The difference between POS 02 and POS 10 is where the patient is. POS 10 means the patient was at home during the telehealth visit; POS 02 means they were somewhere else, such as a clinic, hospital, work or school. For Medicare, POS 10 is paid at the higher non-facility rate and POS 02 at the facility rate.
POS 02 vs. POS 10 side by side
| POS 02 | POS 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| CMS name | Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home | Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home |
| Patient location | Clinic, hospital, facility, work, school | Home or other private residence |
| Medicare rate | Facility (lower) | Non-facility (same as office) |
| Originating site fee | The site may bill Q3014 where Medicare allows | None |
| In use since | 2017 (current meaning since 2022) | 2022 |
How to pick the right code
- Ask and document where the patient is at the start of every telehealth visit.
- Patient at home or another private residence: POS 10.
- Patient anywhere else: POS 02.
- Check the payer: some commercial plans want the in-person place of service, such as POS 11, with modifier 95 instead of either code.
Why it matters
Because Medicare pays the two codes at different rates, choosing the wrong one either leaves money unpaid or creates an overpayment. Payers also use the code to check coverage: home telehealth for many non-behavioral services depends on Medicare’s temporary extensions, currently through December 31, 2027. See CMS telehealth guidance (opens in a new tab) for the latest rules.
Frequently asked questions
What if the patient is in their car or at a relative’s home?
A relative’s private residence is generally treated as a home, so POS 10. Other locations are POS 02. Document the location either way, and follow any payer-specific guidance.
Which is better for the practice?
Neither is a choice: the code must match where the patient actually was.
Related place of service guides
- POS 11: office
- POS 02: telehealth outside the patient’s home
- POS 10: telehealth in the patient’s home
- POS 22: on-campus outpatient hospital
Place of service definitions are quoted from the CMS Place of Service code set (opens in a new tab). Telehealth rules have changed often since 2020 and differ by payer; this guide reflects general guidance as of October 2026.
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