By: Billie Shellist, BLIS Inc.

As a patient, you do a lot of research when you are considering undergoing an adjustable gastric banding or other weight loss surgery procedure and have to ask yourself some tough questions.  What procedure is right for me?  How do I find a quality surgeon with a comprehensive support program?  Will my insurance cover my procedure?  How will I pay for my surgery if my insurance doesn't cover it?  One self pay patient, Gary Grossman, had researched and answered all of these questions thoroughly but there was one concern still looming in his mind - the "unknown."

"What if I had a complication following my surgery?  How would I pay for something like that knowing that my health insurance would not step in to cover extra expenses if the unexpected happened, " stated Grossman.  "I knew I was in the hands of a qualified surgeon and knew the chances were slim, but still didn't feel it was a chance I was willing to take."

As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery patients can experience complications following surgery and although they do not happen often Grossman didn't want to proceed any further without knowing something was in place for his financial security and protection. 

Grossman did some research and was referred over to BLIS.  BLIS was established to help both surgeons and patients who are concerned about the potential risks associated with weight loss surgery and what the financial consequences of those risks could mean.  By choosing a BLIS Surgeon, patients can help protect themselves from the financial costs associated with post-surgical complications.

Grossman also learned that surgeons must be approved by BLIS in order to participate.  In order to be approved, the surgeon must, among other requirements, demonstrate outcomes that fall within BLIS expected ranges for each weight loss surgical procedure.  Once approved, the BLIS Surgeon will undergo continuous evaluation in comparison with the entire population of BLIS Surgeons in order to maintain their approved status with BLIS.  This process, supported by a unique and proprietary set of BLIS data, helps the BLIS Surgeon in their efforts to improve surgical outcomes which helps protect patients.  Grossman also learned that the BLISCare protection product is the first and only product of it's kind.

"Essentially, if I went to a BLIS Surgeon, I knew that if a covered complication occurred, my BLIS Surgeon could authorize my care and there would be no additional costs for me to pay, " said Grossman. 

BLIS protection works similar to a new car warranty.  Protection from complication related medical expense is included as part of the cash price paid for surgery.  Protection is included in a range of protection levels and timelines which patients choose.   Like a new car warranty, you must return to your BLIS Surgeon if you are not feeling well as only the BLIS Surgeon can authorize medical care on your behalf. 

Grossman's surgery was a complete success with no complications, but Grossman says that the peace of mind of knowing that he was protected from complication related medical bills was "priceless" for both him and his family.  

"BLIS Protection enabled me to move forward with weight loss surgery confidently and without worry or concern.  Now, with surgery over, I can just focus on being healthy, " said Grossman.

Since inception, BLIS has protected over 4, 000 patients on behalf of over 200 BLIS bariatric surgeons nationwide.  If you are a cash pay patient or a patient with a limited bariatric benefit and want to learn more or find a BLIS Surgeon in your area, contact BLIS at (503) 342-2444 or at patients@bliscompany.com.  

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