POS 50: Federally Qualified Health Center
FQHC encounter billing. Special FQHC payment methodology (encounter rate).
CMS description
“A facility located in a medically underserved area that provides Medicare beneficiaries preventive primary medical care under the general direction of a physician.”
When to use POS 50
FQHC encounter billing. Special FQHC payment methodology (encounter rate).
Reimbursement
FQHC PPS rate applies — not standard fee schedule.
Common billing issues
- FQHC encounter rate vs fee-for-service confusion
Frequently asked questions
What is POS 50?
Federally Qualified Health Center. A facility located in a medically underserved area that provides Medicare beneficiaries preventive primary medical care under the general direction of a physician.
When do I use POS 50?
FQHC encounter billing. Special FQHC payment methodology (encounter rate).
How does POS 50 affect reimbursement?
FQHC PPS rate applies — not standard fee schedule.
What are common POS 50 billing issues?
FQHC encounter rate vs fee-for-service confusion.
Other POS codes
- POS 01 — PharmacyUsed primarily for vaccines administered at a pharmacy and pharmacist-rendered s
- POS 02 — Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient's HomeSince 2022, POS 02 must be used for telehealth when the patient is anywhere OTHE
- POS 03 — SchoolUsed for services provided in a school setting — typically school-based health c
- POS 04 — Homeless ShelterHealth services provided at a homeless shelter, typically by mobile clinics, str
- POS 05 — Indian Health Service Free-standing FacilityIHS billing only. Special encounter rates apply.
- POS 06 — Indian Health Service Provider-based FacilityIHS billing only, provider-based hospital outpatient setting.
Sources
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