Time is a key part of the patient experience. Patients want convenience, providers want efficiency, and owners want compliance without slowing down the flow of treatments. One question that comes up often is: how long does a Good Faith Exam actually take?
The answer is that a thorough Good Faith Exam usually takes 4 to 15 minutes per patient. The length depends on the patient’s medical history, the type of treatment being requested, and how many questions they may have.
Typical Timeframe
- Straightforward cases such as healthy patients seeking Botox or other common treatments can be completed closer to the 4-minute mark.
- More complex cases such as patients with multiple prescriptions, recent diagnoses, or multiple treatment requests may take closer to 15 minutes.
The goal is not to rush. The goal is to ensure every patient has been fully evaluated and feels safe moving forward.
(See also: What is a Good Faith Exam?)
How Spakinect Delivers Thorough and Efficient Exams
At Spakinect, our average wait time to connect with a licensed provider is 1-2 minutes. Once connected, our Good Faith Exams are completed in 4 – 15 minutes.
- Exams can take place directly at the clinic or in the patient’s home
- Our licensed providers spend as much time as needed so patients feel comfortable and all their questions are answered
- We integrate with most major EMRs so patient information is seamless across systems
- All documentation is stored securely in our client portal for easy access and compliance audits
This approach ensures that Good Faith Exams are fast, compliant, and complete — never rushed.
(See also: What is the Average Wait Time to Connect with a Spakinect Provider?)
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Good Faith Exam
- Patient intake – Collect health history and treatment goals
- Health review – Review medications, allergies, conditions, and past procedures
- Treatment-specific questions – Assess risks tied to the requested procedure
- Assessment and recommendations – Determine whether treatment can safely move forward
- Documentation – Store findings in the client portal and sync with your EMR
Checklist: Factors That Influence Exam Length
- ✔️ Patient health history and number of conditions
- ✔️ Number of treatments being requested
- ✔️ Whether this is a new exam or a renewal
- ✔️ Patient questions and provider discussion
- ✔️ Virtual or in-person setting
(See also: Is the Good Faith Exam done in person or virtually?)
FAQs About How Long Good Faith Exams Take
What factors affect the duration of a Good Faith Exam?
Health history, number of treatments requested, and patient questions all play a role. A simple case may take 4 minutes, while more complex cases may take 15 or longer.
How can clinics streamline the Good Faith Exam process?
Virtual exams allow patients to connect with providers quickly while ensuring compliance. Integrating Good Faith Exam scheduling into intake forms and using EMR integrations reduces duplication and delays.
What are the typical steps involved in a Good Faith Exam?
The provider reviews health history, asks treatment-specific questions, evaluates risks, and documents the findings. Documentation is mandatory to remain compliant.
Are there differences in exam length for various treatments?
Yes. Injectables for healthy patients may require a shorter exam, while combination treatments like filler plus laser resurfacing often require more detailed review.
How does a patient’s health history impact exam time?
Patients with multiple prescriptions, chronic conditions, or recent diagnoses often take longer because providers must carefully assess contraindications before giving approval.
Final Takeaway
A Good Faith Exam typically takes 4 to 15 minutes per patient. The exact time depends on health history, treatment requests, and patient questions.
At Spakinect, patients connect with providers in 1 to 2 minutes, exams are completed thoroughly within 4 to 15 minutes, and all documentation is integrated into your EMR and stored in our secure client portal. That means your Med Spa can stay compliant, protect patients, and maintain efficiency without ever cutting corners.
