Lead-induced chronic gout, unsp shoulder, without tophus

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the shoulder joint, specifically caused by elevated lead levels in the body. It indicates the absence of tophi, which are crystalline deposits of uric acid, and does not specify which shoulder is affected.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of chronic gout directly attributed to lead exposure, impacting the shoulder joint. The medical record must explicitly state the absence of tophaceous deposits and not specify laterality. Supporting documentation includes laboratory results showing elevated lead levels and uric acid, along with clinical findings consistent with gout.

• Ensure documentation clearly links lead exposure as the etiology of the chronic gout.
• Verify the absence of tophi is explicitly stated; otherwise, a different code for tophaceous gout would be appropriate.
• This code is for unspecified shoulder; if laterality is documented, a more specific code should be used.