W0881: Excision of joint of toe with release of contracture and soft tissue correction
For guidance only. Always check the code and obtain authorisation from your insurer before treatment. Other insurers may use different codes and coding rules.
For guidance only. Procedure codes and descriptions on this site are provided for general guidance only and are not a guarantee of insurance cover or payment. Always check the correct code with your surgeon's secretary and obtain authorisation from your insurer before treatment. Insurers shown are examples only. Other insurers are available, and each may use the same, similar or different codes and coding rules.
Insurer listing
| Insurer | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Listed | Listed by Bupa Bupa: a separate sedation or regional anaesthesia claim is allowed. |
| AXA Health | Listed | Listed by AXA Health |
| Vitality | Listed | Listed by Vitality |
| WPA | Listed | Listed by WPA |
Codes that can't be billed with W0881
Neither code can be billed with the other
- T6462: Excision or partial excision of interphalangeal joint of lesser toe with tendon transfer
- W5940: Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - unilateral
- W5980: Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - bilateral
- X4810: Change of cast without general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- X4822: Change of cast under general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (5)
- W5940: Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - unilateral
- X4822: Change of cast under general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- X4810: Change of cast without general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- T6462: Excision or partial excision of interphalangeal joint of lesser toe with tendon transfer
- W5980: Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - bilateral
Related codes
- W7880: Release of ankle joint contracture (excluding Achilles tendon lengthening)
- W0322: Osteotomies (eg Scarf and Akin) for hallux valgus correction +/- internal fixation +/- soft tissue correction - bilateral
- W0321: Osteotomies (eg Scarf and Akin) for hallux valgus correction +/- internal fixation +/- soft tissue correction - unilateral
- W7980: Metatarsal osteotomy (eg Scarf) for hallux valgus, +/- internal fixation +/- soft tissue correction - bilateral
- W7910: Metatarsal osteotomy (e.g. Scarf) for hallux vagus, +/- internal fixation +/- soft tissue correction - unilateral
- W7900: Excision of medial eminence first or fifth metatarsal head with soft tissue repair (bunionectomy)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for excision of joint of toe with release of contracture and soft tissue correction?
The procedure code is W0881: Excision of joint of toe with release of contracture and soft tissue correction.
Which insurers list W0881?
W0881 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W0881 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W0881 cannot be billed together with 5 other codes, including T6462 (Excision or partial excision of interphalangeal joint of lesser toe with tendon transfer), W5940 (Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - unilateral), W5980 (Fusion of interphalangeal joint(s) of toe (including internal fixation) - bilateral). See the full list above.
What does my procedure code mean?
For guidance only. Procedure codes and descriptions on this site are provided for general guidance only and are not a guarantee of insurance cover or payment. Always check the correct code with your surgeon's secretary and obtain authorisation from your insurer before treatment. Insurers shown are examples only. Other insurers are available, and each may use the same, similar or different codes and coding rules.
Codes and descriptions are for guidance only. Insurer listing and cover information is taken from each insurer's published schedule and is for guidance only: always confirm the code and cover with the insurer before treatment. This site is not affiliated with CCSD or any insurer. No fees are shown.
Last checked: 2026-10-01