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Dr. Debra Tarantino, MD

Dr. Debra Tarantino, MD

Colorectal Surgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Debra Tarantino, MD is a colorectal surgeon in Livingston, NJ and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1994. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Morristown Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

3.9 Star Rating
Based on 33 reviews 3.9 Star Rating (33 reviews)

Locations

Associates in Colon & Rectal Diseases, P.A.

Associates in Colon & Rectal Diseases, P.A.200 S Orange Ave Ste 232 Livingston, NJ 07039
1

At a Glance

  • Area of ExpertiseDr. Tarantino specializes in the area of General Surgery. See board certifications
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top HospitalAmerica’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital SatisfactionPatients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals

More Colon & Rectal Surgery Specialists at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

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Dr. Tarantino's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Tarantino

3.9
33 ratings, 14 with a written review
5 star
73%
73%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
27%
27%

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She was disbelieving of my symptoms. She questioned everything I said. I think she doesn’t like it if the patient consults with other doctors. While I was there she received a call from another patient and told staff to tell patient to stop calling and that he’s an idiot. This all occurred in my presence. For a so called doctor to be visibly angry that you consulted other doctors to solve a problem… this is a huge red flag and I’d never trust her with my body. And I’m not alone in this assessment.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Gram – Oct 06, 2024
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Caring, upbeat Surgeon
Dr. Tarantino was consulted when I was in ICU at Cooperman Barnabas Hospital in West Orange, NJ two years ago. She took my hand and assured me that I'd survive and I will be forever grateful for her kindness.
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
Caring Upbeat Surgeon – Oct 05, 2024
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Office Visit
Dr. Tarantino is one of the best doctor's I have ever seen. She is so nice and makes you feel extremely comfortable. She is very informative and will go out of her way to accommodate you. I would recommend her to anyone who needs to see a speacialist in this field. It is a pleasure to be her patient.
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Rosemarie Gall – Jul 14, 2022
Thank you for sharing your positive experience... Read More
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I was referred to her by urogyn. I had cystocele, poss recto- & enterocele. I just had hysterectomy/BSO. I had continuing constipation. She said one has nothing to do w/the other & asked how long I go w/o a BM. 7-8 days. She said that's nothing & has patients who don't go for a month+. She asked about splinting & I can't due to severe pain due to prior carpal tunnel surgeries. She laughed at that as if I was making it up. She had me put gown on, took me into a room & told me to bend over, & push. She said you have perineal descent. I asked what that was, she said it looks like a baboon. I had just been through menopause at a very vibrant 46 & was feeling bad already.. I went to her for help,, she diminished my issue, offered no solutions,  laughed at me, demeaned me & said i look like a baboon down there. Thanks doc!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
18 others found this helpful
Helpful
LB – Oct 02, 2021
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Great experience with Dr Tarantino. Very through and experienced! Highly recommend
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
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Gina – Apr 09, 2021
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Dr.Debra Tarantino performed emergency surgery following a perforated colon performed from a routine colonoscopy. She explained the procedure in detail and reassured me that the I was going to get through this. Dr. Tarantino visited every morning in the hospital bright and early. She entered my room with a smile on her beautiful face. I am actually looking forward to seeing no her this week to follow up.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Carol in Springfield, NJ – Feb 15, 2020
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poor bedside manner. Unprofessional This doctor can not handle her pts getting second opinions for what I considered a serious surgery. Basically kicked me out because she was made aware that I went for a second opinion. Should not be working with the public. She is degrading and should be ashamed of her behavior.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
23 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 14, 2019
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Dr. Tarantino is an amazing surgeon! If it wasn’t for her, I would not have ever gotten my reversal surgery. She’s a great doctor and I can’t thank her enough for her care and wonderful bedside manners. She really does take the time to talk and listen to you. I’m so glad I decided to get a second opinion. I was not happy with my last surgeon so I’m glad I found her ??
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 11, 2019
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A very caring and dedicated professional. I was under her care and would highly recommend.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 29, 2018
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I was not happy with my experiences whatsoever. She was rude, condescending and had no bedside manner. My concerns were disregarded and I felt as though I were being a burden to her. However, the staff is excellent.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
16 others found this helpful
Helpful
Melissa – Jun 10, 2018
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I can’t thank Dr. Tarantino enough for all she has done for me. I was in the dark until I visited her. She is very experienced, considerate and kind. She suggested the best course for my case, nonetheless well informed us about her alternative plan too. Her professional expertise has made my life much better and brighter. She is an excellent surgeon. I trust her and highly recommend her. October, 2017
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
Livingston, NJ – Nov 03, 2017
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Knowledgeable, personable, compassionate. Makes a colonoscopy as good as it can be. I am a nurse and recommend her to all my friends and family.
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
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Betsy in Denville, NJ – May 21, 2017
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No bedside manner at all. Horrible to speak with .. not a good doctor
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
17 others found this helpful
Helpful
parsippany Nj – May 02, 2017
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She's extremely rude. I went in for a routine exam and she basically told me what I already knew. I had asked for medicine that I had used years back and her response was no and that if I wanted that medication I should go back to the doctor who originally gave me that medicine. Then I get a massive bill from her office for services she didn't even do. She's a horrible person.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
19 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ramsey, NJ – Jan 11, 2017
The drug you requested is a compounded drug not... Read More
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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.
  • Colorectal Surgery

  • General Surgery

  • Robotic Surgery

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

  • St Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Center

    Fellowship Hospital
  • St Luke's-roosevelt Hospital Center

    Fellowship Hospital
  • 1995-1999

    Residency Hospital
  • Case Western Reserve University

    Residency Hospital
  • 1994-1995

    Internship Hospital
  • Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine

    Internship Hospital
  • University At Buffalo Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences

    Medical School, 1994
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Surgery®
General Surgery
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.

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

    94 Old Short Hills Rd
    Livingston, NJ 07039
    Recipient of 31
    hospital awards

    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Surgery Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

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

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    75%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Morristown Medical Center

    100 Madison Ave
    Morristown, NJ 07960
    Recipient of 55
    hospital awards

    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care Award™ (2025)

    Superior clinical outcomes in colorectal surgeries, gallbladder removal, upper gastrointestinal surgery, and treating bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeds, and pancreatitis

    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Surgery Award™ (2025)

    Superior clinical outcomes in colorectal surgeries, gallbladder removal, upper gastrointestinal surgery, and treating bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeds, and pancreatitis

    View all awards

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

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    80%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    15% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Jersey City Medical Center

    355 Grand St
    Jersey City, NJ 07302
    Recipient of 3
    hospital awards

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

    83%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    75%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well
    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality