Other secondary chronic gout, left hip, with tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a chronic form of gout affecting the left hip joint, which is not primary gout but rather a consequence of another underlying condition. The presence of tophi, characteristic deposits of uric acid crystals, further specifies the severity and chronicity of the disease in this particular joint.

Utilize this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of chronic gout in the left hip that is secondary to another medical condition. The medical record must explicitly state the presence of tophi within or around the left hip joint. This code is appropriate when the patient presents with persistent symptoms of gout in the left hip, such as pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, and the tophi are clinically evident.

• Ensure documentation specifies "secondary" gout and identifies the underlying cause, if known, for potential additional coding.
• Verify the laterality (left hip) and the presence of tophi are explicitly documented to support this specific code.
• Differentiate from acute gout or gout without tophi, which would require different codes.