Idiopathic chronic gout, multiple sites, with tophus (tophi)

This code signifies a persistent, long-term form of gout where the underlying cause is unknown, affecting multiple joints, and characterized by the presence of tophi. Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals that form visible lumps under the skin, often around joints, indicating advanced disease.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states idiopathic chronic gout involving more than one anatomical site, and the presence of tophi is confirmed. This typically occurs in patients with a history of recurrent gout flares and visible or palpable tophaceous deposits.

• Ensure documentation specifies "idiopathic" and "chronic" to differentiate from acute or secondary gout.
• Verify the presence of tophi and involvement of multiple sites; if only one site is affected, a more specific code for that site should be used.
• Do not use this code for acute gout attacks, even in a patient with chronic gout; separate codes exist for acute flares.