Idiopathic chronic gout, left shoulder, with tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a chronic, primary form of gout affecting the left shoulder joint, characterized by the presence of tophi. Tophi are deposits of monosodium urate crystals that form visible or palpable nodules, indicating advanced or poorly controlled hyperuricemia.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of idiopathic chronic gout specifically impacting the left shoulder and explicitly mentions the presence of tophaceous deposits. This is appropriate for patients with long-standing gout where urate crystals have accumulated in the joint and surrounding tissues.

• Ensure documentation specifies "idiopathic" or "primary" chronic gout to differentiate from secondary forms.
• Verify the affected joint is the left shoulder and that tophi are explicitly noted.
• Do not use this code for acute gout flares or chronic gout without tophi; separate codes exist for those presentations.