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Joseph Anthony Saracino, MD, FACG, FACP
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, UNC Lenoir Health Care
UNC Health Provider
UNC Health providers are employed by an organization within UNC Health.
Specialties
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
4.66 out of 5
(252) 527-6565
4.66 out of 5
Accepting New Patients
Location Information
UNC Gastroenterology at Lenoir
Handicap Accessible
2602 N. Herritage St.
Kinston, NC 28501
US
Handicap AccessiblePhone:
(252) 527-6565
Fax:
(252) 233-0573
Hours
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
About the Provider
Specialties
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Subspecialties
- General Gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Hepatology
- Gastrointestinal Procedures
- Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing Disorders
Provider Details
Type: Clinician
Gender: Male
About Joseph Anthony Saracino, MD, FACG, FACP
I knew I wanted to become a doctor when I was 12. My teacher saw how I loved science; excelled in all my classes; was friendly, caring and helpful to my classmates and teachers; and was a leader. When I was in college, I continued to excel in my studies. I volunteered at soup kitchens, shelters and the hospital. I felt a strong desire to help people and make a difference in their lives. My parents sacrificed a lot to get me through college and...
I knew I wanted to become a doctor when I was 12. My teacher saw how I loved science; excelled in all my classes; was friendly, caring and helpful to my classmates and teachers; and was a leader. When I was in college, I continued to excel in my studies. I volunteered at soup kitchens, shelters and the hospital. I felt a strong desire to help people and make a difference in their lives. My parents sacrificed a lot to get me through college and medical school. The most significant event in my life was when my dad died at a young age of cancer. I knew then that I had to become a doctor to do all I could to make people well and ease their suffering and pain. I strongly believe in listening to the patient. I take the time to hear their story – I learn a lot by taking a few more minutes to understand their concerns, apprehensions and goals. I involve them in the decision-making of their care as much as possible and give them options. I believe it is very important to follow up with them after they have had a procedure, other tests or started on a new medication. I also stress that often with my staff. I have a great interest in inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancers and hepatitis. Outside of work, I enjoy being with my family, reading, going to the beach, traveling and learning new languages.
UNC Health Affiliations
- UNC Lenoir Health Care
- UNC Physicians Network
Languages
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
Medical School
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 1983 - 1987
Residency
- Columbia University, 1987 - 1990
- Area: Internal Medicine
Fellowship
- University of Health Sciences, 1990 - 1992
- Area: Gastroenterology
Bachelor of Science
- Georgetown University, 1978 - 1982
- Area: Biology, Minor in Psychology
- Honors: Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society
Certifications
- Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, Board Certified, 2007
Esophageal manometry for the evaluation of chest pain and difficulty swallowing; esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD); colonoscopy procedures; ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, gastric antral vascular ectasia and radiation proctitis
Gastrointestinal diseases and disorders such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, heartburn, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder disease, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal cancers
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna Commercial Plans (Other than Aetna Whole Health)
- Aetna Whole Health (Tier 2)
- Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans (Other than Aetna Prime HMO)
- AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina Medicaid
- BCBSNC Commercial Plans
- North Carolina State Employees Health Benefit Plan (Active employees)
- BCBSNC Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance
- BCBSNC Medicare Advantage (Other than Experience Health)
- Healthy Blue Medicaid
- Carolina Complete Health Medicaid (Centene)
- Cigna Commercial Plans (Other than Cigna Connect)
- Cigna Secure Medicare Advantage
- Contigo Health Plan (WakeMed employees only)
- Humana Medicare Advantage PPO
- Humana Medicare Private Fee-for-Service
- North Carolina State Employee Health Benefit Plan (Medicare Advantage for retirees)
- Liberty Advantage Medicare Advantage
- MedCost PPO
- UnitedHealthcare Commercial Plans
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
- UnitedHealthcare Exchange (ACA) Plans
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Medicaid
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
- WellCare of North Carolina Medicaid
* Coverage for certain behavioral health, Medicare and commercial plans as well as TriCare varies across UNC Health entities. Please call prior to your visit to determine coverage.
UNC Health contracts with most health insurance companies including, but not limited to, the ones listed here. While we do our best to keep this list up-to-date, it often changes. Professional fees charged by care providers and organizations who are not employed, owned or managed by UNC Health may not be included under the same insurance contracts and may bill separately. Before scheduling your appointment, please contact the organization or care provider in charge of delivering these services as they may be able to help you identify who will be providing these services. Your insurance company can help to determine which specific services, locations and providers are covered by your plan as well as provide you with information regarding co-payments, deductibles or any additional charges that may be your responsibility. UNC Health makes no representation or guarantee of benefits or coverage. Services not covered by your insurance company will be your responsibility. If you are in need of financial assistance, please visit our Financial Assistance page. For additional information regarding insurance accepted at UNC Health, please visit our Insurance page.
