Substance Use Evaluations
Daytona Beach - New Smyrna - Port Orange - Edgewater - Ormond - Deltona - Orange City
If you’re searching for an independent substance use evaluation performed by a qualified physician — separate from treatment services — you’ve come to the right place. From our base near Edgewater / Volusia County, we provide remote evaluations for individuals throughout Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, and surrounding communities.
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 remote clinical interview
Review of relevant medical or testing records
Collateral information when clinically indicated and authorized
A written report outlining findings, limitations, and professional opinion
These evaluations do not include treatment or diagnosis beyond the scope of the referral question and do not establish an ongoing treatment relationship.
What Is a Substance Use Evaluation?
Who Conducts the Evaluation?
Your evaluation is provided by Dr. Stephen C. Viel, MD, MBA, a board-certified addiction medicine physician who provides independent, non-treatment substance-use evaluations. Dr. Viel’s remote assessments are thoughtful, structured, and independent, and are designed to withstand administrative and legal scrutiny.
How Our Evaluations Work (Remote & Confidential)
All evaluations are conducted remotely, meaning you can complete them from a private, quiet location without travel.
The process includes:
Discovery call — brief informational call to ensure appropriateness
Remote clinical interview — structured conversation with the Dr. Viel
Record review & testing — review of available authorized records and testing if needed
Written report — clear documentation of findings and conclusions
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 brief discovery call:
This call is informational, not a clinical consultation.
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.
Fees and Logistics
Evaluations are self-pay and not billed to insurance. Most independent substance use evaluations generally range between $250 and $500, depending on complexity, such as the need for additional records review, testing, or collateral information.
Evaluations are conducted remotely, offering convenience and broad availability across Florida.
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 are conducted remotely and 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.