GLP-1s Create an Education and Patient Trust Challenge for Surgeons — BLISCare Can Help

How GLP-1 Medications Impact Patient Education and Surgeon Support

In an era where GLP-1 medications are reshaping patient expectations around weight loss, BLISCare empowers bariatric practices to strengthen patient trust, protect practice revenue, and reinforce the long-term value of surgical care.

GLP-1 Surge Linked to Drop in Bariatric Surgery Volumes

A recent Mass General Brigham study found a 105.7% increase in GLP-1 prescriptions from 2022 to 2023, and an 8.7% drop in bariatric surgeries during the same time period. But despite the popularity of injectables, surgery remains the most effective long-term solution for obesity and related conditions.

Why Bariatric Surgery Still Leads in Long-Term Patient Health

Despite GLP-1 popularity, bariatric surgery offers unmatched benefits in sustained weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and improved quality of life.

According to the ASMBS, bariatric surgery:

• Offers significant long-term weight loss
• Improves or resolves obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
• Leads to lower cancer rates and improved lifespan

How BLISCare Strengthens Patient Trust and Protects Surgical Practice Revenue

BLISCare has emerged as a key partner in helping bariatric surgeons retain patients and improve outcomes by offering comprehensive complication protection and predictable payment models that benefit both providers and patients.

BLISCare helps bariatric surgery practices reduce risk, increase patient trust, and stabilize revenue through:

1. Unexpected Surgical Outcome Protection

• BLISCare protects against common surgical complications:
  • Cardiopulmonary and thromboembolic events
  • Bleeding, infection, leak, and perforation
  • Dehydration, nausea, obstruction, stricture
    (Applicable to Vertical Sleeve, Bypass, Duodenal Switch, SADI, and revisions)​​
• Protection includes surgeon fees, facility costs, rehab, and other medical charges—with no additional patient costs up to the limit.

2. Bundled Payment Programs

• Helps practices offer all-inclusive surgery pricing with built-in protection.
• Great for self-pay and cash-pay patients who seek cost predictability.
• Supports financial clarity, streamlines insurance navigation, and increases case acceptance rates.

3. Flexible Coverage Solutions

• BLISCare can match our coverage to your practice’s and patients’ needs: flexibility across claim periods, reporting timelines, deductible structures, and coverage options are all available, giving both providers and patients greater confidence, customization, and control.

Educating Patients on BLISCare Protection

Bariatric practices can strengthen patient conversion and trust by proactively educating on BLISCare’s benefits. This increases transparency and positions the surgeon as a patient-first provider.

Educational Opportunities:

• Patient Handouts: Printed or digital resources explaining what’s covered and how protection works​.
• Videos: Short explainer animations or testimonials featuring real patient scenarios.
• Consultation Checklists: Includes BLISCare explanation as a key decision-making tool.
• Website FAQs: Easily digestible answers to common patient concerns about post-op complications.

Key Messages to Communicate:

• BLISCare ensures patients won’t face surprise bills for approved complications.
• Coverage includes:
  • Surgeon fees
  • Facility costs
  • Post-op care like additional procedures or readmissions​
• Patient must return to their operating surgeon when possible for care continuity.

Addressing Practice Revenue Declines Head-On

With the rise of injectable treatments causing hesitation around surgery, practices can use BLISCare to:

• Reframe surgery as a safe, fully protected investment in health
• Position bundled pricing as superior to ongoing injection costs
• Build confidence by eliminating the financial “what ifs” from surgical discussions

BLISCare’s Bariatric Surgery Coverage at a Glance

BLISCare covers most major bariatric procedures, including but not limited to:

• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG)
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRNY)
• Duodenal Switch (DUSW)
• SADI
• ORBERA Gastric Balloon
• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
• Band to Sleeve, Sleeve to Bypass, Band to Bypass, etc.​

Each procedure includes coverage for key complications such as leaks, obstructions, strictures, and bleeding—with additional options available on a case-by-case basis. 

BLISCare Surgical Risk Management for Bariatric Surgery Clinics

From the Surgical Risk Program Checklist:

• Strong financial backing through reputable insurers
• Transparent claims management and fast resolution
• Customizable policy options: partial case coverage, tailored benefit limits
• Track record of reliability and surgeon satisfaction​

Partner with BLISCare and secure your bariatric surgery success in 2025 and beyond.