Final answer:
Roster billing is used for filing claims in healthcare for multiple patients at once, commonly during events like mass immunizations, to increase efficiency and reduce paperwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roster billing is a method used in the healthcare industry primarily for filing claims where multiple patients receive similar services or standard procedures. In simpler terms, roster billing is utilized to submit claims for multiple patients at once instead of filing separate claims for each patient. This streamlined process is beneficial in cases such as mass immunizations where there can be a high volume of patients receiving the same service. For example, during flu season, when a healthcare provider administers flu vaccinations to a large group, roster billing allows the provider to submit one claim for the entire group rather than individual claims for each vaccination.
Roster billing simplifies the claims process, reduces paperwork, and increases efficiency. It is mainly used in conjunction with Medicare and other insurance programs that accept this form of billing. It's important to note that not all services or situations are eligible for roster billing, and providers must adhere to specific guidelines and coding requirements set forth by the payers.