Patients’ lives rarely stay the same from one visit to the next. A new prescription, a recent diagnosis, or even lifestyle changes can alter whether a treatment is safe. That is why Good Faith Exams are not static documents. They are meant to be living records that evolve with the patient’s health.
For Med Spas, this raises an important question: what happens when a patient’s health changes between Good Faith Exams?
Why Health Changes Matter
A patient may have been an excellent candidate for Botox six months ago, but what if they have since started a new medication? Or developed a skin condition? Even minor changes can shift eligibility for certain treatments.
If these changes are not captured, your Med Spa could expose patients to unnecessary risks and your practice to compliance violations.
(See also: What is a Good Faith Exam and How is a Good Faith Exam different from a regular medical exam.)
Compliance Requirements
Most state regulations require a new or updated Good Faith Exam when a patient’s health status changes in a way that could impact safety. This means you cannot simply rely on the last documented exam if new information comes to light.
Renewals are not only about ticking a compliance box. They are about ensuring that your providers are making treatment decisions with the most accurate, current information available.
(See also: How often does a Good Faith Exam need to be renewed.)
Patient Trust and Safety
From a patient’s perspective, updating the exam communicates care. It shows that your Med Spa is not rushing them into treatment but ensuring every decision is made with their safety at the center.
This builds trust. Patients are more likely to return and refer others when they see your practice prioritizing safety over shortcuts.
(See also: Do I need a Good Faith Exam if I have had treatments before.)
Spakinect’s Advantage
Spakinect makes it easy for Med Spas to manage health changes without disrupting workflow.
- Patients connect with providers in 1 to 2 minutes
- Exams are completed in 4 to 15 minutes, with time for questions
- Documentation integrates with your EMR and is stored securely in the Spakinect client portal
- Providers evaluate changes carefully, ensuring compliance and patient safety
With Spakinect, updates to Good Faith Exams become seamless checkpoints, not interruptions.
FAQs About Health Changes and Good Faith Exams
What types of health changes require a new Good Faith Exam?
Any significant update that may affect treatment safety, such as new prescriptions, new diagnoses, or changes in allergies.
Do all health changes trigger a new exam?
Not always. Minor updates may be noted in the record, but any change that impacts treatment eligibility requires a new or updated exam.
What are the risks of ignoring health changes?
Legal penalties, investigations, or liability if a patient is harmed. (See also: How much does a Good Faith Exam cost, which covers the cost of getting it wrong.)
Can updated exams be done virtually?
Yes. Virtual exams are compliant in most states when conducted by licensed providers.
How can Med Spas streamline updates when patients disclose changes?
Partner with a provider network like Spakinect that offers near-instant access to licensed practitioners and integrated documentation.
Final Takeaway
When a patient’s health status changes, Med Spas cannot rely on a previous Good Faith Exam. That exam is no longer accurate and an update evaluation is required to keep patients safe, maintain compliance, and protect your business from risk.
With Spakinect, updates are fast, compliant, and integrated into your workflow. Providers connect in minutes, exams are completed thoroughly, and documentation is stored securely. That way, your patients stay safe, your practice stays compliant, and your schedule stays on track.
