Lead-induced chronic gout, right wrist, without tophus

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis of the right wrist caused by elevated lead levels, characterized by recurrent acute attacks of gouty arthritis. It specifically indicates the absence of tophaceous deposits, which are visible or palpable nodules of urate crystals. The condition is persistent rather than an acute, isolated episode.

Use this code when documentation clearly states chronic gout in the right wrist, explicitly linked to lead exposure, and confirms the absence of tophi. This diagnosis typically follows a history of recurrent gout attacks in the specified joint, elevated serum lead levels, and negative findings for tophi on physical examination or imaging.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" gout and a clear causal link to "lead-induced."
• Verify the laterality (right wrist) and the absence of tophi are explicitly stated.
• Do not use this code for acute lead-induced gout or if tophi are present; separate codes exist for those scenarios.