Lead-induced chronic gout, left ankle and foot, w/o tophus

This code signifies chronic gout in the left ankle and foot that is specifically caused by lead exposure. It indicates the absence of tophaceous deposits, which are characteristic urate crystal aggregations. The condition is persistent and affects the joints of the left lower extremity.

Use this code when documentation clearly links a patient's chronic gout in the left ankle and foot to lead poisoning or exposure. Supporting documentation should include a diagnosis of chronic gout, a confirmed history or current evidence of lead exposure, and specify the left ankle and foot as the affected site, explicitly stating the absence of tophi.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "lead-induced" to differentiate from other forms of chronic gout.
• Verify the affected joint(s) are precisely the left ankle and foot; do not use for other locations.
• Confirm the absence of tophi is documented; if tophi are present, a different code in the M1A.17x series would be appropriate.