W6017: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation
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 W6017
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8780: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W6018: Revisional ankle arthrodesis (including conversion from total ankle replacement)
- W6016: Open ankle arthrodesis with autogenous graft
- W6015: Open ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation
- 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 (13)
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- X4810: Change of cast without general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- X4822: Change of cast under general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- S5210: Injection into subcutaneous tissue/painful trigger point under local anaesthetic
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W6016: Open ankle arthrodesis with autogenous graft
- W6015: Open ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W6018: Revisional ankle arthrodesis (including conversion from total ankle replacement)
- W8780: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
Related codes
- W6015: Open ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation
- W6018: Revisional ankle arthrodesis (including conversion from total ankle replacement)
- W8840: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of ankle (as sole procedure, including anterior synovectomy to gain vision)
- W6016: Open ankle arthrodesis with autogenous graft
- W8645: Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue +/- bony +/- joint surface procedures) with ligament reconstruction
- W8646: Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue +/- bony +/- joint surface procedures) without ligament reconstruction
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation?
The procedure code is W6017: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation.
Which insurers list W6017?
W6017 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W6017 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W6017 cannot be billed together with 8 other codes, including W8700 (Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)), W8780 (Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)), W6018 (Revisional ankle arthrodesis (including conversion from total ankle replacement)). 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