W8850: Diagnostic subtalar arthroscopy (as sole procedure, including synovectomy to gain vision)
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 W8850
Neither code can be billed with the other
- 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)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
W8850 can't be billed with
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (10)
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W8650: Therapeutic subtalar arthroscopy (including synovectomy to gain vision)
- A7350: Local anaesthetic blockade of named major nerve or plexus
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W8780: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- S5210: Injection into subcutaneous tissue/painful trigger point under local anaesthetic
- W8630: Therapeutic arthroscopy of ankle with either soft tissue procedure or bony +/or joint surface procedure (as sole procedure)
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
Related codes
- W8650: Therapeutic subtalar arthroscopy (including synovectomy to gain vision)
- W8840: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of ankle (as sole procedure, including anterior synovectomy to gain vision)
- W0432: Isolated subtalar fusion or midfoot fusion with autogenous graft
- W0434: Isolated subtalar fusion or midfoot fusion without autogenous graft
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for diagnostic subtalar arthroscopy (as sole procedure, including synovectomy to gain vision)?
The procedure code is W8850: Diagnostic subtalar arthroscopy (as sole procedure, including synovectomy to gain vision).
Which insurers list W8850?
W8850 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W8850 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W8850 cannot be billed together with 8 other codes, including 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)). 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