Top 3 Must-Know Differences Between POS 10, 02, and 11 for Medical Billing

Healthcare billing is no stranger to complexity, especially with the growing use of telehealth services. If you’re confused about the difference between POS 10, 02, and 11, you’re not alone. Each of these Place of Service (POS) codes plays a unique role in how services are billed and reimbursed—especially in our modern, hybrid healthcare system.

Understanding these codes isn’t just an administrative task; it’s essential for accurate claim submissions, avoiding denials, and ensuring proper reimbursement. Let’s explore what each code means, how they differ, and how they connect with modifiers 95, GT, and GQ.

Understanding the Difference Between POS 10, 02, and 11

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick breakdown:

POS 10 – Telehealth in Patient’s Home

POS 10 is a relatively new addition to the CMS billing guidelines, created to reflect the growing demand for telehealth from the comfort of home.

• Purpose: It specifically indicates that a synchronous telehealth service was delivered while the patient was in their home.

• Use Case: This became particularly relevant after the COVID-19 pandemic when healthcare delivery shifted to remote models.

• Example: A dermatologist evaluates a skin condition over a video call with the patient sitting at home.

This code ensures that payers can differentiate services rendered at home from those delivered remotely at other locations.

POS 02 – Telehealth Outside the Home

While the Difference Between POS 10 is for home-based telehealth, POS 02 covers telehealth delivered when the patient is NOT at home.

• Purpose: Used when telehealth services occur outside the patient’s residence. This might be from a workplace, school, or another facility.

• Use Case: Applies to a broader range of virtual care scenarios, including remote patient monitoring and asynchronous tech.

• Example: A patient at work logs into a secure portal for a live chat consultation with their healthcare provider.

POS 02 helps payers track non-home-based virtual care delivery and offers flexibility in telemedicine billing.

POS 11 – Traditional In-Office Services

The most common and widely understood POS code, POS 11, indicates services rendered in a traditional physician’s office.

• Purpose: Reflects face-to-face visits in a clinic or private practice setting.

• Use Case: Used when the patient physically visits the healthcare provider for a consultation, check-up, or procedure.

• Example: A diabetic patient visits their PCP for a quarterly wellness check.

Billing under POS 11 typically does not involve any telecommunication modifiers, as it signifies a standard in-person visit.

The Role of Telehealth Modifiers: 95, GT, and GQ

Let’s connect the dots with modifiers that define how the service was delivered—not just where.

Modifier 95 – Real-Time Telemedicine

This modifier is currently the most recognized for live telemedicine visits. It shows that the interaction occurred in real-time, mimicking a face-to-face consultation.

• Best Paired With: Difference between POS 10 or POS 02

• Use Case: Great for video appointments or audio-only calls during patient consultations.

Modifier GT – The Older Sibling of 95

Still in limited use today, GT was the go-to before Modifier 95 came into prominence. It’s now only used in certain private payer scenarios or where specifically requested.

• Note: Don’t use GT and 95 together.

• Use Case: Legacy systems or older payers requiring GT for telehealth identification.

Modifier GQ – For Asynchronous Services

Unlike the other two, Modifier GQ is meant for non-live or asynchronous services. This includes store-and-forward technologies, where the provider reviews data or images later.

• Use Case: Dermatologists reviewing skin images, radiologists reviewing imaging studies without a live interaction.

Why These POS Codes Matter in 2025

As the hybrid model of care continues into 2025 and beyond, the difference between POS 10, 02, and 11 is more than just semantics—it directly impacts reimbursement, compliance, and data reporting.

Here’s why accurate POS and modifier usage is critical:

• Ensures correct billing and faster claims approval

• Helps track trends in telehealth vs. in-person care

• Supports better resource allocation and care planning

• Avoids compliance penalties for inaccurate billing

FAQs About the Difference Between POS 10, 02, and 11

What does the Difference Between POS 10 mean in medical billing?
POS 10 is used for telehealth services provided to a patient while they are at home, via real-time audio or video communication.

When should I use POS 02 instead of POS 10?
Use POS 02 when the telehealth service is delivered to the patient outside their home, such as at work, a school, or another facility.

Is POS 11 used for telehealth services?
No, POS 11 refers strictly to in-person visits in a physician’s office, not virtual or remote services.

What’s the difference between Modifier 95 and Modifier GT?
Modifier 95 is now the standard for real-time telehealth services, replacing the older Modifier GT in most billing systems.

Can I use Modifier GQ with POS 10?
No. Modifier GQ is typically used with POS 02, since it relates to asynchronous services—not live interactions.

Why did CMS introduce POS 10?
To distinguish between telehealth provided at home (POS 10) and that provided elsewhere (POS 02), helping track and reimburse remote care more accurately.

Final Thoughts on the Difference Between POS 10, 02, and 11

Navigating the medical billing system can feel overwhelming—but understanding the difference between POS 10, 02, and 11 makes a significant difference in ensuring accurate claims, timely payments, and regulatory compliance.

With the continued growth of hybrid healthcare models, being fluent in these POS codes and their corresponding modifiers is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a billing specialist, provider, or telehealth coordinator, mastering these distinctions is key to a smooth revenue cycle.