W8640: Complex therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle, with multiple bony, joint surface and soft tissue procedures(as sole procedure)
Complex therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle, with multiple bony, joint surface and soft tissue procedures +/- ligament reconstruction (as sole procedure)
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 | Not listed | Not on the Bupa procedure list |
| AXA Health | Not listed | Not on the AXA Health procedure list |
| Vitality | Not listed | Not on the Vitality procedure list |
| WPA | Not listed | Not on the WPA procedure list |
Codes that can't be billed with W8640
Neither code can be billed with the other
- T6762: Repair of tendon of foot - flexor
- W0700: Excision of ectopic bone
- W4410: Total prosthetic replacement of ankle joint
- W4420: Complex total replacement of ankle (i.e. including custom prosthesis, wedges, internal fixation of fractures)
- W4430: Revision of total prosthetic replacement of ankle joint
- W6912: Total synovectomy of small joint
- W6913: Total synovectomy of large joint
- W8600: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8650: Therapeutic subtalar arthroscopy (including synovectomy to gain vision)
- 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)
- W8840: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of ankle (as sole procedure, including anterior synovectomy to gain vision)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W8150: Arthrotomy of large joint (including removal of loose body from joint)
- W0460: Complex procedure to mid foot or hindfoot without autogenous bone graft (osteotomy/fusion +/- tendon transfers)
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W0850: Partial excision of bone (including exostoses)
Related codes
- 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
- W8650: Therapeutic subtalar arthroscopy (including synovectomy to gain vision)
- W6019: Ankle syndesmosis reconstruction
- W4420: Complex total replacement of ankle (i.e. including custom prosthesis, wedges, internal fixation of fractures)
- W0881: Excision of joint of toe with release of contracture and soft tissue correction
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for complex therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle, with multiple bony, joint surface and soft tissue procedures(as sole procedure)?
The procedure code is W8640: Complex therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle, with multiple bony, joint surface and soft tissue procedures +/- ligament reconstruction (as sole procedure).
Which insurers list W8640?
It is not on the Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA procedure lists. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W8640 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W8640 cannot be billed together with 20 other codes, including T6762 (Repair of tendon of foot - flexor), W0700 (Excision of ectopic bone), W4410 (Total prosthetic replacement of ankle 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