W5000: Primary total shoulder replacement
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 W5000
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W4920: Conversion of hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder replacement
- W5030: Revision total shoulder replacement
- W5040: Replacement of elbow and shoulder (single operation)
- A6600: Release of entrapment of deeply placed peripheral nerve
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (12)
- W5040: Replacement of elbow and shoulder (single operation)
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- T6450: Tenodesis of biceps tendon (as sole procedure)
- W4920: Conversion of hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder replacement
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- A6600: Release of entrapment of deeply placed peripheral nerve
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W7712: Stabilisation of unidirectional instability of shoulder joint (including anterior, posterior and arthroscopic)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W7810: Open arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- W2830: Removal of internal fixation from bone / joint, excluding K-wires +/- image guidance
- W5030: Revision total shoulder replacement
Related codes
- W5030: Revision total shoulder replacement
- W4920: Conversion of hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder replacement
- W5032: 2 stage revision of total shoulder replacement for infection - second stage
- W5031: 2 stage revision of total shoulder replacement for infection - first stage
- W7719: Primary open shoulder stabilisation procedure (including labral/SLAP/tendon repair)
- W7718: Primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation procedure (including labral/SLAP/tendon repair)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for primary total shoulder replacement?
The procedure code is W5000: Primary total shoulder replacement.
Which insurers list W5000?
W5000 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W5000 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W5000 cannot be billed together with 6 other codes, including W4920 (Conversion of hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder replacement), W5030 (Revision total shoulder replacement), W5040 (Replacement of elbow and shoulder (single operation)). 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