Almost all aesthetic services provided by med spas are considered ‘practice of medicine’. Med spas must establish the physician-patient relationship and ensure that a med spa patient is a good candidate for the procedures he or she is seeking. This is the purpose of the good faith exam(GFE). Good faith exams go by many names, and, in fact, the term “good faith examination” has been replaced in many states’ laws. It is common to hear the good faith exam referred to as the “initial exam,” “physical exam” or “initial consult.”
Furthering this argument from our perspective is to liken our physical exams (GFEs) to acute care telehealth appointments and/or private practice telehealth appointments that are currently standard practice, legitimized furthermore through insurance coverage for these “visits”. During said telehealth visits, “physical exams” are conducted by the MD/PA or NP performing the exam and carrying out the telehealth visit. In other words, if I can currently and legally conduct a telehealth visit and perform a physical exam for a patient that likely has more chronic and/or acute medical conditions than any patient seeking medical spa treatment for an aesthetic procedure, why would a (GFE) telehealth visit not be seen as legitimate and adequate for a medical spa physical exam? As long as the NP is viewing the area of the body and/or asking appropriate questions about said body part to assess the patient and determine that they are a good candidate for treatment, then they are conducting an adequate physical exam according to current telehealth practices.
Med Spa offices must follow the same laws and regulations that govern the practice of medicine. If you are operating a Medical Spa, you are held accountable to the same standard of care as they are for their routine medical practice. This means standards of informed consent, good-faith exams, delegation to appropriate supervised health care professionals, patient –physician confidentiality, rules about maintaining medical records as well as responsibility and liability of supervision. Medical Spa procedures are considered prescriptive medical devices and “dangerous drugs” and as such are considered medical procedures. These require a trained and licensed healthcare provider to evaluate patient suitability via a “Good Faith Evaluation”. The management of a medical spa requires the same oversight (supervision and administration) of medical care as a medical office vis-a-vis licensing rule.
Medical Directors and physicians who are somehow linked with the operation of Med Spas should understand the risks to their medical licenses associated with this expansion of their medical practices. Med Spa offices must conduct a preliminary GFE for patients before they are treated. As of October 11, 2019, the California legislature amended and liberalized Section 2242 to provide that an appropriate prior examination does not require a synchronous interaction between the patient and the licensee and can be achieved through the use of telehealth, as specified, provided that the licensee complies with the appropriate standard of care. It is critical to remember that the GFE is an encounter that must occur before a patient receives a treatment to assess their current condition, note their medical history and ensure they are fit for the procedure. The goal of the GFE is to make a diagnosis and determine an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.
The good faith exam proceeds in obtaining a patient’s medical history and performing an appropriate examination of the patient and to determine the procedure is safe for patient
The law went into effect on January 1, 2023, enabling NPs in specified practice settings across California to begin practicing without physician supervision and expand access to much-needed care. During the first phase, NPs work without physician supervision for three years at certain practices where a physician or surgeon also practices. The first phase allows NPs to practice independently, but they can consult a physician if needed.
EXCELLENT Based on 106 reviews Jalaina Gordon2025-02-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is professional and GFE process is smooth. Portal is very user friendly as well! Michelle Paris2025-02-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Medical Health Covers is a game changer for online good faith exams in the aesthetic services space. Their nurse practitioners are not just smart and kind—they even throw in a bit of humor that keeps things engaging and light. The whole team, from management to customer service, is on point, making the experience smooth and reassuring. It’s refreshing to see a company that balances expertise with genuine care and a modern, personable approach. If you’re looking for a service that’s professional, forward-thinking, and yes, even a little funny, this is the one to trust. Sothavy Ton2025-02-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Medical Health Covers has done a phenomenal job getting us set up and on the right track. Their resources have been a huge help with assuring that we follow proper compliance. Andrea Fink2025-01-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This service is quick, professional and convenient. Whitney Jones2025-01-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Medical Health Covers enough for their GFE service. From the start, they’ve been transparent, reliable, and incredibly efficient. Their team is knowledgeable and makes the entire process straightforward, addressing every question with patience and expertise. Nicole has been available 24/7 with any and all concerns regarding onboarding and I really appreciate her help! The entire team is great! What truly sets Medical Health Covers apart is their commitment to excellent customer service. They go above and beyond to ensure that I’m covered and fully informed about my options. The peace of mind I have knowing I’m in good hands is priceless. If you’re looking for a service that combines professionalism, care, and comprehensive support, Medical Health Covers is the clear choice. I’m beyond satisfied and would confidently recommend them to anyone in need of GFE coverage! Via Aesthetics & Wellness2025-01-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very Professional and Helpful. All the Satff has been great since I started my medspa business. The process of setting up was very easy. I Highly recomend this company for GFEs. Brandi Langley2025-01-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently tried this service and have been extremely satisfied. 5 stars all the way Holden Simon2024-12-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just signed on with good health covers and they have been extremely good with all my questions! Look forward to working more with them! Elizabeth Delgado2024-12-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the Medical Health Cover platform. It’s intuitive and incredibly convenient for quickly and efficiently clearing clients for treatments at our Medical Spa. I highly recommend it to any Medical Spa in need of a Good Faith Exam (GFE) platform. The platform allows you to select which treatments you want clients to be cleared for, and there is a large team of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants available to clear clients via telehealth with very short wait times.