Picture this. A loyal patient who regularly books Botox asks about adding filler or a skin tightening treatment. Your team knows them well, their chart is up to date, and you have performed treatments without issue before. Can you start the new procedure immediately, or does compliance require another Good Faith Exam?
The answer is clear. Yes, a new Good Faith Exam is required before every new type of treatment. Regulations are written to ensure that each procedure is safe for the patient based on their current health, not just their history with your Med Spa.
Why Treatment-Specific Exams Are Essential
Each treatment carries unique risks and considerations. A patient who qualifies for Botox may not automatically be a candidate for microneedling, laser therapy, or PRP. Medications, allergies, or new health conditions can shift eligibility from one service to another.
Treatment-specific exams protect patients by ensuring they are cleared for the precise procedure they are requesting. They also protect your Med Spa from compliance violations, legal exposure, and reputational harm.
(See also: What is a Good Faith Exam and Do I need a Good Faith Exam if I have had treatments before.)
Operational Impact for Med Spas
From an operations standpoint, requiring a new exam for each new service may feel like added friction. But positioned correctly, it shows patients that your Med Spa prioritizes their safety. This strengthens trust and differentiates your business in a crowded marketplace.
With virtual exams, the process does not have to slow you down. Spakinect connects patients to providers in 1 to 2 minutes, completes the evaluation in 4 to 15 minutes, and integrates all documentation into your EMR. Patients see compliance in action, and your team stays focused on care and growth.
(See also: What is the average wait time to connect with a Spakinect provider.)
When a New Exam Is Required
Good Faith Exams are not one-size-fits-all. A new exam is required whenever circumstances change in a way that impacts treatment safety or compliance.
| Patient Scenario | Is a New Good Faith Exam Required? | Why |
| Patient requests a procedure they have never had before (for example, moving from Botox to microneedling) | Yes | Each treatment has different risks and eligibility criteria |
| Treatment plan shifts from one modality to another (injectables to lasers, lasers to PRP, etc.) | Yes | Prior exams do not automatically apply across modalities |
| Patient adds a new treatment type during a follow-up visit | Yes | The new procedure must be evaluated and documented separately |
| Patient’s health history changes (new medication, diagnosis, or allergy) | Yes | The provider must confirm that the change does not contraindicate treatment |
| Patient repeats the same treatment type with no change in health status | No (unless renewal period has expired) | The prior exam remains valid until state renewal requirements apply |
Spakinect’s Advantage
Spakinect makes treatment-specific exams straightforward and efficient.
- Licensed providers connect with patients in minutes
- Exams are tailored to the requested procedure
- Documentation flows directly into your EMR and is stored securely in the client portal
- Providers take the time to answer questions, reinforcing patient confidence
- One exam can cover up to 11 treatments at once, giving your Med Spa flexibility when building treatment plans
- Our catalog covers over 170 treatments (and growing), ensuring your practice has the support needed for nearly any service
By focusing solely on virtual Good Faith Exams, Spakinect gives Med Spas the ability to stay compliant without losing momentum in patient flow.
FAQs on Treatment-Specific Good Faith Exams
What specific treatments always require a new Good Faith Exam?
Any treatment the patient has never had before, such as injectables, microneedling, lasers, or PRP. Each carries different risks that must be reviewed.
How long can a Good Faith Exam be considered valid for multiple treatments?
An exam can cover multiple treatments if the provider evaluates and documents each one during the same session. With Spakinect, up to 11 treatments can be included in one exam. If a new procedure is added later, a new exam is required.
Are virtual Good Faith Exams acceptable for all aesthetic procedures?
In most states, yes. Virtual exams are fully compliant if conducted by a licensed provider. Some states may impose restrictions, so always verify local regulations.
What are the legal consequences of skipping a Good Faith Exam?
Skipping treatment-specific exams can result in fines, investigations, loss of licensure, or liability if a patient is harmed.
How do regulations vary by state for treatment-specific Good Faith Exams?
Some states allow virtual exams for all procedures, while others require in-person exams for certain treatments or first visits.
Final Takeaway
Yes, a new Good Faith Exam is required before every new type of treatment. It is a safeguard designed to protect patients, ensure compliance, and shield your Med Spa from legal and reputational risk.
With Spakinect, the process is quick, compliant, and integrated directly into your workflow. Our providers can cover up to 11 treatments in one exam and support over 170 treatments across the aesthetics industry. That means more flexibility for treatment planning, more efficiency for your team, and more confidence for your patients.
