FAQs:
Q: Which doctors run this clinic?
A: This clinic is run by Dr Anne Saunders, who is qualified Specialist General Practitioners, and who has an interest and additional qualifications in Addiction Medicine.
Q: Who would benefit from attending this clinic?
A: Anyone who recognizes that they are using a substance (alcohol, prescription or illicit drug) in a way that is impacting their life. They may find that they are constantly thinking about when they can have their next drink/tablet/hit, or may have withdrawals when they try and stop or cut down. They may find the substance use is affecting their work or relationships, or changing their usual behaviours and lifestyle. People may also recognize that they are using this substance as a way of managing stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, and may want to address underlying mental health concerns at the same time as managing the physical addiction.
Q: Who is this clinic not suitable for?
A: This clinic is suitable for people who can recognize they have a relationship with a substance that is impacting their life, and who want to make changes. The doctor is aware that it can be scary to lose the “support” or “relief” the substance provides, and expect that there will be ups and downs in the process of change. This clinic is not suitable for people who are not wanting to make the change themselves and do have motivation to make changes.
Q: What should I expect from the consultation?
A: The first appointment with Dr Anne will be a 45-minute appointment (which allows the doctor an additional 15 minutes to collate notes, history and any referrals required). At this first appointment, they will review your medical history and substance use history. Once they understand your history and patterns, they will discuss with you the various options for management.
The various management options will take into account what the substance is that is impacting you, whether you have any physical withdrawal symptoms, safety of withdrawal options, impacts of various treatments on your lifestyle (family, work, travel, etc.), and what other supports may be needed.
Dr Anne is up to date with the latest treatment options available, and what is the evidence for each option. The doctor will discuss this with you and together you can decide what is best for you.
If after the first consultation you decide that you do not want to proceed further, there will be no pressure to continue with the process. However, the door will be open if you wish to pursue this again down the track.
Subsequent appointments will generally be 30 minutes, to assess response, concerns regarding treatment, as well as mental health if this is required.
Q: I think I need admission to go through managed withdrawals – can this be arranged?
A: Dr Anne is able to write referrals for inpatient management. It is helpful if you have private health insurance to confirm with them if you can be admitted for “detox” under your policy.
Q: What are the costs to attend this clinic?
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Medicare Rebate (variable depending on consult content)
Out of pocket (approx. guide)
The first appointment requires 1 hour of the doctor and clinic time. The fee for the first appointment is $420, with Medicare rebates available for Medicare card holders. The rebate will vary depending on Medicare criteria for time spent discussing various issues. An estimate of your rebate is $133-150, though in some circumstances there may be a larger rebate.
Subsequent appointments are $220 with an estimated Medicare rebate of $75-115.
Due to having 1 hour of time being booked, and no other patients able to book in for this appointment, as well as covering staffing and other overheads, the appointment is required to be prepaid 24 hours prior to your appointment. A minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment is required for cancellations, though we request you advise as early as possible if you cannot attend.
The first appointment will be a 45-minute appointment, allowing time to review your history of substance use, and subsequent appointments will (usually) be 30 minutes. Due to being longer appointments, and to ensure this is the correct appointment for you, these appointments must be booked via reception. Please call (03) 8686 0500 for more information.
