Procedure Volume Patient Data Patient Conditions Reviews General Payments Back to Top

Home > OH Providers > Obstetricians & Gynecologists: OB-GYNs

Dr. John William Merling, MD

Accepting New Patients

(230 Ratings)

Specializes in: Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Family Medicine

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (1987 - 1990)

Professional interests include: anxiety, palliative care, weight management, and more.

1184 W LOCUST STREET
WILMINGTON, OH 45177

(937) 382-1616

Dr. John William Merling, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH specializing in obstetrics & gynecology (ob/gyn) and family medicine. He graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1990 and has 36 years of experience. Dr. John William Merling, MD is affiliated with TriHealth.

Office Locations

1184 W LOCUST STREET
WILMINGTON, OH 45177

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. John William Merling, MD can help you with:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a generic name given to a variety of conditions characterized by unusual amounts of fear and worry, especially unrealistic fears and tension. People who suffer from anxiety often are aware that their fears are irrational, but that knowledge does not make the feeling of being scared and anxious go away. To qualify as anxiety, symptoms must last for 6 months or more and interfere with the way a person lives their daily life. Some cases may be mild, where, for example, a person simply avoids certain situations. Other cases can be severe enough to be disabling.

Some of the specific conditions covered under the general label of anxiety include:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Social phobia
Panic disorder

Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues diagnosed in the United States -- even more common than depression. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety, and it is extremely common for a person with anxiety to have another illness at the same time, such as depression, a physical illness, or substance abuse.

Treatment for anxiety usually involves medication and psychotherapy together. Medications used may include antidepressants (which also work for anxiety), anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers (which can be used to control the physical symptoms of anxiety). Psychotherapy can be useful to teach patients new ways of thinking and reacting so that they can manage their feelings of worry and fear. Support groups can also be very effective for anxiety, and they can be a form of treatment themselves for social phobias. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and meditation all help reduce feelings of anxiety or of being out of control. Finally, having a strong support network of family and friends is an excellent way to help manage the difficulties of life with anxiety.

Depression

Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."

Some common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad, guilty, empty or hopeless
Fatigue and a lack of energy and motivation
A loss of pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
Unusual sleep or eating habits
Mental fog -- trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Physical aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts or a preoccupation with death

We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.

Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.

Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:

Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and phobias
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
Personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders
Grief and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Impulse control and addiction disorders
Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:

Genetic history
Chemical imbalances in the brain
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Substance use
Exposure to viruses, chemicals, or other substances in the womb
Adverse life experiences, such as childhood trauma or recurring stress
Isolation and poor living conditions

Mental health issues are typically diagnosed by a provider like a psychiatrist or a psychologist. These issues are diagnosed through psychological evaluation and talk therapy.

Mental health therapy can be an effective tool in supporting people who are struggling with unwanted feelings, behaviors, or difficult circumstances in their lives. Many forms of therapy are available, including specialized therapies tailored to particular disorders. For many issues, therapists help patients manage their conditions through talk therapy. Other treatments can include medication or stays at a psychiatric facility. Mental health therapy can help people with mental health issues improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2012 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	277
preventive care	34
vaccines	34

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2013 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	200
preventive care	39
vaccines	39

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	36
Female	60

**Age**
From 65 to 74	38
From 75 to 84	27
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2013

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	31
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2014 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	185
preventive care	33
vaccines	33

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	51
Female	57

**Age**
From 65 to 74	40
From 75 to 84	31
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2014

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2015 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	261
preventive care	46
vaccines	46

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	120
Female	160

**Age**
From 65 to 74	132
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	68

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2015

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	36
Dementia	8
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2016 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	291
preventive care	45
vaccines	45

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	58
Female	70

**Age**
From 65 to 74	62
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2016

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2017 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	297
preventive care	55
vaccines	55

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	59
Female	62

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	31
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2017

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	31
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2018 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	285
preventive care	33
vaccines	33

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	61
Female	63

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2018

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2019 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	297
preventive care	28
vaccines	28

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	59
Female	59

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	32
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2019

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2020 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	186
preventive care	13
vaccines	13

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	46
Female	57

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	24

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2020

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2021 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	138
preventive care	17
vaccines	17

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	36
Female	46

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2021

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2022 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	131
preventive care	19
vaccines	19

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	40

**Age**
From 65 to 74	34
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	138

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	36

**Age**
From 65 to 74	39
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2023

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	74
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	36
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2024 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH during 2024 were preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	128
preventive care	20
vaccines	20

2024 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	39

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD in 2024

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	41
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2024

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John William Merling, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in WILMINGTON, OH were preventive care and vaccines.

doctor visit	216
preventive care	31
vaccines	31

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2024

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD.

**Gender**
Male	49
Female	57

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	20
Less than 65	7
65 to 74	50

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John William Merling, MD From 2012 - 2024

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. John William Merling, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	1
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	5
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	31
Atrial Fibrillation	5
Cancer	4
Dementia	0

Education & Training

Dr. John William Merling, MD graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1990. He completed residency at Franciscan Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has a state license in Ohio.

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (1990)

Residency: Franciscan Medical Center (1990)

Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Licensed In: Ohio

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. John William Merling, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 230 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. John William Merling, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in WILMINGTON, OH.

4.9

Overall Rating

(230 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-07-04

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Discussed a few questions I asked and doctor llistened and gave me some advice about a vitamin that could help with my symptoms. Very good bed side manners.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-09-06

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Willing to get what I needed done

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-05-09

Patient verified via Press Ganey

10/10 Will tell everyone I know.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-10-31

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Very caring and explaining.

General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Novo Nordisk Inc	$1,518 Victoza $463	Tresiba $462	Ozempic $421	Saxenda $76	RYBELSUS $44	Other $51
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$1,421 BYDUREON $378	LOKELMA $172	FARXIGA $167	AIRSUPRA $151	CRESTOR $149	Other $403
Pfizer Inc.	$685 COLOGUARD $239	EUCRISA $152	ELIQUIS $96	NURTEC ODT $76	VIAGRA $43	Other $79
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc	$598 XARELTO $329	INVOKANA $212	meters $32	OneTouch $12	$14
Lilly USA, LLC	$477 MOUNJARO $208	JARDIANCE $85	EMGALITY $65	TRULICITY $57	BASAGLAR $52	Other $10
Other	$4,499 VRAYLAR $331	XIFAXAN $254	JARDIANCE $249	Myrbetriq $244	UBRELVY $202	Other $3,218

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$8,979
Education	$218

Biography

John Merling, MD, joined Wilmington Medical Associates Inc. in 1990. Dr Merling recently retired from Obstetrics after 35 years and performing thousands of deliveries. He continues in Family Medicine with a focus on women’s health and pediatric patient care. He appreciates the trust our patients place on Wilmington Medical providers in taking care of themselves and their entire families. Dr Merling lives in Wilmington with his wife, Dr Mary Ann Merling. They raised nine children and have three grandchildren. He enjoys camping and served more than 15 years as a Cub Scout leader. His interests include history, especially collecting World War II memorabilia.