Chronic gout due to renal impairment, vertebrae, w/o tophus

This code signifies a persistent inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposition in the vertebral column, directly resulting from impaired kidney function. The absence of tophi, which are visible or palpable uric acid deposits, distinguishes this specific presentation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic gout affecting the spine, with the etiology explicitly linked to renal impairment. Supporting documentation should include laboratory findings confirming hyperuricemia and renal dysfunction, along with imaging or clinical notes detailing vertebral involvement.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" gout and explicitly links it to "renal impairment" as the cause.
• Verify the affected anatomical site is the "vertebrae" and that "without tophus (tophi)" is clearly stated or implied.
• Always sequence a code for the underlying renal impairment (e.g., CKD stage) before this gout code.