Compliance in aesthetics is never static. A Good Faith Exam completed last year, or even last season, may no longer reflect a patient’s current health. Renewal ensures that every treatment decision is based on accurate, up-to-date information. For Med Spas, this is not just a legal box to check. It is a critical safeguard for patient safety and practice protection.
Why Renewal Matters
A patient’s health can change quickly. New medications, a recent surgery, or something as simple as a shift in skin condition can affect candidacy for treatments. Renewal requirements ensure that providers are not relying on outdated information when approving elective cosmetic procedures.
For Med Spas, renewals also reduce liability, protect licensure, and demonstrate a visible commitment to safety. This visible compliance builds patient trust and reinforces your brand reputation.
(See also: Do I need a Good Faith Exam if I have had treatments before.)
Typical Renewal Timelines
Most states require renewal of a Good Faith Exam every 12 months. However, the frequency can shift depending on treatment type and patient health.
- Annual Requirement: Best practice and regulatory standards recommend once every 12 months
- New Treatment Type: Anytime a patient adds a new procedure, a new exam is required. (See also: Is a Good Faith Exam required before every new type of treatment [link].)
Change in Health Status: If a patient discloses new medications, diagnoses, or allergies, a new good faith exam should be conducted.
Renewal as a Growth Opportunity
While renewals are often viewed as a compliance burden, they also create business opportunities. Each renewal appointment gives your Med Spa a chance to:
- Revisit treatment history and outcomes
- Suggest new or complementary services
- Reinforce your commitment to patient safety
Strengthen patient loyalty by showing attentiveness
Spakinect’s Renewal Advantage
Spakinect removes the bottleneck from renewal.
- Patients connect with licensed providers in 1 to 2 minutes
- Exams are completed in 4 to 15 minutes
- Documentation flows into your EMR and is stored securely in the client portal
- Providers can include up to 11 treatments in one exam, with over 170 supported treatments across the aesthetics industry
With Spakinect, renewals are not a disruption but a seamless part of your Med Spa’s workflow.
(See also: What is the average wait time to connect with a Spakinect provider.)
FAQs About Good Faith Exam Renewals
What factors influence the timing of a Good Faith Exam renewal?
State regulations, treatment type, and patient health changes all determine renewal frequency.
How do different treatments impact Good Faith Exam frequency?
More invasive or higher-risk treatments often require stricter renewal oversight. Adding new treatments also triggers a new exam.
What are the legal requirements for Good Faith Exam updates?
Most states require renewals every 12 months. Some states set stricter timelines or add requirements based on treatment risk.
How can practices ensure ongoing patient safety with Good Faith Exams?
By updating exams when health status changes, keeping records current, and using licensed providers who know state-specific rules.
What are the best practices for documenting Good Faith Exam renewals
Integrate records into your EMR, store them in a secure client portal, and ensure providers clearly document treatment-specific approvals.
Final Takeaway
Good Faith Exams are not permanent. Renewals are required annually in most states and sooner if patients change treatments or experience health changes.
Handled correctly, renewals protect your Med Spa from risk while creating opportunities to reinforce patient trust and expand services. With Spakinect, renewals are fast, compliant, and seamlessly documented so your Med Spa can stay ahead of regulations and focus on growth.
