W9050: Shoulder hydrodistension
Shoulder hydrodistension +/- image guidance
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 Bupa: a follow-up consultation can be claimed on the same day. |
| AXA Health | Listed | Listed by AXA Health |
| Vitality | Check cover | Listed by Vitality: check cover at pre-authorisation |
| WPA | Listed | Listed by WPA |
Codes that can't be billed with W9050
Neither code can be billed with the other
- W7872: Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- 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)
- W8820: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of shoulder joint, +/- biopsy (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- 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)"
- 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
AXA Health also lists these codes as unacceptable combinations (12)
- W9240: Examination/ manipulation of joint under general anaesthetic +/- injection +/- arthrogram (as sole procedure)
- W9111: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure) - bilateral"
- W7872: Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W8820: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of shoulder joint, +/- biopsy (as sole procedure)
- W9112: Manipulation of joint (including intra-articular injection) for Frozen Shoulder" (as sole procedure)"
- W8700: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
- W9040: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa - unilateral
- W8880: Arthroscopy of elbow (as sole procedure)
- W9020: Dynamic arthrogram of joint
- W9031: Three or more injections, +/- aspiration, into joint(s), cyst, bursa, with image guidance
- W8780: Diagnostic arthroscopic examination of joint, +/- biopsy - bilateral (not otherwise specified) (as sole procedure)
Related codes
- W9032: Injection of viscosupplement into joint with image guidance - unilateral
- W9052: Injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel into joint +/- image guidance - unilateral
- W9033: Injections of viscosupplement into joints with image guidance - bilateral
- W9053: Injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel into joints +/- image guidance - bilateral
- W9030: Injection(s) +/- aspiration, into joint, cyst, bursa with image guidance - unilateral
- W9035: Injections(s) +/- aspiration into two or more joints, cysts, bursae with image guidance - bilateral
Frequently asked questions
What is the procedure code for shoulder hydrodistension?
The procedure code is W9050: Shoulder hydrodistension +/- image guidance.
Which insurers list W9050?
W9050 is listed by Bupa, AXA Health and WPA. Vitality lists it, but you should check cover before treatment. Always confirm the code and cover with your insurer.
Can W9050 be billed with other procedures?
The coding rules say W9050 cannot be billed together with 10 other codes, including W7872 (Arthroscopic arthrolysis of shoulder contracture +/- manipulation/injection), 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