One of the most common objections Med Spa owners hear from repeat patients is, “I’ve already had this treatment before, so I don’t need another exam.” While understandable, this assumption is incorrect.
Regulations are clear: every patient must have a Good Faith Exam before receiving regulated aesthetic treatments, even if they have had the same treatment before at your Med Spa or elsewhere.
Why Experience Does Not Replace a Good Faith Exam
Past treatments do not guarantee present safety. Patient health can change in subtle ways that increase risk during a procedure.
Examples include:
- New medications that may interact with injectables
- Allergies that developed since the last visit
- Recent diagnoses such as autoimmune conditions, diabetes, or heart issues
- Changes in skin health that alter candidacy
Even if a patient “appears healthy,” providers are legally obligated to verify this before proceeding.
(See also: How is a Good Faith Exam different from a regular medical exam?)
Regulatory Requirements
Good Faith Exams are a legal requirement in every state that regulates aesthetic treatments. They are not optional, and prior treatment history does not exempt a patient.
Spakinect’s Approach
At Spakinect, our goal is to make repeat patient exams seamless without compromising compliance.
- Patients connect with a provider in 1 to 2 minutes
- Exams are completed in 4 to 15 minutes
- Documentation is stored in your client portal and integrated with your EMR
- Providers take the time to answer patient questions, reinforcing trust and safety
This ensures every patient is cleared properly while keeping your Med Spa’s schedule flowing.
Common Scenarios
Patient Situation |
Is a Good Faith Exam Required? |
Why |
| Returning Botox patient after 6 months | Yes | Annual renewal required by most states, sooner if health changed |
| Filler patient who switched to a new provider | Yes | Prior treatment at another Med Spa does not transfer compliance |
| Patient with new medications since last visit | Yes | Medications may contraindicate treatment |
| Long-time loyal client with no changes | Yes | Regulations still require documentation of a current exam |
FAQs About Repeat Patients and Good Faith Exams
How do telehealth laws influence Good Faith Exam requirements?
Many states allow Good Faith Exams to be conducted virtually. Others require in-person exams under specific conditions. Med Spas must confirm their state’s rules before offering telehealth exams.
What are the best practices for documenting Good Faith Exams?
Every exam should include health history, treatment-specific evaluation, and provider findings. At Spakinect, all documentation is stored in our client portal and integrated with your EMR for easy access and audit readiness.
When should a patient undergo a re-evaluation for ongoing treatments?
At least once a year, or sooner if the patient requests a new treatment type or if their health status changes.
Which healthcare professionals are authorized to perform Good Faith Exams in Med Spas?
Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are typically authorized, depending on state law. Registered nurses, medical assistants, and aestheticians cannot perform exams. (See also: Who can perform a Good Faith Exam?)
How do state regulations differ on performing Good Faith Exams?
Some states allow virtual exams without restriction. Others require supervision, in-person visits, or limit delegation.
Final Takeaway
Yes, patients need a Good Faith Exam even if they have had treatments before. Prior experience does not replace the legal and medical requirement for a licensed provider to evaluate the patient’s current health, document findings, and clear them for treatment.
With Spakinect, this process is quick, compliant, and reassuring for both patients and Med Spa owners. It is a seamless safeguard that protects your practice while keeping patients safe.
