Good Faith Exams for Aesthetics & Telemedicine Explained
In the world of medical aesthetics and telemedicine, Good Faith Exams (GFEs) are more than just a regulatory checkbox—they're a vital step in ensuring patient safety, legal compliance, and high standards of care. Whether you're administering Botox, prescribing skincare treatments, or managing care remotely, conducting a good faith exam is often required by law.
This article dives deep into what a good faith exam is, why it matters, who can perform it, and how it's adapted in telemedicine and aesthetic practices.
What Is a Good Faith Exam?
A Good Faith Exam (GFE) is a preliminary medical assessment that is conducted before any treatment or prescription is provided. This exam ensures that the patient’s medical history, health status, and suitability for treatment are properly evaluated by a qualified medical provider.
In simple terms, it’s a medical screening done in "good faith"—with sincerity, professionalism, and according to clinical standards.
Key Components of a Good Faith Exam:
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Reviewing patient’s medical history
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Assessing current symptoms or concerns
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Conducting a physical or visual exam
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Documenting findings in the patient’s medical record
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Determining whether the patient is a suitable candidate for the proposed treatment
Why Are Good Faith Exams Required?
GFEs are rooted in patient safety and legal accountability. They help ensure that medical professionals are not providing treatments or prescriptions blindly, but rather after thoughtful clinical consideration.
Legal and Ethical Importance:
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Compliance with State Medical Boards:
Most U.S. states require GFEs before any prescription or aesthetic treatment is administered, especially by non-physician providers under a supervising physician. -
Avoiding Malpractice:
Failing to conduct a GFE can lead to malpractice claims, fines, license revocation, and even criminal charges in some jurisdictions. -
Ensuring Appropriate Care:
Not all patients are suitable for every treatment. A GFE protects both the provider and the patient from unnecessary risks.
Good Faith Exams for Aesthetic Treatments
In medical aesthetics, GFEs are particularly important. Services such as:
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Botox and dermal fillers
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Laser hair removal
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Microneedling with PRP
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Chemical peels
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Hormone therapy
…are classified as medical procedures. That means a licensed medical professional—usually a physician, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA)—must first evaluate the patient before a treatment plan is approved.
Common Misconception:
Some med spas mistakenly believe they can skip GFEs if they have experienced aestheticians. However, unless the treatment is purely cosmetic and non-medical (like facials), a GFE is legally necessary.
Who Can Perform a Good Faith Exam?
The requirements vary by state, but generally, the following providers are allowed to conduct GFEs:
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Physicians (MD/DO)
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Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
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Physician Assistants (PAs)
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Sometimes, Registered Nurses (RNs) under strict supervision and protocols
It’s critical to check with your state’s medical or nursing board, as regulations differ across the U.S.
Good Faith Exams and Telemedicine
The rise of telemedicine has changed how good faith exams telemedicine are conducted. Many states now allow virtual consultations to fulfill the GFE requirement, provided the exam meets the same clinical standards as an in-person visit.
Benefits of GFEs via Telemedicine:
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Increased Accessibility: Patients can receive evaluations from anywhere.
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Efficiency: Speeds up the intake and approval process for treatment.
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Documentation: Video consultations can be recorded and stored as part of the medical record.
States That Allow Telemedicine GFEs:
While most states permit telemedicine for GFEs, some still mandate in-person evaluations for certain treatments. Always verify with state laws or consult a legal advisor familiar with medical regulations.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
Proper documentation is key. A GFE should be:
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Clearly documented in the patient’s chart
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Signed by the provider who conducted it
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Dated and stored securely
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Available for audit or legal review
Having clear records protects your practice and ensures continuity of care.
What Happens If You Skip the GFE?
Failing to perform a good faith exam before prescribing or administering treatment can lead to:
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Disciplinary action by medical or nursing boards
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Lawsuits from injured patients
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Loss of medical license
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Fines and other legal consequences
Even if a patient insists they’ve had a treatment before or “know what they want,” the law still requires a current GFE by a licensed provider.
Best Practices for Conducting GFEs
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Always verify identity in virtual consultations.
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Use a checklist for standard GFE questions and exams.
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Update records regularly, especially before every new treatment cycle.
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Train staff on legal requirements and documentation protocols.
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Review state-specific regulations annually or as laws change.
Conclusion
Good Faith Exams are an essential component of ethical, safe, and legally compliant healthcare—whether you're operating a med spa or running a telemedicine practice. Far from being just a bureaucratic hurdle, a GFE helps build trust with patients, ensures personalized treatment, and reduces liability.
By incorporating thorough GFEs into your practice—whether in-person or via telemedicine—you demonstrate a commitment to quality care and long-term success.
FAQs
Q1. Is a GFE needed for every aesthetic procedure?
Yes, if the procedure is medical in nature. Even non-invasive treatments like Botox require a GFE.
Q2. Can a GFE be done over Zoom or video call?
Yes, in many states. The telemedicine platform must be secure and HIPAA-compliant.
Q3. Do returning patients need a new GFE?
Typically, yes—especially if the patient's condition or treatment plan has changed, or if it's been a long time since their last visit.
Q4. Can medical assistants perform GFEs?
No. Only licensed medical providers (MD, DO, NP, or PA) can legally perform GFEs in most jurisdictions.
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