W3140: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (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 | Listed | Listed by Bupa |
| 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 W3140
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W3110: Osteochondral grafting as a single stage 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
- AC100: Local anaesthetic by main operator
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
Related codes
- W3123: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)
- W3122: Harvesting for autologous chondrocyte transplantation into knee (including arthroscopy)
- W8250: Partial replacement of the meniscus of the knee using a biodegradable scaffold
- W8370: Autologous scaffold insertion for repairing symptomatic chondral knee defects (including microfracture)
- W3150: Harvesting and injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) with collagen cell carrier for osteochondral defects of the knee
- W8520: Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an advanced therapy medicinal product (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover)?
The procedure code is W3140: Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into knee using an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (including knee surgery, debridement and periosteal flap or membrane cover).
Which insurers list W3140?
W3140 is listed by Bupa. Vitality and WPA list it, but you should check cover before treatment. It is not on the AXA Health procedure list. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W3140 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W3140 cannot be billed together with 8 other codes, including W3110 (Osteochondral grafting as a single stage 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). 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