One of the most common questions Med Spa owners ask is whether every single patient needs a Good Faith Exam. The answer is yes.
Every new patient requesting a regulated aesthetic procedure must undergo a Good Faith Exam. It does not matter if they have had the treatment before, if they are a loyal client, or if they “just had a physical.” Regulations are clear: a licensed provider must evaluate each patient’s medical history and determine eligibility before treatment begins.
When a Good Faith Exam is Required
Good Faith Exams are the standard of care in aesthetics. They are not optional. They are required because even “routine” treatments involve medical risk. A Good Faith Exam ensures each patient is medically safe before moving forward.
Good Faith Exam Checklist for Med Spa Owners
✔️ Every new patient before their first treatment
✔️ Before starting a new treatment type (even for existing patients)
✔️ Annually for returning patients, in most states
✔️ When a patient’s health has changed (new medications, diagnoses, or conditions)
✔️ If prior Good Faith Exam documentation is missing or incomplete
(See also: What is a Good Faith Exam?)
Common Scenarios in Your Practice
Patient Scenario |
Is a Good Faith Exam Required? |
Why |
| New patient booking Botox | Yes | Every new patient must have a Good Faith Exam before any procedure |
| Returning Botox patient after 12 months | Yes | Most states require annual renewal |
| Returning patient switching from Botox to filler | Yes | Each treatment type requires separate clearance |
| Patient with new medication since last Good Faith Exam | Yes | Health changes must be reviewed for safety |
| Patient who had a physical with their PCP | Yes | A physical is not the same as a Good Faith Exam and does not meet compliance standards |
This table shows that nearly every patient interaction in your Med Spa requires a Good Faith Exam to stay compliant.
Why “Experience” Doesn’t Replace a Good Faith Exam
Patients may resist. They might say things like:
- “I’ve had Botox for years.”
- “I just saw my doctor.”
- “Nothing has changed.”
None of these statements remove your obligation. Regulations require a treatment-specific evaluation, completed by a licensed provider, and documented in your Med Spa’s records.
(See also: How is a Good Faith Exam different from a regular medical exam?)
Using Virtual Good Faith Exams for Efficiency
Some patients worry a Good Faith Exam will delay their treatment. Virtual exams solve that problem. With secure telehealth, patients can often connect with a licensed provider in minutes, complete the exam, and still receive treatment the same day.
For Med Spa owners, virtual Good Faith Exams mean:
- No scheduling bottlenecks
- Clear documentation every time
- Faster intake with no compliance shortcuts
(Explore: Is the Good Faith Exam done in person or virtually?)
FAQs About Good Faith Exams for Every Patient
What are the legal requirements for Good Faith Exams in different states?
Every state requires a Good Faith Exam before non-surgical aesthetic treatments, though the specifics vary. Some states require physicians to perform the exam, while others allow nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Always confirm state-specific regulations to avoid non-compliance.
How can Med Spas streamline the Good Faith Exam process for efficiency?
Virtual exams are the most effective solution. They eliminate long waits, standardize documentation, and allow providers to clear patients in real time. Many Med Spas also integrate Good Faith Exam scheduling directly into their intake process to avoid gaps.
What are common mistakes to avoid during a Good Faith Exam?
- Allowing unqualified staff to perform the exam
- Failing to document findings thoroughly
- Using an old or incomplete Good Faith Exam for a new treatment type
- Skipping renewals when a patient’s health changes
How do Good Faith Exams influence patient satisfaction and safety?
Patients feel safer when their health is taken seriously. They trust providers who explain why Good Faith Exams matter, and they appreciate practices that make the process fast and seamless. Safety builds confidence, and confidence builds loyalty.
When should a follow-up Good Faith Exam be performed after treatments?
Follow-up Good Faith Exams are required annually, or sooner if the patient requests a new treatment type or experiences a change in health. This ensures every procedure is based on up-to-date medical information.
Final Takeaway
A Good Faith Exam is required for every new patient in your Med Spa and for every new treatment type. Renewals are also necessary to reflect health changes and annual compliance rules.
By treating Good Faith Exams as a standard part of intake, and by using virtual options to make the process smooth, you protect your patients, safeguard your practice, and demonstrate that safety comes first.
