POS 81: Independent Laboratory
Free-standing clinical laboratory billing (Quest, LabCorp, etc.).
CMS description
“A laboratory certified to perform diagnostic and/or clinical tests independent of an institution or a physician's office.”
When to use POS 81
Free-standing clinical laboratory billing (Quest, LabCorp, etc.).
Reimbursement
Clinical Lab Fee Schedule (CLFS) applies.
Common billing issues
- CLFS pricing methodology disputes since PAMA
Frequently asked questions
What is POS 81?
Independent Laboratory. A laboratory certified to perform diagnostic and/or clinical tests independent of an institution or a physician's office.
When do I use POS 81?
Free-standing clinical laboratory billing (Quest, LabCorp, etc.).
How does POS 81 affect reimbursement?
Clinical Lab Fee Schedule (CLFS) applies.
What are common POS 81 billing issues?
CLFS pricing methodology disputes since PAMA.
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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