburses medical providers for complication-related care authorized by the BLIS Surgeon

BLISCare cannot eliminate the risk of surgical complications, but it can help eliminate the extra cost to patients. Should patients suffer a covered complication during or within the time frames specified following their surgery, the patient does not have to worry about the extra cost of care.

Why? Because BLIS reimburses medical providers for complication-related care authorized by the BLIS Surgeon. And the best part? BLIS works behind the scenes with the medical team involved to make sure it's all taken care of.  Patients can focus on their health, rather than arguing with insurance companies or worrying about how to pay for extra medical bills.

How does BLIS work?

BLIS is similar to a new car warranty. Protection from complication related care is included as part of the cash price patients pay for surgery. Just as a factory warranty comes with a new car, protection from complication related medical bills is included with the price for surgery.  Just as the new car owner must return to the dealership to use the new car’s warranty, patients must return to their BLIS Surgeon for the care they need. 

How much does BLIS protection cost a weight loss surgery patient?

The price patients pay for their surgery with the BLIS Surgeon will include the cost of complication protection.  This total cost will depend on which surgical procedure patients choose and what level of protection their surgeon has arranged with BLIS.  Surgeons may or may not choose to disclose the BLISCare premium to their patients.  BLISCare is not insurance for the patient so patients have no financial relationship with BLIS.  As a result, there is no direct cost to the patient from BLIS.  

Can patients purchase the BLIS protection on their own (without having my surgery with a BLIS Surgeon)?

BLISCare protection is only available through approved BLIS Surgeons as part of an inclusive surgical package included in the procedure price. BLISCare is similar to a ‘factory warranty’ as it comes with the purchase.  BLISCare is not health insurance for the patient, but instead insures the surgeon enabling them to protect their patients.  Patients cannot purchase BLISCare on their own. If a surgeon is not currently covered by BLIS, they can apply to become one... this process can take anywhere between one and six months.

How long does BLIS protection last following surgery?

Each BLIS Surgeon has created a specific package that was designed with their patients in mind and specific to their surgical procedures.  Patients should discuss details with their BLIS Surgeon.  In general, protection can last anywhere from 30 days to 18 months following surgery.  BLISCare will pay for complications reported within the specific timeframes detailed for each covered procedure. 

Examples of BLISCare ‘Covered Procedures’

·      Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

·      Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

·      Laparoscopic Vertical Gastric Sleeve

Examples of BLISCare ‘Covered Complications’ available to be included as part of the protection plan developed for surgeons in consultation with BLIS:

• Complication at one of the anastomatic sites; stenosis/stricture, leak, or staple-line failure
• Bleeding complication
• Cardiopulmonary complication such as myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, or respiratory failure
• Erosion of adjustable band through esophageal/stomach wall, or erosion into other visceral organ
• Esophageal abnormalities
• Abdominal wall hernia at incision or port site
• Infection resulting from device
• Leak
• Bowel obstruction resulting from procedure
• Perforation of bowel and/or other visceral organ, including splenic injury
• Complications at the port site, including infection, dysfunction, and or revisions
• Re-operation resulting from a complication of the original procedure
• Slippage of adjustable band or dilation of proximal GI tract
• Stenosis
• Thromboembolic complications (blood clot, stroke)
• Ulcer occurring at or near site of procedure
• Wound infection and dehiscence.