If you’ve been in business long enough, you’ve likely had a patient who’s eager to skip the formalities and “just get started.” Maybe they’ve had the same treatment elsewhere, or they’re frustrated by what feels like extra paperwork. But when it comes to Good Faith Exams, refusal isn’t an option.
A Good Faith Exam is a medical evaluation required by law before any aesthetic treatment that involves a prescription drug, device, or procedure. Allowing a patient to refuse it places both the provider and the Med Spa at risk.
If you’re unclear about what’s covered by this requirement, start with What is a Good Faith Exam and Are Good Faith Exams required for all Med Spa services, or only certain ones.)
Why a Patient Can’t Opt Out
A Good Faith Exam isn’t a formality or a “nice to have.” It’s a legal and medical safeguard that protects both the patient and the provider.
- It confirms the patient’s candidacy for treatment.
The provider reviews the patient’s full medical history and current health to ensure the procedure is safe.
- It fulfills legal obligations.
State medical and nursing boards require that a licensed provider evaluate every patient before treatment begins.
- It protects the Med Spa.
If a patient experiences an adverse reaction and no exam is on file, the liability falls on the practice.
A patient cannot legally consent to waive a Good Faith Exam, even if they claim to “understand the risks.” The requirement exists to protect them, your license, and your business from harm.
What to Say When a Patient Refuses
When faced with pushback, how your team explains the policy matters. Patients are less likely to object when they understand the why.
Try framing it this way:
“This step is required by law and is designed to protect your safety. Every patient at our med spa completes a Good Faith Exam before treatment. This evaluation allows your provider to review your full health history, identify any possible contraindications, and confirm that the treatment is both safe and appropriate for you.”
Positioning the exam as a patient safeguard, not a hurdle, can turn compliance into a trust-building moment.
The Risks of Making Exceptions
Even a single exception can create serious problems. Allowing a treatment to proceed without a completed Good Faith Exam can lead to:
- State board fines or investigations
- Loss of licensure or delegation authority
- Insurance coverage denials
- Legal exposure if complications occur
If you’re unsure how your state enforces these requirements, read Do laws around Good Faith Exams differ by state.
How Spakinect Keeps You Covered
Spakinect ensures every patient receives a compliant, legally sound Good Faith Exam before treatment begins — even when demand is high.
- Patients connect with a licensed provider in an average of 31 seconds
- Spakinect’s processes are vetted by Medical Boards and supported by our in-house legal team
- All providers are W-2 employees, trained with over 40 hours of dedicated compliance and aesthetic education
- We currently serve 40 states and counting, helping single-location and multi-location Med Spas maintain full compliance
You can view our coverage map here: States We Service.
FAQs About Refusing a Good Faith Exam
Can a patient refuse a Good Faith Exam?
No. Every patient must complete a Good Faith Exam before any medical aesthetic treatment begins.
What happens if I let a patient refuse it?
Your Med Spa may face fines, investigations, or suspension of medical delegation privileges. (See also: What happens if I don’t perform a Good Faith Exam.)
What if the patient already had the same treatment elsewhere?
They still require a new exam under your Med Spa’s medical oversight. Exams don’t transfer between clinics.
Can I accept a patient’s signed waiver instead?
No. A waiver doesn’t replace a legally required medical evaluation.
How does Spakinect make the process easier?
Patients connect with a provider in under a minute, making compliance fast, seamless, and stress-free.
Final Takeaway
Patients cannot refuse a Good Faith Exam — and you can’t let them. It’s a legal requirement that safeguards their health and protects your Med Spa from serious consequences.
With Spakinect, compliance never slows you down. Our 31-second connection time, board-vetted processes, and legally trained W-2 providers ensure every exam is completed quickly, safely, and by the book.
