For Referring Physicians

Streamlined referrals for cerebrovascular and neurosurgical care

Streamlined Referral Process

I appreciate the trust you place in me when referring your patients. My team and I are committed to providing prompt consultations, clear communication, and comprehensive care coordination.

For urgent or emergent consultations, I am available 24/7 through the Cottage Hospital operator. For elective referrals, my office will work to schedule patients promptly, typically within 1 week and many times within 48 hours.

Conditions I Treat

I welcome referrals for evaluation and treatment of:

  • Cerebrovascular conditions: Brain aneurysms, AVMs, dural fistulas, cavernous malformations, moyamoya disease
  • Stroke: Acute ischemic stroke (mechanical thrombectomy), hemorrhagic stroke, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis
  • Brain & spine tumors: Meningiomas, metastases, gliomas, acoustic neuromas, spine tumors
  • Functional neurosurgery: Trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm
  • General neurosurgery: Hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, spine conditions, trauma

What to Expect

After seeing your patient, I will provide:

  • Timely consultation notes documenting findings and recommendations
  • Direct communication for complex or urgent cases
  • Coordination with your office regarding follow-up care
  • Return of care to you once neurosurgical needs are addressed

My Background

I completed my neurosurgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, followed by fellowship training in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery at UCSF and endovascular neurosurgery at University of Southern California. I am board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery with additional recognition in Endovascular Neurosurgery.

I have published over 160 peer-reviewed articles and remain active in clinical research, currently serving as Site Principal Investigator for the NIH-sponsored multi-site ASPIRE trial. I am committed to evidence-based practice and staying current with advances in the field.

Referral Contact Information

Office Address

2410 Fletcher Ave Suite 302
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Office Phone

(805) 569-7820

Physician Direct Email

bwalcott@sbch.org

Hospital Affiliation

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Comprehensive Stroke Center
Level 1 Trauma Center

Urgent/Emergent Consultations

For urgent or emergent neurosurgical consultations, please contact:

Cottage Hospital Operator

(805) 682-7111
Ask for Dr. Brian Walcott on call

When to Refer

Urgent Referrals

  • Symptomatic brain aneurysm
  • Acute stroke symptoms
  • New neurological deficits with mass lesion
  • Rapidly progressive symptoms
  • Hemorrhagic stroke

Routine Referrals

  • Incidental unruptured aneurysm
  • Known AVM for treatment planning
  • Brain tumor evaluation
  • Trigeminal neuralgia refractory to medication
  • Carotid stenosis evaluation

Second Opinions

  • Complex aneurysm treatment planning
  • Moyamoya or rare conditions
  • Failed previous treatments
  • Treatment approach questions
  • Need for specialized techniques

Questions About a Patient?

I welcome physician-to-physician communication. Feel free to reach out directly to discuss a case or determine if referral is appropriate.

Email Dr. Walcott