W8890: Diagnostic small-bore needle arthroscopy on cavity of joint (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 | Listed | Listed by Bupa |
| AXA Health | Not listed | Not on the AXA Health procedure list |
| Vitality | Check cover | Listed by Vitality: check cover at pre-authorisation |
| WPA | Check cover | Listed by WPA: check cover at pre-authorisation |
Codes that can't be billed with W8890
W8890 can't be billed with
- W8300: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)
- W8520: Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)
- W8600: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8850: Diagnostic subtalar arthroscopy (as sole procedure, including synovectomy to gain vision)
Related codes
- W8680: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8600: Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W8180: Arthrotomy of small joint (including removal of loose body from joint)
- W8782: Flexible arthroscopy, +/- biopsy (as sole procedure)
- W6912: Total synovectomy of small joint
- W5722: Excision reconstruction of small joint
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for diagnostic small-bore needle arthroscopy on cavity of joint (as sole procedure)?
The procedure code is W8890: Diagnostic small-bore needle arthroscopy on cavity of joint (as sole procedure).
Which insurers list W8890?
W8890 is listed by Bupa. Vitality and WPA list it, but you should check cover before treatment. It is not on the AXA Health procedure list. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W8890 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W8890 cannot be billed together with 4 other codes, including W8300 (Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on articular cartilage (other than W8200) - unilateral (as sole procedure)), W8520 (Arthroscopy of knee (including examination under anaesthetic, washout and biopsy) (as sole procedure)), W8600 (Therapeutic arthroscopy operation on cavity of joint (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