Lead-induced chronic gout, left shoulder, without tophus

This code signifies chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the left shoulder, specifically caused by lead exposure, and characterized by the absence of urate crystal deposits (tophi). The condition is persistent and results from the body's impaired ability to excrete uric acid due to lead toxicity.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states chronic gout in the left shoulder, directly attributed to lead poisoning, and confirms the absence of tophaceous deposits. This diagnosis requires a clear link between lead exposure and the development of gout.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" gout and clearly links it to "lead-induced" etiology.
• Verify the affected joint is the "left shoulder" and explicitly states "without tophus."
• Do not use if tophi are present; a different code would be required.