Once a Med Spa has IV therapy up and running, the next question is almost inevitable. If a patient comes in regularly for hydration, vitamins, or recovery support, does a Good Faith Exam need to be completed before every single IV session?
The answer is not always. However, it is also not as simple as completing one exam and never revisiting it.
Understanding when a repeat Good Faith Exam is required, when it is recommended, and when it can safely be relied upon is critical for maintaining compliance while still delivering efficient care.
If you are newer to this concept, it helps to first understand What is a Good Faith Exam? and Why is a Good Faith Exam required in med spas?
When One Good Faith Exam May Cover Multiple IV Treatments
In many states, a single Good Faith Exam can cover multiple IV treatments as long as certain conditions are met. Regulators generally focus on whether the exam is still current, whether the patient’s health status remains unchanged, and whether the treatment plan has stayed consistent.
A previously completed exam may be relied on when:
- The exam falls within the state’s accepted renewal timeframe
- The IV formulation remains substantially the same
- The patient has not experienced a material change in health
- The provider’s original medical clearance is still clinically appropriate
This approach aligns with guidance discussed in:
When a Repeat Good Faith Exam Is Required
Even when a repeat exam is not strictly required by law, it may still be recommended from a risk management perspective.
For example, if a patient has been receiving IV therapy intermittently over a long period, or if there is uncertainty about whether their health profile has changed, a follow up exam provides additional protection for both the provider and the Med Spa.
Medical Boards often view proactive reassessment favorably, particularly in services like IV therapy that carry higher clinical risk. This is why many practices choose to repeat exams more frequently than the minimum legal requirement.
When a Repeat Good Faith Exam Is Recommended but Not Mandated
A Good Faith Exam for IV therapy must be performed by a licensed provider with appropriate scope of practice. In most states, this includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, subject to supervision and collaboration requirements.
Registered Nurses frequently administer IV therapy under delegation, but they cannot perform the Good Faith Exam itself. The exam requires medical judgment, including assessment of contraindications, formulation safety, and patient suitability. Allowing an RN or other staff member to perform or approve the exam is a common compliance violation.
This distinction is explored in “Who can perform a Good Faith Exam?”. Misunderstanding this boundary often leads to Medical Director scrutiny during audits.
How State Laws Influence Follow Up Requirements
State laws play a significant role in determining how long a Good Faith Exam remains valid for ongoing treatments like IV therapy.
Some states specify renewal timelines directly. Others rely on broader standards that require the exam to be current and clinically appropriate. In enforcement actions, boards often evaluate whether it was reasonable for the provider to rely on the original exam at the time of treatment.
Because of this variability, Med Spas should understand:
These articles provide context for how follow up requirements are interpreted in practice.
Can Telemedicine Be Used for Follow Up Good Faith Exams?
In many states, yes. A follow up Good Faith Exam may be completed via synchronous telemedicine when state rules allow it.
The same standards apply as with an initial exam. The provider must interact with the patient live, review updated medical history, and document medical decision making. Asynchronous check ins are often not sufficient, particularly for IV therapy.
This distinction is covered in:
How Spakinect Supports Repeat IV Therapy Compliance
Spakinect helps Med Spas manage repeat IV therapy safely by ensuring that Good Faith Exams are completed when required and updated when appropriate.
Patients connect with a licensed provider in an average of 31 seconds. All exams are completed by licensed W-2 providers who receive over 40 hours of dedicated training. Spakinect’s processes are Medical Board vetted, and documentation is securely stored and integrated with most EMRs.
With coverage in 40 states and counting, Spakinect supports both single location and multi location Med Spas offering IV therapy across jurisdictions.
FAQs: Repeat Good Faith Exams and IV Therapy
When is a repeat GFE recommended instead of required?
A repeat Good Faith Exam is recommended when the original exam is still technically valid but clinical circumstances have changed. This may include long gaps between treatments, uncertainty about medication changes, or evolving health conditions that could impact IV safety.
While not always mandated by law, repeating the exam demonstrates diligence and strengthens documentation. Boards often look favorably on providers who reassess proactively rather than relying on outdated evaluations.
This concept connects closely to How often does a GFE need to be renewed? and What happens if a patient’s health changes between GFEs?
How often can one GFE cover recurring treatments?
One Good Faith Exam may cover recurring IV treatments within the state’s accepted renewal period, provided the patient’s health status and treatment plan remain unchanged. There is no universal timeframe that applies in every state.
Instead, regulators assess whether it was reasonable for the provider to rely on the original exam at the time of each treatment. This is why Med Spas must balance efficiency with clinical judgment rather than relying on rigid schedules alone.
Do health changes mandate a new GFE for maintenance care?
Yes. A material change in a patient’s health generally requires a new or updated Good Faith Exam before continuing maintenance IV therapy. Examples include new diagnoses, new medications, pregnancy, or conditions that increase cardiovascular or renal risk.
Continuing treatment without reassessment in these situations can invalidate the original exam and expose the practice to compliance issues. This scenario is addressed directly in What happens if a patient’s health changes between GFEs?
How do state laws affect GFE requirements for follow ups?
State laws determine how strictly renewal timelines are enforced and how follow up exams are evaluated. Some states specify renewal intervals. Others rely on professional judgment and documentation.
In audits, boards often look at whether the provider could reasonably rely on the existing exam given the patient’s condition and treatment frequency. This is why understanding Do laws around GFEs differ by state? is critical for IV therapy programs.
Can telemedicine be used to perform a follow up GFE?
In many states, follow up Good Faith Exams may be conducted via synchronous telemedicine. The provider must still review updated medical history, assess current health status, and document medical decision making.
As with initial exams, asynchronous methods are often insufficient for IV therapy. This distinction is explored in Is the Good Faith Exam done in person or virtually? and Can I do async, or does my state require sync?
Final Takeaway
An IV treatment does not always require a new Good Faith Exam every time, but it often requires thoughtful reassessment. Knowing when an exam is required, when it is recommended, and when it remains valid protects patients and the Med Spa alike.
With clear protocols and proper documentation, repeat IV therapy can be delivered safely, compliantly, and efficiently.
