Good Faith Exams: What They Are and Why Your Clinic Needs Them

Medical treatments should never be a guessing game. For MedSpas, wellness clinics, and virtual healthcare providers, staying compliant while offering fast, effective patient care is crucial.

Good Faith Exams (GFEs) ensure legal and ethical approvals for IV Therapy, GLP-1 weight loss treatments, fillers, and more—without unnecessary delays. Today, on-demand telemedicine solutions make GFEs faster and more convenient than ever.

What Is a Good Faith Exam?

A Good Faith Exam (GFE) is a medical evaluation performed by a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a treatment or prescription is appropriate for a patient. This assessment ensures that medical decisions are made based on a legitimate provider-patient relationship, rather than being issued indiscriminately.

In many states, GFEs are a legal requirement for certain types of treatments, particularly for telemedicine, weight loss programs, medical cannabis prescriptions, and aesthetic procedures. The goal is simple: protect patient safety while maintaining ethical medical practices.

Why Are Good Faith Exams Necessary?

The primary purpose of a Good Faith Exam is to uphold ethical and legal standards in medicine. Without proper evaluations, there’s a risk of overprescribing, misuse, or patient harm.

Here’s why clinics should take them seriously:

• Legal Compliance – Many states require GFEs to be performed before prescribing certain medications or offering specific treatments. Failure to conduct one could result in fines, license suspension, or even legal action.
• Patient Safety – A thorough exam helps providers identify potential risks, contraindications, or alternative treatment options.
• Quality of Care – Patients receive a more personalized approach to treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Medical Record Integrity – Proper documentation of GFEs ensures that clinics maintain compliant, detailed records that can protect them in case of audits or disputes.

What Does a Good Faith Exam Involve?

A Good Faith Exam isn’t just a quick check-in—it’s a structured process to ensure that treatment is appropriate and medically necessary. While specifics may vary based on state laws and medical fields, the general process includes:

1. Patient History Review

The provider will gather relevant medical history, including past conditions, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors that may impact treatment.

2. Physical or Virtual Examination

Depending on the type of treatment, the exam may be conducted in-person or via telehealth. The provider will assess vital signs, symptoms, and overall health to ensure the treatment is suitable.

3. Risk Assessment

Some treatments have contraindications. Providers must assess whether the proposed treatment could cause adverse effects based on the patient’s unique health profile.

4. Treatment Justification

If the provider determines the treatment is appropriate, they document the medical rationale behind their decision. This step is essential for compliance and record-keeping.

5. Follow-Up Plan

A GFE isn’t just a one-time event. Providers should establish next steps, such as follow-up visits, additional testing, or ongoing monitoring, depending on the treatment provided.

Which Medical Fields Require Good Faith Exams?

While Good Faith Exams apply broadly in healthcare, they are especially critical in specific fields:

• MedSpas & Aesthetic Clinics – Treatments such as IV Therapy, dermal fillers, neurotoxins (Botox), microneedling, PDO threads, and PRP injections require proper clearance to ensure patient safety and compliance. GFEs confirm that the procedure is medically appropriate before proceeding.
• Weight Loss & Hormone Therapy – GLP-1 medications, peptides, and hormone replacement therapies (HRT) require a GFE to assess patient health and rule out contraindications.
• Telemedicine Providers – Remote consultations for general healthcare, urgent care, and specialty treatments often require a GFE before prescribing medications.
• Medical Cannabis & Alternative Therapies – Many states require a formal provider-patient evaluation before issuing medical cannabis recommendations.
• Pain Management Clinics – Due to opioid regulations, GFEs help prevent misuse and ensure controlled substances are prescribed responsibly.

If your clinic operates in any of these fields, you must confirm state-specific GFE requirements to remain compliant.

Legal Considerations for Clinics

Laws surrounding Good Faith Exams vary by state, and noncompliance can carry severe penalties. Some key legal points to be aware of:

• State-Specific Rules – Some states have strict laws on how GFEs must be conducted, while others have more flexibility.
• Telemedicine Regulations – If offering virtual consultations, ensure your state allows telehealth-based GFEs for the specific treatment you provide.
• Documentation Requirements – Keeping detailed medical records is crucial for legal protection and audit compliance.
• Provider Qualifications – Some states require specific licensing levels (e.g., MD, DO, NP, or PA) to conduct a GFE.

If unsure, consult your state medical board or a healthcare attorney to ensure compliance.

How to Implement Good Faith Exams in Your Clinic

If your clinic hasn’t already formalized a Good Faith Exam process, now is the time. Here’s how to integrate it smoothly:

1. Establish Clear Protocols

Develop a standardized process for conducting and documenting GFEs. Ensure all providers understand the steps and legal requirements involved.

2. Train Your Staff

Educate physicians, nurse practitioners, and administrative staff on state laws, documentation expectations, and best practices for performing GFEs.

3. Use Telehealth Efficiently

If your state allows virtual GFEs, invest in a secure, HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platform to streamline remote evaluations.

4. Keep Detailed Records

A thorough paper trail protects your clinic in case of an audit or legal inquiry. Include:

• Patient history and assessment notes
• Exam findings
• Rationale for treatment decisions
• Follow-up recommendations

5. Stay Updated on Laws

Medical regulations change frequently, so review state and federal laws regularly to ensure compliance.

Make GFEs a Standard, Not an Afterthought

A Good Faith Exam is more than a regulatory hoop to jump through—it’s a cornerstone of responsible medical practice. Whether your clinic operates in telemedicine, weight loss, aesthetic procedures, or other regulated fields, integrating proper GFEs protects your patients, your providers, and your business.

By prioritizing structured evaluations, thorough documentation, and legal compliance, your clinic not only stays within the law but also provides better, safer care. If you haven’t already made GFEs a routine part of your workflow, now is the time to start.