Idiopathic chronic gout, unsp shoulder, without tophus

This code signifies a persistent, primary form of gout affecting an unspecified shoulder joint, where there is no evidence of urate crystal deposits forming visible nodules (tophi). It indicates a chronic inflammatory arthropathy caused by hyperuricemia, specifically impacting the shoulder without overt tophaceous involvement.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with chronic idiopathic gout presenting with symptoms localized to the shoulder, and when the medical record explicitly states the absence of tophi. Documentation should confirm a diagnosis of chronic gout and specify shoulder involvement without further detail on laterality or tophaceous deposits.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "chronic" and "idiopathic" gout affecting the shoulder.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality of the shoulder (right or left) is documented; instead, use a more specific code.
• Do not use this code if tophi are present; a different subcategory of M1A.0 would be appropriate.