Drug-induced gout, vertebrae

This code signifies an inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated uric acid levels, specifically induced by medication, affecting the vertebral column. It represents a secondary form of gout where pharmaceutical agents are the precipitating factor for crystal deposition in the spinal joints.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states gout affecting the vertebrae is a direct consequence of drug therapy. Supporting documentation should identify the specific drug implicated and confirm the diagnosis of drug-induced gout impacting the spine.

• Always sequence the code for the adverse effect of the drug (T36-T50 with 5th or 6th character 5) as a secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from primary gout or gout due to other secondary causes (e.g., renal impairment) affecting the vertebrae.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "vertebrae" as the affected site; other anatomical locations of drug-induced gout have different codes.