W8646: Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue) without ligament reconstruction
Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue +/- bony +/- joint surface procedures) without ligament reconstruction
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 W8646
Neither code can be billed with the other
- 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)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W0850: Partial excision of bone (including exostoses)
- W7430: Reconstruction of lateral collateral ligament complex
W8646 can't be billed with
- 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)
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (27)
- T6762: Repair of tendon of foot - flexor
- W7400: Reconstruction of one or two ligaments not elsewhere specified
- W7430: Reconstruction of lateral collateral ligament complex
- W6912: Total synovectomy of small joint
- W0700: Excision of ectopic bone
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- X4810: Change of cast without general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- W8840: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of ankle (as sole procedure, including anterior synovectomy to gain vision)
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W0460: Complex procedure to mid foot or hindfoot without autogenous bone graft (osteotomy/fusion +/- tendon transfers)
- W4410: Total prosthetic replacement of ankle joint
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W4420: Complex total replacement of ankle (i.e. including custom prosthesis, wedges, internal fixation of fractures)
- W6019: Ankle syndesmosis reconstruction
- X4822: Change of cast under general anaesthetic (as sole procedure)
- W8780: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8150: Arthrotomy of large joint (including removal of loose body from joint)
- W6913: Total synovectomy of large joint
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8645: Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue +/- bony +/- joint surface procedures) with ligament reconstruction
- W0860: Metatarsophalangeal cheilectomy (as sole procedure) - unilateral
- W8600: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W3100: Bone graft (as sole procedure)
- W8650: Therapeutic subtalar arthroscopy (including synovectomy to gain vision)
- W4430: Revision of total prosthetic replacement of ankle joint
- 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
- W6019: Ankle syndesmosis reconstruction
- W8840: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of ankle (as sole procedure, including anterior synovectomy to gain vision)
- W6017: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation
- W7880: Release of ankle joint contracture (excluding Achilles tendon lengthening)
- W6018: Revisional ankle arthrodesis (including conversion from total ankle replacement)
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue) without ligament reconstruction?
The procedure code is W8646: Multiple arthroscopic operations on ankle (including soft tissue +/- bony +/- joint surface procedures) without ligament reconstruction.
Which insurers list W8646?
W8646 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W8646 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W8646 cannot be billed together with 20 other codes, including 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)), W9030 (Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral). 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