MDA Clinic & Scientific Conference 2026. March 8 – 11, 2026. Poster Number: 291 T. Diagnoses and Procedures Observed Prior to Friedreich Ataxia Diagnosis: A Real-World US Medical Claims Analysis. Alicia Henriquez, MD, Seattle Children's Hospital, Meredith Hatcher, Texas Movement Disorder Specialists, Georgetown, TX, USA, Sarah Doss, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA, Partha S. Ghosh, MD, Boston Children's Hospital, Pravin Khemani, MD, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA, Sarah M. England, PhD, Biogen, Inc., Queeny Ip, Komodo Health, Xinshuo Ma, Komodo Health, Saila Chen, Komodo Health, Robin Avila, PhD, Biogen, Alexandra DiDonato, PharmD, Biogen.
Objective: To characterize diagnoses and procedures received by patients prior to diagnosis of FA.
Conclusions: Medical claims data enhance our understanding of the clinical journey of patients leading to FA diagnosis. Prior to FA diagnosis, patients encounter various healthcare professionals, receive a variety of diagnoses, and experience a multitude of procedures, which may lead to delayed time to definitive FA diagnosis. Expediting the diagnostic pathway for FA through timely referrals enables earlier intervention, which is imperative for reducing disease burden and enhancing patient quality of life.
