Drug-induced chronic gout, vertebrae, with tophus (tophi)

This code signifies chronic gout that has been induced by medication, specifically affecting the vertebrae, and characterized by the presence of tophi. Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals that form under the skin or in other tissues, indicating advanced or poorly controlled gout.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states drug-induced chronic gout with vertebral involvement and the presence of tophaceous deposits. This diagnosis requires a confirmed history of medication causing the gout and evidence of spinal manifestation with tophi.

• Ensure documentation specifies "drug-induced" and "chronic" gout, as well as the specific anatomical site (vertebrae) and the presence of tophi.
• Do not use this code for acute gout or gout without documented tophi, or if the gout is not explicitly stated as drug-induced.
• Always sequence this code after the code for the adverse effect of the drug, if applicable, to fully describe the etiology.