W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
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 | Not listed | Not on the Bupa procedure list |
| AXA Health | Not listed | Not on the AXA Health procedure list |
| 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 W3123
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W3122: Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)
- W8200: Arthroscopic meniscectomy (including debridement) - unilateral
- W8230: Arthroscopic meniscal repair
- W8300: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)
- W3140: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (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)
- W7420: Autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction without lateral tenodesis +/- meniscectomy
- 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
W3123 can't be billed with
Related codes
- W3140: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W3122: Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)
- 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)
- W5300: Bicompartmental knee resurfacing
- W5201: Unicompartmental Knee Replacement - bilateral
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)?
The procedure code is W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover).
Which insurers list W3123?
Vitality and WPA list it, but you should check cover before treatment. It is not on the Bupa and AXA Health procedure lists. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W3123 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W3123 cannot be billed together with 15 other codes, including W3122 (Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)), W8200 (Arthroscopic meniscectomy (including debridement) - unilateral), W8230 (Arthroscopic meniscal repair). 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