Substance Use Evaluations
Physician-led, independent evaluations for legal, employment, professional, and administrative matters.
Shoreline provides independent substance use evaluations conducted by a board-certified Addiction Medicine physician. Evaluations are non-treatment in nature and are designed to provide clear, objective medical opinions regarding substance use, impairment, risk, fitness for duty, return to work, and related questions.
Schedule a confidential discovery call to discuss whether an independent evaluation is appropriate for your situation.
Daytona Beach | Ormond Beach | New Smryna Beach | Edgewater | Deltona | Orange City | Port Orange
Physician-Led. Independent. Evidence-Based.
What Is a Substance Use Evaluation?
An independent substance use evaluation is a structured clinical assessment performed by a board-certified addiction medicine physician. The goal is to provide medical conclusions based on available information, including:
A dedicated clinical interview, conducted remotely or in-person
Review of relevant medical or testing records
Collateral information when clinically indicated and authorized
A written report outlining findings, limitations, and professional opinion
These are independent medical evaluations designed to answer specific referral questions, such as whether a substance-related or other impairing condition exists, what significance it may have for the matter at hand, and whether treatment, monitoring, workplace restrictions, or other recommendations are appropriate.
Who We Work With
We provide independent medical evaluation and consulting services for individuals, professionals, and organizationsrequiring objective medical input related to substance use. Services are provided in Florida, where Dr. Viel is licensed. We work with individuals, attorneys, organizations, and professionals seeking clear, well-supported medical opinions grounded in clinical expertise and ethical standards.
Attorneys and legal professionals
Employers and organizations addressing impairment concerns
Professional licensing or oversight entities
Programs or organizations requiring independent medical review
Dr. Stephen Viel
Services are provided by Dr. Stephen Viel MD, a board-certified physician in both Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine, with extensive experience in clinical care, medical leadership, and healthcare operations.
Dr. Viel brings a pragmatic, patient-centered approach informed by years of frontline emergency medicine practice and community-based addiction care.
Prefer Email? Email Dr. Viel
Independent, Clinically Grounded Medical Opinion
These services are distinct from treatment and are structured to provide independent, objective medical input.
Evaluations and opinions are based on clinical expertise in addiction medicine, with attention to the medical, behavioral, and contextual factors relevant to each case.
Our role is to provide clear, well-reasoned medical perspectives to support informed decision-making.
Professional Standards
-Independent and non-treatment in nature
-Conducted by a board-certified addiction medicine physician
-Structured to withstand regulatory, legal, and ethical scrutiny
-Focused on clarity, documentation, and defensibility
-Guided by objective, unbiased medical judgment
-No treatment or prescribing provided through consulting services
-No guarantees of outcomes or determinations
-Compensation not tied to case results
-Not structured as a high-volume or automated service
Schedule Your Discovery Call
Schedule a call to speak with us to discuss your unique situation and determine whether an independent evaluation is right for you. Use the calendar to schedule a call:
This call is informational, not a clinical consultation.
Prefer to learn more first? Request more information.
Common Reasons People Seek an Independent Evaluation
Individuals pursue these evaluations for a variety of reasons, including when they need:
Employment or fitness-for-duty documentation
Return-to-work clearance after a substance-related concern
Legal or court-related reporting
Professional or occupational licensing evaluation
Monitoring program compliance
Objective documentation for personal or administrative needs
Because these evaluations are objective and independent, they can help clarify risk, support decision-making, and provide defensible reporting when required.
Evaluation Format and Fees
Independent substance use evaluations are available in person or remotely throughout Florida, depending on the needs of the case.
Evaluations are self-pay and are not billed to insurance. Most evaluations range from $250 to $500, with fees based on the scope and complexity of the evaluation, including factors such as records review, collateral information, additional testing, or other case-specific requirements.
Want to Learn More First? Request More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an independent evaluation the same as treatment?
A: No. Independent evaluations are non-treatment assessments intended to provide objective medical judgment for administrative or legal purposes.
Q: Can I get evaluated if I am not in Volusia County?
A: Yes. Evaluations can be conducted remotely and are available across Florida.
Q: What documents should I bring?
A: Bring relevant records if available, but nothing is required unless specifically requested.
Independent substance use evaluations are non-treatment services provided remotely by a board-certified physician. These evaluations do not establish a physician-patient treatment relationship and are intended for documentation purposes.
For treatment services, medication-assisted care, or clinical support, please visit our main treatment website.