Lead-induced chronic gout, right shoulder, without tophus

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the right shoulder, specifically caused by lead exposure. It indicates the absence of tophi, which are deposits of uric acid crystals that can form in chronic gout. The condition results from elevated uric acid levels due to lead's interference with uric acid excretion.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of chronic gout in the right shoulder, explicitly linked to lead toxicity. Supporting documentation should include evidence of lead exposure and elevated serum uric acid levels, along with clinical findings consistent with gouty arthritis in the specified joint.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" gout and the "right shoulder" as the affected joint.
• Verify the causal link to "lead-induced" gout; do not use for other etiologies of gout.
• Confirm the absence of tophi; if tophi are present, a different subclassification code would be appropriate.