POS 10 in Medical Billing — Telehealth at Patient's Home

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POS 10 in medical billing refers to telehealth (audio/video) services delivered at a patient’s home. Using POS codes matters because they help insurers understand where the service is delivered, allowing them to reimburse facility or non-facility rates accordingly.

Incorrect POS code application, mismatched CPT codes, ICD-10 diagnosis codes, or incorrect modifiers can lead to rejections or claim denials. Always use accurate POS codes based on the location of service: telehealth at home, not at home, inpatient, outpatient, on-campus, off-campus, and other related services.

This guide covers POS 10 usage, when to avoid it, how it affects reimbursements, and how it compares with other POS codes.

Learn About Place of Service (POS) Codes in Detail

Check out the complete list here!

What is POS 10 in Medical Billing?

POS 10 in medical billing is used for telehealth, video, or audio communication services delivered at the patient’s home or another residential area, such as a hotel, lodging area, cafe, or villa.

POS 10 is a non-facility code, which often has higher reimbursement rates from CMS or other commercial payers because it doesn’t involve the facility’s equipment and resources.

When to Use POS Code 10 (and When Not To)

Billers and coders must ensure they use POS code 10 in the following circumstances;

The service is provided through a live video/audio call (telehealth service).
The patient is physically located at their home during the encounter.
The provider conducts a virtual therapy session with a patient located at home.

Here’s when billers and coders should avoid using POS 10 in medical billing;

The patient is at a work location or any place other than home.
Service is delivered at patient’s home, but it’s not a telehealth one; it’s a one-on-one face-to-face visit.
Some regional payers and Medicaid agencies require POS 02 for telehealth services instead of POS 10.

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POS 10 vs. POS 02 vs. POS 11 vs. POS 21 vs. POS 23

Let’s compare the top place of service (POS) codes, POS 10, 02, 11, 21, and 23, so you can better understand where and when to use each one.

POS Codes	Definition	Setting	Reimbursement Rate
POS 10	Telehealth services at a patient’s home.	Non-facility	Higher
POS 02	Telehealth service other than in patient’s home.	Facility	Lower
POS 11	Outpatient services.	Non-Facility	Higher
POS 21	Inpatient hospital.	Facility	Lower
POS 23	Emergency room services.	Facility	Lower

How POS 10 Affects Reimbursement Rates

POS 10 affects reimbursement directly because it indicates that telehealth services are delivered in the patient’s home. Using POS 10, services are billed at the non-facility payment rate under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Common Mistakes Using POS 10 in Medical Billing

One mistake in applying a POS code can trigger incorrect reimbursement rates and hurt your practice’s revenue. Here are common mistakes you should avoid when using POS 10 in medical billing;

Use POS 02 for telehealth services at the patient’s home instead of POS 10.
Append wrong modifiers; use modifier 93 for audio-video instead of modifier 95.
Pair incorrect or outdated CPT code with POS 10.
Failing to update the patient’s home address in PMS leads to claim discrepancies.
Forgetting to attach mandatory documents, such as the patient’s written or verbal consent for home-based telehealth services.

The Role of Modifiers for POS 10 in Medical Billing

Modifiers in medical billing play an important role because they add context about the service or treatment provided for patient care.

For telehealth services, when using POS 10, there are two variations. The telehealth service is delivered either via audio-only or audio-video; that’s where modifiers play their part. Modifier 95 indicates the audio-video service, while modifier 93 indicates the audio-only service. Telehealth billing services can help ensure these modifiers are reported accurately.

Want to know more about Modifiers in Medical Billing?

Learn About Modifiers in Detail Here!

Final Thoughts

In short, using a place of service code for telehealth services shows where the service is performed, either in a patient’s home or at a location outside the patient’s residence, such as a hospital, clinic, college, or on-campus. Using POS 10 indicates the service is delivered at the patient’s home, which triggers the non-facility higher reimbursement rates while allowing the practice to receive accurate, on-time payments.

Also ensure you use modifiers with the POS 10 code in medical billing, as it indicates audio-video and audio-only services, allowing payers to reimburse accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is POS 10 in medical billing?

POS 10 in medical billing refers to telehealth services delivered at the patient’s home, helping payers determine whether to pay at the facility rate or the non-facility rate.

What is the difference between POS 2 and POS 10?

Both place of service codes are used to indicate telehealth services: POS 02 for outside the patient’s home, and POS 10 for inside the patient’s home or any residential (non-facility setting) location.

Can 99214 be billed with POS 10?

Yes, CPT code 99214 can be billed with POS 10, as it indicates an outpatient evaluation and management service at the patient’s home for 30-39 minutes.

What modifier should be used with POS 10?

With POS 10, you can append two modifiers: 95 for audio-video services and 93 for audio-only services.

Is POS 10 still valid?

Yes, POS 10 is still valid to use for indicating telehealth services at the patient’s home (a private residence, permanent or temporary).

Is POS-10 considered a facility or non-facility?

POS 10 is generally associated with the non-facility payment rate under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. It applies when a patient receives eligible telehealth services while at home. The actual reimbursement depends on the service, payer policies, and applicable billing rules.