Dr Eric Hadinata
MBBS BMedSci FRACGP FAChAM
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for visiting! This page contains answers to many frequently asked questions.
-
How does an admission to the Victoria Clinic assist my recovery?
-
​What happens in a driving or occupational substance use assessment?
​
To send a referral or make a booking, please click the button below:
Why is a referral necessary?
A referral is important for both clinical and administrative reasons. It acts as a formal handover of care, ensuring your treatment is safe, coordinated, and medically appropriate. This also enables access to Medicare or DVA rebates for consultations with a Specialist and needs to be received before your appointment to qualify for these benefits.​
​
Referral Validity:
-
A referral from a GP can be written for any duration, but typically is written for 12 months.
-
A referral from a non-GP doctor is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
-
Each referral is valid for a single course of treatment, which refers to a continuous period of care for a specific condition, beginning with your initial consultation and ending when you are referred back to your GP.
​
How does an admission to the Victoria Clinic assist my recovery?
The Victoria Clinic offers a safe and supportive environment to begin your recovery journey. Our state-of-the-art private hospital is staffed by a team of specialists in addiction medicine and psychiatry, along with experienced nurses and allied health professionals.
​
What does the inpatient program provide?
-
Medically supervised withdrawal to help you safely stop using substances
-
Intensive rehabilitation program to build coping skills and support long-term recovery
-
Psychiatric assessment and treatment of any co-occurring mental health conditions
-
Personalised planning for life after discharge, whether that’s returning to work or study, reconnecting with loved ones, or pursuing other goals
Treatment options include:
-
Dual-diagnostic Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry program
-
Medication-assisted therapy
-
Group therapy
-
Psychological support
-
Other evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs
Most patients begin with a 7-day withdrawal program, followed by a 21-day rehabilitation stay. If you need longer-term inpatient care, we’ll coordinate a smooth transition to trusted referral partners
​
What happens in a driving or occupational substance use assessment?
A driving or occupational substance use assessment is typically requested to determine whether an individual is fit to safely perform tasks such as driving, especially commercial driving, or working in safety-sensitive roles, in the context of past or current substance use.
The assessment process
The assessment is comprehensive and considers several key factors, including:
-
The nature, pattern, and history of substance use
-
Co-existing mental health or physical health conditions
-
Evidence of sustained recovery and active participation in treatment
To conduct a thorough and accurate assessment, we require access to your medical history and records of any previous treatment.
​
Driving assessments
Driving, particularly commercial driving, requires a high level of cognitive and physical functioning. There are specific legal and medical standards that must be met before a person can be certified as fit to drive. At a minimum:
-
The substance use disorder must be well-managed, and
-
There must be clear evidence of ongoing engagement in a structured treatment program.
Occupational assessments
The process for occupational assessments may vary depending on the industry and the specific requirements of the referring organisation. We work collaboratively with you to support your goals while prioritising your health, safety, and compliance with relevant standards.
Please note: In most cases, Medicare rebates do not apply to driving or occupational substance use assessments.
​
Back to top
I'm a Veteran, can I access DVA-funded care?
Yes, we welcome and support veterans seeking care for substance use and related conditions. We understand the unique challenges that may arise in this context and are committed to providing respectful, tailored treatment to support your recovery.
​
DVA-funding eligibility:
-
Gold Card holders are automatically eligible for DVA-funded outpatient and inpatient treatment programs.
-
White Card holders, if eligible, for the treatment of mental health conditions.
Please note: A valid referral from your GP is required before treatment can commence.
For more information on eligibility and entitlements, please visit the DVA website.
​
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the complexity of your condition and the type of care required.
​
-
Outpatient Treatment: Unfortunately, private health insurance in Australia does not cover outpatient addiction treatment. Once we receive your referral, we will provide a quote based on your specific treatment needs before your appointment.
-
Inpatient Treatment: If you are admitted to The Victoria Clinic, most private health insurers have agreements in place that cover most of the treatment costs. The hospital will also provide a detailed quote before your admission.​
We are committed to transparency and will do our best to ensure you understand the costs involved before treatment begins.
​