Other secondary chronic gout, right wrist, with tophus

This code signifies a chronic form of gout that is secondary to another underlying condition, specifically affecting the right wrist. The presence of a tophus (or tophi) indicates a deposit of uric acid crystals, a hallmark of advanced or poorly controlled gout. This condition is characterized by persistent inflammation and pain in the affected joint.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic gout in the right wrist, explicitly stated as secondary, and confirms the presence of tophaceous deposits. This typically applies to patients with a history of gout who are experiencing a flare-up or ongoing symptoms in the right wrist, with visible or palpable tophi. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing the chronicity, secondary nature, joint involvement, and tophus presence.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "secondary" gout; otherwise, a primary gout code may be more appropriate.
• Verify the laterality (right wrist) and the presence of tophi are explicitly stated in the medical record.
• Always sequence the underlying condition causing the secondary gout first, if known and documented.