Screening for gout

This code signifies an encounter focused on proactively identifying the presence of gout in an asymptomatic individual. It is used when a patient undergoes diagnostic testing, such as a serum uric acid level, without presenting with any signs or symptoms suggestive of an acute gout attack or chronic gouty arthritis.

Apply this code when a patient is screened for gout due to risk factors like family history, certain medications (e.g., diuretics), or comorbidities (e.g., kidney disease, obesity) but has no current symptoms. It is appropriate for routine health screenings that include an assessment for gout in the absence of a definitive diagnosis.

• Do not use this code if the patient presents with symptoms of gout; instead, code the definitive diagnosis.
• This code is for screening purposes only; if a diagnosis of gout is established during the encounter, code the specific gout diagnosis.
• Consider any associated risk factors or reasons for the screening when coding other diagnoses.