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Dr. John Merlino, DO

Dr. John Merlino, DO

Cardiology*

Dr. John Merlino, DO is a cardiologist in Toms River, NJ. Dr. Merlino has extensive experience in Cardiac Electrical System Procedures, Cardiac Implantable Device Procedures, and Heart Conditions. He is affiliated with medical facilities Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Community Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 88 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (88 reviews)

Locations

Electrophysiology of Ocean County

Electrophysiology of Ocean County780 Route 37 W Ste 120 Toms River, NJ 08755
1

Dr. Merlino is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Cardiology

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Areas of ExpertiseDr. Merlino specializes in the areas of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology & Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top HospitalAmerica’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award™ See hospitals

More Cardiology Specialists at Community Medical Center

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Dr. Merlino's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Merlino

4.9
88 ratings, 44 with a written review
5 star
97%
97%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
2%
2%

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Pacemaker
I had an appointment with Dr Merlino but had to go to emergency before the scheduled appointment and I met him just before he installed my pacemaker and I was very happy and very pleased with him and the procedure he performed. When I went back for my post op appointment him and the entire staff were excellent. I would recommend him to anyone that may need him.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Lucy Altieri – Aug 09, 2023
From RWJBH Medical Group:Your recommendation... Read More
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Compassionate & Excellent
Dr. Merlino took the time to sit and talk to me about my procedure. I appreciated his kindness and professionalism. The follow-up care in the office was just as professional and compassionate.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 04, 2023
From RWJBH Medical Group:Reading your review, we... Read More
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Wonderful care with the pacemaker technology!!!
This was the second procedure of a pacemaker in 7 years. First unit stabilized my heart so the blood pumping fraction was increased to a safer level. The Medtronics battery required replacement after 7 years. Dr. Merlino performed the replacement in 2 - 3 hours in Community Hospital. The entire procedure and hospital staff was wonderful. Thank You all !!!!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 01, 2023
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Dr. Merlino is an excellent physician. He saved my husband’s life and his bedside manner is second to none. I recommend him highly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Julie C. – Oct 01, 2021
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Dr. Merlino changed the battery for my pacemaker/defibrillator and was quite the artist with a very nice, hardly noticeable scar, and no stitches!....I like Dr. Merlino and am glad he's my cardiologist...He takes the time with you in the office and doesn't rush his visits...I would definitely recommend him and his staff for their professionalism, to others
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Rose – Aug 16, 2021
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The service provided by Dr. Merlino and his staff has been superlative!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Robert Seymour – Feb 22, 2021
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I would recommend Dr Merlino, he is the best.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Wallace Weber – Dec 31, 2020
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Dr Merlino and his staff were extremely helpful and professional. They took care of everything. Dr Merlino was pleasant and took his time explaining everything.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Arthur Hillery – Dec 23, 2020
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I would highly recommend! No question was left unanswered. My second pacemaker replacement went very well.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JRkert – Oct 23, 2020
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I was recommended to Dr.Merlino by my Cardiologist for a Pacemaker.He answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease.His staff was pleasant and efficient. Would highly recommend Dr.Merlino....5 STARS PLUS....
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Gary Weinstein – Oct 03, 2020
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Dr. Merlino was an excellent choice for my husband's ablation procedure. Everything was explained, he spent time with us, and did a wonderful job. His office is efficient and professional.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Rebecca Kremer – Aug 27, 2020
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Dr. Merlino performed a cardiac ablation on my son and I can't say enough wonderful things about him. My son, is 43 and mentally challenged. Dr. Merlino spoke clearly and respectfully to him, and put my son at ease. He is often ignored while physicians speak directly to me. Not so with Dr. Merlino. My son was given the greatest of care throughout his treatment and surgery, which was very successful. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking cardiac care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Janice S Wagner – Jul 30, 2020
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Dr Merlino was a wonderful doctor. Surgery performed by him was a huge success. He took the time to answer all questions and went above and beyond. Highly recommend him
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anna DiFabio – Jul 02, 2020
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very good experience at the Dr. Merlino's office, Staff is very helpful, able to do the required tests need before I can see the doctor. A very happy and good office visit. Dr. Merlino is very easy to talk to. Does not rush his examination. And he likes to explain every step, and he is not in a rush. I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Merlino to my family or friends.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ralph E. Donato Office visit March 9, 2020 – Mar 10, 2020
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My husband was brought into the hospital in an emergency situation. Dr Merlino was there for us. Our family was/are so grateful with the care that he gave to my husband. We highly recommend Dr Merlino as a doctor and a very caring person.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Margaret – Feb 10, 2020
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I was recommended to Dr Merlino because my generator was running out of juice.. He explained everything that I wanted and needed to know.. If I could give a rating of 100 stars, I'd give him 1,000.. The staff at the office took care of EVERY question I had..
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Michael Dowzycki – Feb 01, 2020
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I was recommended to Dr Merlino by my cardiologist because my battery in my pacemaker needed replacement. Dr Merlino explained the procedure and put me at ease. He was willing to answer any and all concerns. The procedure went very well and I am feeling fine. He is a very caring physician,
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Linda M – Oct 29, 2019
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Dr Merlino explained the procedure very thoroughly and answered all my questions and put me at ease. He is extremely skilled and caring
What went well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 14, 2019
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Dr Merlino was prompt, efficient, courteous, and wore great shoes
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
MARIE G – Jun 27, 2019
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I went to Dr. Merlino for a 2nd opinion and he took his time and was very thorough with his options. Very short wait time and great office staff. I had a procedure done and I would highly recommend him. And wears great socks!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lori Waterhouse in TOMS RIVER, NJ – Jun 17, 2019
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About Me

care philosophy

Accepted Health Plan information is only as accurate as the most current information submitted. Prior to your appointment, it is advisable to verify with a physician office that they are still a participating provider.
  • Cardiology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

American Osteopathic Association®
American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Cardiology
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Dr. Merlino is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Cardiology

    Read our methodology

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Community Medical Center

      99 Route 37 W
      Toms River, NJ 08755
      Recipient of 16
      hospital awards

      Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Superior clinical outcomes in surgical care across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures including cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine, and gastrointestinal surgeries

      America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2023)

      Superior clinical outcomes in surgical care across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures including cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine, and gastrointestinal surgeries

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      82%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% lower than the national average

      74%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      1% lower than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

      201 Lyons Ave
      Newark, NJ 07112
      Recipient of 9
      hospital awards

      America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award™ (2025)

      Superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

      Superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      80%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      4% lower than the national average

      76%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well
      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality