Idiopathic chronic gout, right wrist, without tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a persistent, long-term form of gout where the underlying cause is unknown, specifically affecting the right wrist joint. It indicates the absence of tophi, which are characteristic urate crystal deposits that can form in chronic gout.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of idiopathic chronic gout localized to the right wrist, and explicitly notes the absence of tophaceous deposits. This is appropriate for patients experiencing recurrent or ongoing inflammatory arthritis symptoms in the right wrist due to gout, without visible or palpable tophi.

• Ensure documentation specifies "idiopathic" and "chronic" to differentiate from acute or secondary gout.
• Verify the affected joint is the "right wrist" and that "without tophus" is clearly stated.
• Do not use this code if tophi are present; a different code from the M1A.0 series would be more appropriate.