BLIS - Improving Access to Surgery

Complication Protection

BLISCare Complication Protection

Overview

BLISCare complication coverage is insurance protection exclusively available from BLIS and only for select, high quality bariatric surgeons approved by BLIS. Surgeons must meet BLIS strict underwriting requirements in order to be considered. Coverage allows the bariatric surgeon to protect their patients from the financial exposure of medical costs due to complications.

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.

Upon 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 expenses related to the care of the patient when the care is authorized by the BLIS Surgeon and at pre-negotiated terms.

BLISCare Covered Procedures can include:

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

BLISCare Covered Complications can include:

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.

What does BLISCare pay for?

BLISCare pays for all medical care and treatment authorized by the BLIS surgeon related to the covered complication. This can include all hospital facility, medical professionals, ancillary services and medicine.

Once approved by BLIS, the surgeon works with BLIS to customize a version of BLISCare specific to their program and within a broad framework developed by BLIS.
All hospital facility charges, medical professionals and ancillary services, rehabilitation and medicine are included as part of the BLISCare coverage.

For more information, contact BLIS.