W6012: Primary arthrodesis of joint
Primary arthrodesis of joint +/- graft & +/- internal fixation - shoulder
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 | Listed | Listed by Vitality |
| WPA | Listed | Listed by WPA |
Codes that can't be billed with W6012
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W6030: Revision or conversion to arthrodesis of shoulder
- S4230: Secondary suture of skin
- W3100: Bone graft (as sole procedure)
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (8)
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- S4230: Secondary suture of skin
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W3100: Bone graft (as sole procedure)
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W6030: Revision or conversion to arthrodesis of shoulder
Related codes
- W5600: Primary repair of rupture of acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint +/- internal fixation
- W7719: Primary open shoulder stabilisation procedure (including labral/SLAP/tendon repair)
- W7718: Primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation procedure (including labral/SLAP/tendon repair)
- W6030: Revision or conversion to arthrodesis of shoulder
- W5000: Primary total shoulder replacement
- W5630: Secondary repair of acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint +/- internal fixation
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for primary arthrodesis of joint?
The procedure code is W6012: Primary arthrodesis of joint +/- graft & +/- internal fixation - shoulder.
Which insurers list W6012?
W6012 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W6012 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W6012 cannot be billed together with 6 other codes, including W6030 (Revision or conversion to arthrodesis of shoulder), S4230 (Secondary suture of skin), W3100 (Bone graft (as sole procedure)). 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