This retrospective study used de-identified claims data from Komodo Healthcare Map from 1/1/2016-12/31/2023. Patients with early/typical-onset FA (diagnosed at 0-17) were included. Eligible patients had ≥1 ataxia diagnosis (ICD-10-CM G11.1) from 1/1/2016-9/30/2020 and ≥1 FA diagnosis (G11.11) from 10/1/2020-12/31/2023, or ≥2 FA diagnoses (G11.11) ≥30 days apart from 10/1/2020-12/31/2023. Index diagnosis was the first ataxia or FA diagnosis. Referrals were observed in 3-month intervals from 18 months before to 18 months after index. The top specialties per interval and geographic distance to referral to ataxia centers of excellence (CoEs; defined as FACOMS or UNIFAI sites) were captured.

Early/typical-onset patients with FA most often encountered pediatricians or pediatric specialists on their diagnostic journey, highlighting the central role of pediatric and subspecialty care in identifying and managing FA. Patients travel significant distances to centers. Increasing access to care is imperative to improving patient outcomes.