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Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH

(Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH)
Specializes in: Neurosurgery and General Practice
Georgetown University School of Medicine (2011)
Professional interests include: stroke, traumatic brain injury, trigeminal neuralgia, and more.
16950 Via Tazon
San Diego, CA 92127

Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH is a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA specializing in neurosurgery and general practice. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2011 and has 14 years of experience. Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH is affiliated with Regents of the University of California, UC San Diego Health and UC San Diego Health.

View Doctor's Full Profile (619) 543-5540

Office Locations

16950 Via Tazon
San Diego, CA 92127
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Some issues Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH can help you with:

Hydrocephalus

Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.

Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.

In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.

Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.

Risk factors for stroke include:

  • Heart disease
  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol and lipids

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:

-Disorientation or confusion

-Difficulty speaking

-Difficulty walking

-Impaired vision

-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms

-Severe headaches

When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment begins generally immediately if a stroke is detected.

Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.

Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.

Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.

If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.

In The News 

“Adriana's family also extends a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of California Irvine Medical Center and Health Cancer Center, most especially Dr. Russell...”—"Adriana Lopez", San Bernardino Sun, April 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA during 2018 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

hospital care 33
inpatient care 33

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 21
Female 30
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 21
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 18
From 75 to 84 17
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH in 2018

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated during 2018 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 73
Stroke 35
Ischemic Heart Disease 57
Depression 45
Chronic Kidney Disease 57
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 29
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 43
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 37
Dementia 35
Cancer 22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA during 2019 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

hospital care 52
inpatient care 52

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 43
Female 37
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 34
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 30
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 27
From 75 to 84 27
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated during 2019 were hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 0
Stroke 43
Ischemic Heart Disease 43
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 53
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 15
Atrial Fibrilation 16
Heart Failure 28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 16
Diabetes 53
Dementia 33
Cancer 21

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

hospital care 31
inpatient care 31

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 40
Female 37
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 52
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 29
From 75 to 84 21
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated during 2020 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 31
Ischemic Heart Disease 51
Depression 42
Chronic Kidney Disease 62
Asthma 16
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 18
Heart Failure 38
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 27
Diabetes 48
Dementia 27
Cancer 14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 90
hospital care 27
inpatient care 27

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 46
Female 52
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 72
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 41
From 75 to 84 26
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated during 2021 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and depression.

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 70
Stroke 18
Ischemic Heart Disease 37
Depression 40
Chronic Kidney Disease 40
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 38
Dementia 20
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 67
hospital care 19
inpatient care 19

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 37
Female 43
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 63
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 37
From 75 to 84 22
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, hypertension, stroke and depression.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 46
Ischemic Heart Disease 38
Depression 40
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 20
Osteoperosis 29
Atrial Fibrilation 29
Heart Failure 26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 20
Diabetes 34
Dementia 15
Cancer 20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2018 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated as a neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit 78
hospital care 32
inpatient care 32

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2018 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH.

Gender
Male 37
Female 39
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 6
Non-Hispanic White 48
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 22
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0
65 to 74 30

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH From 2018 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 34
Ischemic Heart Disease 45
Depression 39
Chronic Kidney Disease 47
Asthma 7
Osteoporosis 17
Heart Failure 30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 15
Diabetes 42
Atrial Fibrillation 15
Cancer 15
Dementia 26

Education & Training

Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2011. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine (2011)

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Regents of the University of California
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 18 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH from all over the web to help you find the right in San Diego, CA. 

4.83
Overall Rating
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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
SeaSpine Orthopedics Corporation $16,028 Atoll OCT System
$5,000 		Atoll
$4,000 		Hollywood
$1,500 		Laminoplasty
$1,500 		Shoreline
$1,362 		Other
$2,666
Spinal Elements, Inc. $8,380 Medical Device
$7,068 		Katana
$280
$1,032
Medtronic, Inc. $4,799 UNID_PASS
$2,093 		MAZOR X SYSTEM
$929 		CD HORIZON SPINAL SYSTEM
$702 		T2 STRATOSPHERE
$156 		TRILLIUM AFFINITY NT
$133 		Other
$786
Clariance, Inc. $2,305 Erisma-LP
$2,029 		Idys-ALIF
$231 		Idys-ALIF ZP 3DTi
$46
Integra LifeSciences Corporation $2,147 CODMAN HAKIM Precision Valve
$1,810 		DURASEAL EXACT SPINAL SEALANT SYSTEM
$337
Other $9,801 XLIF
$1,778 		RISE
$649 		Neo Pedicle Screw System
$599 		ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Navigation System
$471 		LIF
$420 		Other
$5,884
Types of Payments
Consulting Fee $20,362
Food and Beverage $15,186
Travel and Lodging $7,911

Biography

Dr. Dustin Hatefi is a specialist in general practice and neurosurgery. He studied medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Hatefi's areas of expertise include hemifacial spasm, brain aneurysm, and pituitary tumor. He has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. Dr. Hatefi's hospital/clinic affiliations include UC San Diego Health and Regents of the University of California.

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