ICD-10 Code E79.0 – Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E79.0 – Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease
What it is
E79.0 identifies elevated uric acid in the blood when there is no documented inflammatory arthritis or tophaceous gout. Use it for hyperuricemia as a diagnosis, not for gout complications.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have no symptoms, or the record may note an incidental high uric acid finding without joint inflammation, tophi, or gouty attacks.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents hyperuricemia and specifically excludes gouty arthritis or tophaceous disease. It may also fit follow-up visits for an abnormal uric acid finding when the condition is being monitored or evaluated.
Do not assume gout from a lab result alone. Code only what is documented in the assessment, and check whether the note links the finding to another metabolic or renal condition.
Do not use for
Do not use E79.0 for gout, gouty arthritis, or tophaceous gout. If the record mentions inflammatory arthritis or urate deposits, check documentation for a more specific code.
Coding tip
Code E79.0 only when hyperuricemia is clearly documented and gout manifestations are absent or ruled out.