W7850: Open arthrolysis of elbow
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 W7850
Neither code can be billed with the other
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (8)
- W5550: Excision of radial head (as sole procedure)
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- W8603: Therapeutic arthroscopy of shoulder (as sole procedure)
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
Related codes
- W7860: Arthroscopic arthrolysis of elbow (as sole procedure)
- W8880: Arthroscopy of elbow (as sole procedure)
- W5502: Interposition arthroplasty of elbow
- W5040: Replacement of elbow and shoulder (single operation)
- W5520: Revisional prosthetic replacement of elbow
- W5510: Total prosthetic replacement of elbow
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for open arthrolysis of elbow?
The procedure code is W7850: Open arthrolysis of elbow.
Which insurers list W7850?
W7850 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W7850 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W7850 cannot be billed together with 3 other codes, including 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). 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