About
Dr. Robert Starko is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Surrey in Surrey, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a Nephrologist, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
Dr. Starko's medical education began with earning his MD from the University of Alberta in 1989. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 30 years of experience in the field, practicing since 1994. His certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nephrology care and ongoing professional development.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Dr. Starko is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. He utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to ensure optimal patient outcomes. His focus is on early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic patient care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a deep commitment to supporting his patients' kidney health and overall well-being in Surrey.
Dr. Robert Starko provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Starko addresses management of high blood pressure, especially when it's difficult to control or related to kidney disease, and disorders of body salts and minerals.
- Secondary Hypertension: Important to consider in young patients or those with abrupt onset of severe hypertension.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Potentially life-threatening if severe.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Starko addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Indicates inflammation of the glomeruli.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by heavy proteinuria (protein in urine), low blood albumin, edema (swelling), and high cholesterol.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Starko addresses early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: A common complication where damaged kidneys don't produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
- Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Disorders of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D metabolism leading to bone disease and vascular calcification.
- Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Kidney damage caused by long-term, poorly controlled high blood pressure, leading to scarring of kidney tissue.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Robert Starko is necessary.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Full support for patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD).
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation and management of various glomerular diseases like IgA nephropathy, FSGS, lupus nephritis, and membranous nephropathy.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Development of preventative strategies including dietary modifications and medical therapy.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Comprehensive care for patients with inherited kidney diseases such as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Starko.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Starko practices at a specialized nephrology clinic situated in the heart of Surrey, BC, within the vibrant neighborhoods of Guildford and Fraser Heights. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Surrey, making it easily accessible via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking available nearby, including some accessible parking spots. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive kidney care and personalized treatment plans.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Starko specialize in?
- A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Starko, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. a Nephrologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- Are services from Dr. Starko covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Starko, such as consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and kidney transplant-related care, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Starko's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Starko?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Starko manages numerous conditions affecting the kidneys. These frequently include different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, high blood pressure affecting the kidneys, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones (medical management), and advanced kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Starko?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Starko plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. He works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Starko and a Urologist?
- The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Starko, as a Nephrologist, is an expert in the medical treatment of kidney diseases and functional kidney problems (e.g., how well kidneys filter blood, manage electrolytes, and produce urine). A Urologist is a surgeon who deals with physical problems of the urinary system, including surgical removal of kidney stones or tumors, and issues with the bladder, ureters, and male reproductive organs. They often collaborate on patient care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Starko?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Starko for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Starko receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 583-2229.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Surrey
#503, 9639 137A street
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
Office Phone: (604) 582-6606 | Office Fax: (604) 583-2229
Dr. Starko is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Starko, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Starko's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306987/Starko%2CRobert