Telehealth has permanently changed how care is delivered in the United States, but billing telehealth correctly remains one of the biggest challenges for providers. One small mistake like choosing the wrong Place of Service (POS) code can turn a clean claim into a denial. That’s where POS 10 in medical billing becomes critical.
In this guide, I’ll explain what POS 10 means, when to use it, how it differs from POS 02, and how it impacts reimbursement. I’ll also share real world billing experience from handling telehealth claims for multi specialty practices that struggled with POS errors until workflows were fixed.
What Is POS 10 in Medical Billing?
POS 10 in medical billing refers to telehealth services provided to a patient who is located at home. CMS introduced POS 10 to clearly distinguish home-based telehealth visits from telehealth services delivered in other locations.
Definition of Place of Service 10
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POS 10 = Telehealth provided in the patient’s home
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Applies to real-time, interactive audio-visual visits
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Used with eligible CPT and E/M codes
Before POS 10 existed, most telehealth claims were billed using POS 02. That created confusion especially for reimbursement because POS 02 did not specify where the patient was located.
CMS resolved this issue by creating POS 10.
👉 For a broader overview of telehealth POS codes, see POS codes in medical billing a quick guide for doctors.
When Should POS 10 Be Used?
You should use POS 10 for telehealth when all of the following are true:
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The patient is located at home
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The visit is real-time (synchronous)
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Audio and video communication is used
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The service qualifies as a telehealth visit
Real Experience From Billing Operations
While managing telehealth claims for a primary care group in Texas, we noticed higher denial rates for virtual visits even though documentation was solid. After auditing claims, the issue was clear: POS 02 was being used instead of POS 10 for home-based visits.
Once we corrected POS usage, telehealth reimbursement improved within two billing cycles and denials dropped significantly.
This is why knowing when to use POS 10 in medical billing matters.
POS 10 vs POS 02
One of the most common questions is POS 10 vs POS 02 what’s the difference?
| Feature | POS 10 | POS 02 |
|---|---|---|
| Patient location | Home | Non-home setting |
| CMS definition | Telehealth at home | Telehealth outside home |
| Reimbursement impact | Often higher | May differ by payer |
For a deep dive into POS 02, read POS 02 in medical billing.
Why This Difference Matters
Some payers reimburse POS 10 telehealth visits at a rate closer to in office services. Using POS 02 incorrectly can trigger:
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Reduced payment
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Claim reprocessing delays
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Compliance reviews
POS 10 and Telehealth Modifiers
POS codes alone are not enough. You must pair POS 10 in medical billing with the correct modifier.
POS 10 with Modifier 95
Place of Service (POS) 10 is used to report telehealth services when the patient is located in their home at the time of the visit. Reporting POS 10 helps accurately identify the patient’s location and supports proper claim processing for telehealth encounters.
Modifier 95 is the most commonly accepted telehealth modifier across Medicare and many commercial insurance plans. It indicates that the service was provided through synchronous, real time audio and video communication between the provider and the patient.
Learn more here: Modifier 95 in medical billing
Best practice combination:
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POS 10 + Modifier 95
POS 10 with Modifier GT
Modifier GT is another telehealth modifier that signifies services delivered via interactive audio and video telecommunications. Although Modifier 95 has largely replaced GT as the preferred modifier, some commercial payers still require Modifier GT, particularly under older or payer-specific telemedicine policies.
Reference guide: Modifier GT vs other modifiers
⚠️ Always check payer specific rules before submitting claims.
Documentation Requirements for POS 10
To support POS 10 telehealth billing, documentation must clearly show:
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Patient was physically located at home
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Type of telehealth technology used
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Provider location
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Patient consent
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Medical necessity
Real Audit Insight
During a payer audit, several claims were denied not because POS 10 was wrong, but because patient home location wasn’t explicitly documented. Adding one line fixed the issue:
“Patient located at home during real time audio visual telehealth visit.”
This simple step can prevent denials.
Reimbursement Rules for POS 10
Medicare POS 10
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CMS recognizes POS 10 for home-based telehealth
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Payment often aligns with non-facility rates
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Documentation must meet CMS telehealth guidelines
Commercial Payers
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Policies vary
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Some require POS 10 + Modifier 95
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Others still accept POS 02 or Modifier GT
Improper pairing leads to underpayment or denial management issues, which directly affect revenue cycle performance.
Common POS 10 Billing Mistakes
Even experienced billers make these mistakes:
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Using POS 02 instead of POS 10
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Missing patient home documentation
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Incorrect modifier usage
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Billing audio-only visits as POS 10
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Ignoring payer-specific telehealth rules
Related modifier resources:
How eServMD Supports POS 10 Compliance
At eServMD, we help practices eliminate telehealth billing errors through:
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POS accuracy reviews
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Telehealth billing audits
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Modifier validation
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Denial prevention strategies
Our services include:
Boost POS 10 Claims
POS 10 in medical billing is more than just a code it directly affects telehealth reimbursement, compliance, and revenue cycle performance. Understanding when to use POS 10, how it differs from POS 02, and how to pair it with the right modifier can save practices thousands in denied claims.
If your telehealth claims are underpaid or denied, POS accuracy should be the first thing you audit.
📅 Schedule a Demo to see how we reduce telehealth denials and improve reimbursement.
FAQs About POS 10 in Medical Billing
1. What is POS 10 in medical billing?
POS 10 in medical billing is used to report telehealth services provided when the patient is located at home.
2. When should POS 10 be used instead of POS 02?
POS 10 should be used when telehealth services are delivered to a patient at home, not another location.
3. Does POS 10 affect telehealth reimbursement?
Yes. POS 10 can impact Medicare and commercial payer reimbursement, depending on telehealth payment policies.
4. Can POS 10 be billed with Modifier 95?
Yes. POS 10 is commonly billed with Modifier 95 to indicate synchronous telehealth services.
5. Why are POS 10 claims denied?
Denials often occur due to incorrect patient location, missing telehealth documentation, or improper POS selection.
