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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Gout(M10.072, M10.041)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Gout. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Gout FlarePodagra

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Gout

M10Primary Range

Gout

This range covers all forms of gout, including acute and chronic manifestations.

Chronic Gout

This range is used for chronic gout conditions and should not be coded with acute gout codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M10.072Acute gout, left ankle and footUse when there is an acute flare in the left ankle or foot confirmed by synovial fluid analysis.
  • Positive MSU crystals in synovial fluid
  • Serum urate levels >6 mg/dL
M10.041Drug-induced gout, right handUse when gout is induced by medication and affects the right hand.
  • History of drug use known to induce gout
  • Acute symptoms in the right hand

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute gout

Essential facts and insights about Acute Gout

The ICD-10 code for acute gout varies by joint and laterality, such as M10.072 for the left ankle.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute gout

Acute gout, left ankle and foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute symptoms and positive synovial fluid analysis

Applicable To

  • Podagra

Excludes

  • Chronic gout (M1A.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive MSU crystals in synovial fluid
  • Serum urate levels >6 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure acute designation and laterality are clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long-term (current) use of other medications

Z79.899
Use to indicate long-term medication use affecting gout management.

Adverse effect of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs

T45.1x5A
Use to specify the drug causing the gout.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic gout, left ankle and foot

M1A.072
Use for chronic conditions with tophi, not during acute flares.

Chronic drug-induced gout, right hand

M10.041
Chronic conditions with tophi should not be coded as acute.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Gout to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M10.072.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the affected side., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Violates Excludes1 note in ICD-10., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Only code the acute condition when both are present.

Impact

High denial rates for unspecified gout codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes with documented laterality and diagnostic confirmation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Gout, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Gout

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Gout. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Onset and severity
  • Diagnostic tests performed

Example Documentation

LOCATION: Left knee, ONSET: Sudden, SEVERITY: 8/10, DIAGNOSTICS: Synovial fluid analysis positive for MSU crystals.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has foot pain. Possible gout.
Good Documentation Example
Acute gout flare of left first MTP joint with positive MSU crystals in synovial fluid.
Explanation
The good example specifies the joint, confirms diagnosis with tests, and indicates acute status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Gout? Ask your questions below.

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