Idiopathic chronic gout, right shoulder, without tophus

This code signifies a persistent, long-term inflammatory arthritis affecting the right shoulder, caused by uric acid crystal deposition, where the underlying cause is unknown (idiopathic). Crucially, there is no evidence of tophi, which are visible or palpable uric acid crystal deposits, associated with this specific presentation.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states idiopathic chronic gout affecting the right shoulder, and specifically notes the absence of tophaceous deposits. This is appropriate for patients experiencing ongoing, recurrent, or long-standing gout symptoms in this joint without the characteristic nodular formations.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "idiopathic" and "chronic" to differentiate from acute or secondary gout.
• Verify laterality (right shoulder) and the absence of tophi are explicitly stated in the physician's notes.
• Do not use this code if tophi are present; a different code from the M1A.01 series would be appropriate.