W3122: Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)
For guidance only. Always check the code and obtain authorisation from your insurer before treatment. Other insurers may use different codes and coding rules.
Also known as
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 | Check cover | Listed by Vitality: check cover at pre-authorisation |
| WPA | Check cover | Listed by WPA: check cover at pre-authorisation |
Codes that can't be billed with W3122
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W8200: Arthroscopic meniscectomy (including debridement) - unilateral
- W8230: Arthroscopic meniscal repair
- W8300: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)
- W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W8250: Partial replacement of the meniscus of the knee using a biodegradable scaffold
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8520: Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)
- W8500: Multiple arthroscopic operations on knee (including meniscectomy, chondroplasty, drilling or microfracture) - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W3124: Single stage harvest of cartilage and injection of autologous morcellised cartilage and platelet rich plasma into joint
W3122 can't be billed with
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (10)
- W8230: Arthroscopic meniscal repair
- W8300: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W8500: Multiple arthroscopic operations on knee (including meniscectomy, chondroplasty, drilling or microfracture) - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8520: Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W8200: Arthroscopic meniscectomy (including debridement) - unilateral
Related codes
- W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W3140: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W3150: Harvesting and injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) with collagen cell carrier for osteochondral defects of the knee
- W8370: Autologous scaffold insertion for repairing symptomatic chondral knee defects (including microfracture)
- W8520: Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)
- W8240: Meniscal allograft transplantation
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)?
The procedure code is W3122: Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy).
Which insurers list W3122?
W3122 is listed by Bupa and AXA Health. Vitality and WPA list it, but you should check cover before treatment. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W3122 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W3122 cannot be billed together with 13 other codes, including W8200 (Arthroscopic meniscectomy (including debridement) - unilateral), W8230 (Arthroscopic meniscal repair), W8300 (Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)). See the full list above.
About the surgeon
Mr Jakub Kozdryk, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, performs hip and knee replacement and revision surgery at Nuffield Health Warwickshire and Circle Meriden Hospital.
Knee replacement with Mr Kozdryk →Book an appointment with Mr Kozdryk →
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