Patients often ask Med Spa owners a simple but important question: “If I just had a physical with my doctor, why do I need a Good Faith Exam?”
At first glance, a Good Faith Exam might sound similar to a routine check-up. Both involve a medical professional reviewing health information and asking questions. But in practice, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps Med Spa owners educate patients, stay compliant, and build trust.
A Side-by-Side Look
Aspect |
Good Faith Exam |
Regular Medical Exam |
Purpose |
Confirms patient is medically safe for a specific aesthetic procedure | Evaluates overall health, disease prevention, and long-term wellness |
Scope |
Focused only on the requested treatment and related risks | Broad review of body systems, labs, lifestyle, and family history |
Provider |
Licensed medical provider authorized under state law (MD, NP, PA) | Typically a primary care physician, but can include NPs, PAs, or specialists |
Timing |
Must be completed before non-surgical aesthetic treatments | Scheduled annually or as needed based on patient concerns |
Duration |
Usually shorter: 10 to 30 minutes depending on complexity | Often 30 minutes or more, sometimes including diagnostic testing |
Legal Requirement |
Mandatory for regulated aesthetic procedures | Not legally tied to aesthetic care, though encouraged for general health |
Different Purpose, Different Focus
A regular medical exam, such as an annual physical, is designed to evaluate overall health. The goal is to monitor long-term wellness, screen for disease, and manage chronic conditions.
A Good Faith Exam also reviews a patient’s complete medical history and current health status, but the purpose is different. The focus is on determining whether a patient is a safe candidate for specific elective aesthetic procedures, such as injectables, laser treatments, microneedling, or other services commonly offered in Med Spas. This ensures treatments are both effective and performed with patient safety at the center.
(See also: What is a Good Faith Exam?)
The Scope of Evaluation
In a physical, the provider may listen to the heart and lungs, run labs, and ask about exercise and diet.
In a Good Faith Exam, the provider zeroes in on the treatment at hand.
- For a chemical peel, they check for retinoid use or recent sun exposure
- For injectables, they confirm whether the patient is on medications that thin the blood
- For laser treatments, they assess skin conditions or light sensitivity that could increase risk
The focus is always treatment-specific.
Who Performs the Exams
Both types of exams are performed by licensed medical professionals. The difference lies in authorization.
- Physical exams are usually handled by primary care physicians but can be performed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or specialists.
- Good Faith Exams can only be performed by providers legally permitted under state law to determine eligibility for aesthetic treatments.
(See also: Who can perform a Good Faith Exam?)
Documentation Requirements
A physical may or may not come with detailed documentation, depending on the purpose and findings. A Good Faith Exam always requires thorough documentation.
The provider records the patient’s history, the evaluation, and the clearance decision. This file is a compliance record and becomes critical if regulators or patients question your practice.
Without this documentation, the exam is not valid, no matter how thorough the conversation.
Frequency of Exams
Physicals are usually annual. Good Faith Exams are tied to treatment.
- Every new patient needs a Good Faith Exam before their first procedure
- Existing patients need a renewal at least once a year or before starting a new type of treatment
- If health changes occur, such as a new diagnosis or medication, the Good Faith Exam must be updated
The Patient Experience
Patients sometimes see physicals as lengthy and broad. Good Faith Exams are shorter and focused only on what matters for the upcoming treatment.
Healthy patients may complete them in 10 minutes. Patients with more complex histories may require a longer review. Either way, Good Faith Exams are efficient and designed to make treatments safer.
(Explore: How long does a Good Faith Exam take?)
FAQs on Good Faith Exams vs Regular Medical Exams
What specific treatments require a Good Faith Exam in Med Spas?
Good Faith Exams are required before any non-surgical aesthetic procedure regulated by state law. This usually includes injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, as well as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.
How do Good Faith Exams impact treatment outcomes and patient safety?
They identify risks that could otherwise lead to complications. For example, a patient on blood thinners may bruise or bleed excessively during injectables, or a patient with certain skin conditions may not be a safe candidate for laser treatments.
What legal differences exist between Good Faith Exams and full physical exams?
Physical exams are encouraged for general health but are not tied to aesthetic procedures. Good Faith Exams are legally mandated for regulated Med Spa treatments. Without them, a Med Spa is not compliant.
Can Good Faith Exams be done remotely or only in person?
In many states, Good Faith Exams can be completed virtually using secure telehealth platforms. This makes compliance faster and more convenient while still meeting legal standards.
(See also: Is the Good Faith Exam done in person or virtually?)
Why is personalized treatment planning important in a Good Faith Exam?
Because no two patients are the same. A personalized Good Faith Exam ensures that medical history, medications, and lifestyle are considered before treatment. This keeps patients safe and builds trust in your Med Spa.
Final Takeaway
A Good Faith Exam is not the same as a regular medical exam. One ensures general wellness. The other ensures treatment-specific safety and legal compliance.
For Med Spa owners, explaining this distinction is key. Patients may not understand why both are necessary, but once they do, they see your commitment to safety and professionalism. A well-documented Good Faith Exam process is not only a legal requirement. It is proof that your Med Spa places patient care above all else.
