Drug-induced chronic gout, left elbow, with tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis of the left elbow caused by a medication, characterized by the presence of urate crystal deposits (tophi) within or around the joint. The condition results from elevated uric acid levels due to drug side effects, leading to recurrent painful attacks and structural damage.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states drug-induced chronic gout affecting the left elbow, specifically noting the presence of tophi. This typically occurs in patients on medications known to elevate uric acid, such as diuretics or certain immunosuppressants, who present with persistent elbow pain, swelling, and palpable tophaceous deposits.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the gout to a specific drug and confirms chronicity.
• Verify the laterality (left elbow) and the presence of tophi are clearly stated.
• Always code the adverse effect of the drug (T36-T50 with 5th or 6th character 5) as a secondary diagnosis to identify the causative medication.