Lead-induced chronic gout, left hand, without tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the left hand, specifically caused by elevated lead levels in the body. It indicates the presence of gout symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and tenderness, without the formation of visible or palpable urate crystal deposits (tophi).

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of chronic gout in the left hand, directly attributed to lead exposure. This diagnosis should be supported by laboratory findings indicating elevated lead levels and clinical evidence of gout, but explicitly noting the absence of tophi.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the gout to lead exposure and specifies "chronic" and "left hand."
• Verify the absence of tophi is clearly stated; otherwise, a different subcategory for gout with tophi would be appropriate.
• Always sequence a code for lead poisoning (e.g., T56.0X1-) as a primary or secondary diagnosis to fully explain the etiology.