W1920: Primary open reduction of long bone with fixation
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 |
| AXA Health | Listed | Listed by AXA Health |
| Vitality | Listed | Listed by Vitality |
| WPA | Listed | Listed by WPA |
Codes that can't be billed with W1920
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W3100: Bone graft (as sole procedure)
- W2380: Locked intramedullary nailing of fractured long bone
- W2500: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone with external fixation (excluding fixation by cast or percutaneous K-wires)
- W2502: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone (including cast or percutaneous K-wires)
- W2100: Primary open reduction of intra-articular fracture of long bone with internal fixation, e.g. proximal humerus or proximal tibia (+/- arthroscopic assistance)
- W2310: Secondary open reduction of fractured long bone-and intramedullary fixation or internal fixation for non-union/mal union - including intra-articular (including bone graft)
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (16)
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W2310: Secondary open reduction of fractured long bone-and intramedullary fixation or internal fixation for non-union/mal union - including intra-articular (including bone graft)
- S5210: Injection into subcutaneous tissue/painful trigger point under local anaesthetic
- W3100: Bone graft (as sole procedure)
- W8820: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of shoulder joint, +/- biopsy (as sole procedure)
- W2100: Primary open reduction of intra-articular fracture of long bone with internal fixation, e.g. proximal humerus or proximal tibia (+/- arthroscopic assistance)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8630: Therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle with either soft tissue procedure or bony +/or joint surface procedure (as sole procedure)
- X4810: Change of cast without general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- W2502: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone (including cast or percutaneous K-wires)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W2380: Locked intramedullary nailing of fractured long bone
- W3032: Removal of fixator/frame/pins/wires and change of plaster (as sole procedure)
- W2500: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone with external fixation (excluding fixation by cast or percutaneous K-wires)
- X4822: Change of cast under general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- W1080: Osteotomy of long bone, +/- fixation (including graft)
Related codes
- W1940: Primary open reduction of short bone with fixation (including intra-articular)
- W2100: Primary open reduction of intra-articular fracture of long bone with internal fixation, e.g. proximal humerus or proximal tibia (+/- arthroscopic assistance)
- W2500: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone with external fixation (excluding fixation by cast or percutaneous K-wires)
- W6523: Primary open reduction of dislocation of large joint
- W6522: Primary open reduction of dislocation of small joint
- W2502: Closed reduction of fracture of long bone (including cast or percutaneous K-wires)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for primary open reduction of long bone with fixation?
The procedure code is W1920: Primary open reduction of long bone with fixation.
Which insurers list W1920?
W1920 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W1920 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W1920 cannot be billed together with 6 other codes, including W3100 (Bone graft (as sole procedure)), W2380 (Locked intramedullary nailing of fractured long bone), W2500 (Closed reduction of fracture of long bone with external fixation (excluding fixation by cast or percutaneous K-wires)). 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