Which code is correct for an office visit for gout screening?

The selection of Z13.89 for gout screening is appropriate because this code falls under the category of "Encounter for screening for other diseases and disorders." It is specifically designed for situations where a screening for conditions not classified elsewhere is taking place. In the context of gout, which is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis, the ICD-10-CM coding guidelines allow for the use of this code when the provider is performing a general health screening that may include assessing for conditions such as gout.

This choice effectively reflects the intent of the visit, which is to screen for the potential presence of gout rather than managing an existing diagnosis or related complications. Medical coders must ensure that the selected codes accurately capture the nature of the healthcare service provided, and in this instance, Z13.89 is the most fitting option for indicating an encounter focused on screening rather than on treatment or follow-up care related to gout or any other specific disease.