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Home > WI Providers > Otolaryngologists / Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Doctors
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Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS

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Specializes in: Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Professional interests include: throat problems, sleep apnea, parathyroid surgery, and more.
5300 Memorial Drive
Two Rivers, WI 54241

Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS is an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS is affiliated with Advocate Health Care and BayCare Clinic.

View Doctor's Full Profile (920) 288-8230

Office Locations

BayCare Clinic

1500 Arbor Way
Kaukauna, WI 54130
(920) 288-8230
open_in_new
2845 Greenbrier Road Building 6 Suite F300 Green
Bay, WI 54311
open_in_new
2845 Greenbrier Road Suite F300
Green Bay, WI 54311
open_in_new

Advocate Health Care

5300 Memorial Drive
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 288-8230
(920) 288-8235
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS can help you with:

Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid surgery is a procedure done to identify and remove diseased parathyroid glands. These tiny glands in the neck regulate calcium levels in the body. Occasionally, one or more of the parathyroid glands can become hyperactive, swelling and causing too much calcium to be moved from the bones to the bloodstream. This is called hyperparathyroidism, and it can cause problems including weakness, nervous system disorders, and kidney problems. To treat hyperparathyroidism, overactive parathyroid glands are removed.

One kind of parathyroid surgery is called bilateral neck exploration. The surgeon finds and looks at all of the parathyroid glands on both sides of the neck, visually identifying any that are diseased and removing them. Minimally invasive, or focused, parathyroidectomy is done to remove a single diseased gland. The gland causing problems is identified before surgery using localization techniques such as hormonal or radiology testing. Since in most cases only one gland is causing problems, focused parathyroidectomy is a common alternative to bilateral neck exploration. Both procedures are safe and effective.

In the rare case that all four glands are diseased, the surgeon will either remove three and a half glands and leave one half in place, or all four will be removed and part of one gland will be transplanted into the forearm. This is done to keep calcium levels where they should be.

After surgery, patients will have a bandage on their neck and a sore throat. Patients may only want liquids or very soft food for the first day, and thy may be asked to take calcium supplements for a while until their remaining parathyroid glands begin functioning well again. Recovery is fairly quick, and within a few days patients should be feeling like themselves again.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Affordability:

diagnostic sleep study
in-lab polysomnography
in-lab sleep study
polysomnography

In 2023, Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS had a list price for diagnostic (regular) sleep study, in-lab polysomnography (overnight sleep study), in-lab sleep study, and polysomnography (PSG) that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of providers in related specialties within Wisconsin. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2012 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, sleep study and airway management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

airway management 25
doctor visit 292
ear procedures 15
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 79
minimally invasive procedures 79
sleep study 52

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2013 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, immunotherapy and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

airway management 15
doctor visit 500
ear procedures 50
immunotherapy 53
injections 53
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 140
minimally invasive procedures 140
sleep study 38

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 184
Female 207
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 379
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 154
From 75 to 84 99
85 and over 52
Less than 65 86

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2013

Hypertension 58
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 38
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 21
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 4
Atrial Fibrilation 14
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 26
Dementia 6
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2014 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, sleep study and ear procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

airway management 18
doctor visit 437
ear procedures 57
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 86
minimally invasive procedures 86
sleep study 61

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 195
Female 203
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 383
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 151
From 75 to 84 106
85 and over 45
Less than 65 96

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2014

Hypertension 65
High Cholesterol 62
Stroke 4
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 29
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 5
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 20
Diabetes 27
Dementia 6
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2015 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, ear procedures and sleep study.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 368
ear procedures 31
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 105
minimally invasive procedures 105
sleep study 19

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 302
Female 342
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 622
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 250
From 75 to 84 170
85 and over 72
Less than 65 152

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2015

Hypertension 68
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 32
Chronic Kidney Disease 33
Asthma 19
Osteoperosis 7
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 25
Dementia 6
Cancer 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2016 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures and ear procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 332
ear procedures 25
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 112
minimally invasive procedures 112

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 128
Female 152
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 264
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 136
From 75 to 84 61
85 and over 19
Less than 65 64

