W7872: Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture
Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
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 W7872
Neither code can be billed with the other
- S4230: Secondary suture of skin
- W7810: Open arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- T7910: Open subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair +/- excision of distal clavicle
- W9111: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure) - bilateral"
- W9112: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure)"
- W8110: Arthroscopic excision of calcific deposits from shoulder (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- T7982: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair (including arthroscopic procedures in glenohumeral joint)
- W8193: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression
- W9050: Shoulder hydrodistension +/- image guidance
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W8194: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression and excision of distal clavicle (including arthroscopic procedures in glenohumeral joint)
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (20)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W0890: Excision distal clavicle (as sole procedure)
- W7810: Open arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- W8603: Therapeutic arthroscopy of shoulder (as sole procedure)
- W9112: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure)"
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- W8600: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- S5210: Injection into subcutaneous tissue/painful trigger point under local anaesthetic
- T7910: Open subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair +/- excision of distal clavicle
- T7982: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair (including arthroscopic procedures in glenohumeral joint)
- W8194: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression and excision of distal clavicle (including arthroscopic procedures in glenohumeral joint)
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- T6450: Tenodesis of biceps tendon (as sole procedure)
- S4230: Secondary suture of skin
- W9050: Shoulder hydrodistension +/- image guidance
- W9111: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure) - bilateral"
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8110: Arthroscopic excision of calcific deposits from shoulder (as sole procedure)
- W8193: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression
Related codes
- W7810: Open arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- W9112: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure)"
- W9111: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure) - bilateral"
- W7718: Primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation procedure (including labral/SLAP/tendon repair)
- W8820: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of shoulder joint, +/- biopsy (as sole procedure)
- W8110: Arthroscopic excision of calcific deposits from shoulder (as sole procedure)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture?
The procedure code is W7872: Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection.
Which insurers list W7872?
W7872 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W7872 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W7872 cannot be billed together with 12 other codes, including S4230 (Secondary suture of skin), W7810 (Open arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection), T7910 (Open subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair +/- excision of distal clavicle). 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