The results of a surgical complication protection program (BLIS, Inc.) for private pay bariatric patients in the U.S.: 2006-2011.
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and associated medical co morbidities. There is currently minimal surgical treatment penetration of this widespread disease. BLIS has been able to improve the access to bariatric surgery for cash-pay patients by alleviating concern about the costs of post-surgical complications. Recently, there has become an ability to attract payor groups by offering a "bundled" payment which includes BLIS complication protection.


METHODS
A total of 5,364 self-pay patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with BLIS complication insurance.


RESULTS
Of the overall 5,364 patients, the 30-day mortality rate was 0.04 % and 1-year mortality rate was 0.06 %. The frequency of complications was 5.4 % in the gastric banding group, 6.5 % in the sleeve gastrectomy group, and 9.7 % in the gastric bypass group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results for mortality and complications in the BLIS data set compares very well with other large data sets in bariatric surgery. BLIS complication insurance improves the access to bariatric surgery in patients who self-pay.
Northwest Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Seattle, WA, USA. chebli@nwmbs.com
Joseph E
JE
Chebli
Regi
R
Schindler
D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D014481:United States