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2016

Hypertension 65
High Cholesterol 64
Stroke 4
Ischemic Heart Disease 35
Depression 34
Chronic Kidney Disease 38
Asthma 31
Osteoperosis 11
Atrial Fibrilation 14
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 24
Diabetes 32
Dementia 4
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2017 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, ear procedures and removal of lesion (e.g. growth).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue) 15
diagnostic procedures 15
doctor visit 360
ear procedures 38
excision 15
gynecologic procedures 15
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 106
minimally invasive procedures 121
nose surgery 15
nosebleed treatment 11
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 15

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 116
Female 147
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 241
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 125
From 75 to 84 66
85 and over 25
Less than 65 47

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2017

Hypertension 68
High Cholesterol 55
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 39
Depression 29
Chronic Kidney Disease 40
Asthma 14
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 11
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 35
Dementia 7
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2018 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures and ear procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 315
ear procedures 20
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 91
minimally invasive procedures 91

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 104
Female 134
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 223
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 111
From 75 to 84 62
85 and over 26
Less than 65 39

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2018

Hypertension 68
High Cholesterol 63
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 41
Depression 30
Chronic Kidney Disease 38
Asthma 13
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 11
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 32
Dementia 10
Cancer 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2019 were minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 344
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 108
minimally invasive procedures 108

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 145
Female 139
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 261
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 144
From 75 to 84 74
85 and over 28
Less than 65 38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2019

Hypertension 68
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 32
Chronic Kidney Disease 41
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 23
Diabetes 31
Dementia 11
Cancer 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2020 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue) 15
diagnostic procedures 15
doctor visit 190
excision 15
gynecologic procedures 15
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 62
minimally invasive procedures 77
nose surgery 15
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 15

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 97
Female 101
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 187
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 102
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 16
Less than 65 30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2020

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 64
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 35
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 16
Osteoperosis 9
Atrial Fibrilation 10
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 20
Diabetes 27
Dementia 7
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2021 were minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 205
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 42
minimally invasive procedures 42

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 101
Female 91
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 181
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 103
From 75 to 84 40
85 and over 13
Less than 65 36

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2021

Hypertension 67
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 36
Chronic Kidney Disease 42
Asthma 16
Osteoperosis 13
Atrial Fibrilation 14
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 15
Diabetes 32
Dementia 0
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI during 2022 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures and sleep study.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 190
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 61
minimally invasive procedures 61
sleep study 16

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 99
Female 107
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 186
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 121
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS in 2022

Hypertension 70
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 29
Depression 33
Chronic Kidney Disease 33
Asthma 18
Osteoperosis 11
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 18
Diabetes 28
Dementia 0
Cancer 17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated as an otolaryngologist in Kaukauna, WI were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, immunotherapy and injections.

airway management 19
debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue) 15
diagnostic procedures 15
doctor visit 321
ear procedures 33
excision 15
gynecologic procedures 15
immunotherapy 53
injections 53
laryngeal (voice box) procedures 90
minimally invasive procedures 92
nose surgery 15
nosebleed treatment 11
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 15
sleep study 37

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS.

Gender
Male 133
Female 147
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 266
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 70
85 and over 26
Less than 65 53
65 to 74 127

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension 60
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 2
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 30
Asthma 14
Osteoporosis 7
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 17
Diabetes 26
Atrial Fibrillation 11
Dementia 5
Cancer 10

Education & Training

Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed residency at University of North Carolina (UNC) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Otolaryngology and has a state license in Wisconsin.

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Residency: University of North Carolina (UNC) Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology - Otolaryngology

Licensed In: Wisconsin

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Advocate Health Care
BayCare Clinic

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Robert Elmer Sonnenburg JR, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. $1,693 Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation System
$1,545 		Inspire
$148
Intersect ENT, Inc. $234 SINUVA
$143 		Propel
$91
Medtronic, Inc. $155 Propel
$130 		SINUVA
$25
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC. $100 NUCALA
$100
Aerin Medical Inc. $79 RHINAER STYLUS
$79
Other $16 DUPIXENT
$16
Types of Payments
Travel and Lodging $1,145
Food and Beverage $1,132

Biography

Dr. Robert Sonnenburg practices sleep medicine and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). His areas of expertise include the following: throat problems, endoscopic sinus surgery, and sleep apnea. His professional affiliations include Aurora BayCare Medical Center and Advocate Health Care. After attending Medical College of Wisconsin for medical school, Dr. Sonnenburg completed his residency training at a hospital affiliated with the University of North Carolina (UNC).

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