Lead-induced chronic gout, unspecified site, without tophus

This diagnosis code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated lead levels in the body, specifically presenting as gout without the presence of tophi. The condition is characterized by recurrent attacks of acute arthritis due to uric acid crystal deposition, directly linked to lead exposure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic gout attributed to lead poisoning, and there is no mention of tophaceous deposits. This code is appropriate for patients with a confirmed history of lead exposure and clinical manifestations of chronic gout, where the specific anatomical site of the gout is not documented.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the gout to lead exposure; otherwise, a different gout code may be more appropriate.
• Do not use this code if tophi are present; instead, select a code for lead-induced chronic gout with tophi.
• Always sequence a code for the lead poisoning (e.g., from category T56) as a primary or secondary diagnosis, depending on the encounter's focus.