Dr. Mark Allen Kostash – Anesthesiologist | Christina Lake, BC

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Mark Allen Kostash plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Christina Lake, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring that anesthesia care adheres to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Dr. Kostash's practice is aligned with the guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), emphasizing patient-centered care and clinical excellence.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 1988 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology, acquiring certification and expertise in various anesthetic techniques and perioperative management. His training has prepared him to manage a broad spectrum of anesthesia needs, from routine procedures to complex cases requiring specialized care.

Dr. Kostash’s clinical philosophy centers on professionalism, safety, and effective communication. He is committed to providing high-quality anesthesia services with a focus on patient safety in Christina Lake. He speaks English fluently, ensuring clear communication with patients and medical teams to optimize outcomes and comfort.

• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• Pre-Anesthetic Assessment and Consultation: Thorough evaluation of patient health, medical history, medications, and surgical/procedural plan to create the safest and most effective anesthesia plan.
• Regional Anesthesia Techniques: Numbing specific body regions using targeted nerve blocks (e.g., spinal, epidural, peripheral nerve blocks) for surgery or pain control, potentially allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated.
• General Anesthesia Administration: Inducing and maintaining a controlled state of unconsciousness ('sleep') using intravenous or inhaled medications, ensuring patient comfort and immobility during major surgery.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation: Providing varying levels of sedation (light to deep) and analgesia, combined with close monitoring of vital signs, for procedures not requiring general anesthesia.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Kostash (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Kostash primarily practices at medical facilities situated near central Christina Lake, BC. The location provides convenient access for residents and visitors, with proximity to local points of interest such as Christina Lake Provincial Park and nearby outdoor recreation areas. The facilities are accessible via local public transit options, making it easier for patients to reach appointments. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Kostash? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Kostash during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Medical Services Plan (MSP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Kostash for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Kostash from the team covering your procedure.

What is the role of an Anesthesiologist?

An Anesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor (physician) extensively trained in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain management. They are responsible for developing the anesthesia plan, administering anesthetic drugs, ensuring your safety and vital functions (like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure) are stable during a procedure, managing any medical emergencies that arise, and overseeing your immediate recovery and pain control afterwards.

What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?

Dr. Kostash selects the safest and most appropriate anesthetic based on your health and the procedure. Options include:

• General Anesthesia: You'll be completely unconscious and unaware.
• Regional Anesthesia: A specific body part is numbed (e.g., spinal/epidural for lower body, nerve block for arm/leg). You might be awake or sedated.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)/Sedation: Medication helps you relax and feel drowsy, often used with local anesthetic by the surgeon.

The choice will be discussed with you beforehand.

PO Box 231, 1748 West Lake Drive
Christina Lake, BC V0H 1E0

Phone: (250) 442-7656

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kostash is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305565/Kostash%2CMark