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ICD-10 Coding for Arthritis Gout(M10.072, M1A.0720)

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

Also known as:

Gouty ArthritisGout

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arthritis Gout

M10-M19Primary Range

Arthropathies

This range includes codes for gout and other arthropathies, with specific codes for acute and chronic gout.

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 this code for acute gout flares in the left ankle and foot.
  • Presence of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid
  • Acute onset of joint pain and swelling
M1A.0720Chronic gout, left ankle and footUse this code for chronic gout conditions with tophi or recurrent flares.
  • Radiographic evidence of tophi
  • Recurrent episodes of joint pain

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 Arthritis Gout

Acute gout is coded as M10.072 for the left ankle and foot, indicating an acute flare with specific joint involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arthritis gout

Acute gout, left ankle and foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute presentation with joint swelling and pain

Applicable To

  • Acute gouty arthritis of left ankle

Excludes

  • Chronic gout (M1A.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid
  • Acute onset of joint pain and swelling

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding chronic gout during an acute flare

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the acute nature and specific joint affected.

Ancillary Codes

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

BMI 40 and over, adult

Z68.3
Use when obesity is a comorbidity affecting gout management.

Personal history of gout

Z87.310
Use when documenting resolved gout without current symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic gout, left ankle and foot

M1A.0720
Chronic gout is characterized by tophi and recurrent flares, whereas acute gout is a sudden onset of symptoms.

Acute gout, left ankle and foot

M10.072
Acute gout presents with sudden severe pain, whereas chronic gout involves long-term joint damage and tophi.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arthritis 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: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Financial: Potential claim rejections or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and joint in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Violates Excludes 1 note in ICD-10., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use only the acute code during flares.

Impact

Coding both acute and chronic gout together can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on Excludes 1 notes and proper code selection.

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 Arthritis Gout, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Arthritis Gout

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

Acute gout flare in the emergency department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results
  • Imaging studies

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute left ankle pain, swelling, and erythema. Synovial fluid analysis confirms monosodium urate crystals.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gout flare, treat with NSAIDs.
Good Documentation Example
Acute gouty arthritis of left ankle (M10.072) with synovial fluid confirmation. BMI 42 (Z68.42).
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis and supporting evidence.

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

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