Neurosurgery Second Opinion
Expert consultation when you need another perspective
⚠️ Emergency Notice
This program is NOT designed to handle medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Why Seek a Second Opinion?
A neurosurgical diagnosis can be life-changing. Whether you've been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, brain tumor, or another condition requiring potential surgery, getting a second opinion from an experienced specialist can provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
A second opinion can help you:
- Confirm your diagnosis
- Understand all available treatment options
- Learn about newer or alternative approaches you may not have been offered
- Gain confidence in your treatment plan
- Make a more informed decision about your care
My Background
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon with specialized fellowship training in both open cerebrovascular surgery (UCSF) and endovascular neurosurgery (USC). Having treated over 500 brain aneurysms and 500 ischemic strokes, I bring extensive experience to complex neurosurgical decision-making. I am certified in advanced techniques including flow diversion (Pipeline), intrasaccular devices, and CyberKnife radiosurgery, allowing me to evaluate the full range of treatment options.
Second Opinion Programs
Options for patients in California and out-of-state/out-of-country
Telemedicine Consultation
For patients located in California, I offer virtual consultations via secure video visit. This allows us to have a face-to-face conversation about your diagnosis and treatment options without requiring you to travel.
- Live video consultation
- Review of imaging and medical records
- Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options
- Opportunity to ask questions directly
- Option to transition to in-person care if desired
Ideal for: California residents seeking a comprehensive consultation with the option for follow-up care.
Remote Second Opinion
Due to state medical licensing regulations, I cannot provide direct consultation to out-of-state patients. However, I offer a Remote Second Opinion Program for patients with an established diagnosis.
- Written referral from your treating physician required
- Comprehensive review of your imaging and records
- Detailed written second opinion report
- Communication with your referring physician
Key requirement: The designation and communication with a referring physician located in your state is essential for this program.
Note: Due to state regulations and restrictions, this program may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact our office for current availability.
Conditions I Review
I provide second opinions for a wide range of neurosurgical conditions, with particular expertise in cerebrovascular diseases:
- Brain aneurysms (unruptured and ruptured)
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Dural arteriovenous fistulas
- Cavernous malformations
- Moyamoya disease
- Carotid stenosis
- Intracranial stenosis
- Brain tumors
- Spine tumors
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Hemifacial spasm
- Complex cerebrovascular cases
How the Process Works
For California Patients (Telemedicine)
Request a Consultation
Complete the form below or call our office to request a telemedicine second opinion appointment.
Gather Your Records
We'll need your relevant imaging studies (MRI, CT, angiogram) and medical records. Our office will guide you through this process.
Virtual Consultation
Meet with me via secure video to discuss your diagnosis, review your imaging together, and explore treatment options.
Follow-Up & Next Steps
Receive a summary of our discussion. If you wish to proceed with care, we can schedule an in-person visit or procedure.
For Out-of-State Patients (Remote Second Opinion)
Obtain a Written Referral
Your treating physician must provide a written referral requesting the second opinion. This is a requirement for the program.
Submit Records
Your physician's office sends relevant medical records and imaging studies for review.
Expert Review
I conduct a thorough review of all materials, including detailed analysis of your imaging studies.
Written Report
A comprehensive second opinion report is prepared and communicated to your referring physician.
What to Prepare
To make the most of your second opinion consultation, please have the following ready:
- Imaging studies: MRI, CT, and/or angiogram images (on CD or via secure transfer)
- Radiology reports: Written reports from your imaging studies
- Medical records: Relevant clinic notes, especially from the physician who made your diagnosis
- Treatment recommendations: Any proposed treatment plans you've received
- Your questions: Write down the specific questions you want answered
Request a Second Opinion
Take the first step toward clarity about your diagnosis and treatment options.
This form is for scheduling inquiries only. Please do not include detailed personal health information in this form. Our office will contact you to collect medical records through secure channels.
Important Information & Disclaimers
Not for Emergencies
This second opinion service is for non-emergency consultations only. If you are experiencing symptoms of stroke (sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache), ruptured aneurysm, or any other medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
State Licensing Limitations
Due to state medical licensing regulations, direct patient consultations (including telemedicine) can only be provided to patients physically located in California at the time of the consultation. Out-of-state patients may receive a remote second opinion through the physician-to-physician consultation model, which requires a written referral from a treating physician in the patient's state.
Not a Doctor-Patient Relationship
Submitting a request through this form does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. A doctor-patient relationship is only established after a formal consultation has been completed and accepted by both parties.
Medical Records
Do not upload or include sensitive medical information in this inquiry form. Our office will contact you to arrange secure transfer of medical records and imaging studies through appropriate HIPAA-compliant channels.
Second Opinion vs. Treatment
A second opinion provides an expert review of your diagnosis and treatment options. It does not obligate you to receive treatment from Dr. Walcott or Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. You are free to use the information provided to make informed decisions about your care with any provider you choose.