What is Good faith exam (GFE)?
A good faith exam is the initial clinical evaluation, performed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician associate depending on state rules, that establishes the provider-client relationship and confirms someone is an appropriate candidate before a medical aesthetic treatment. It is the step that makes an injectable appointment medical care rather than a retail purchase.
How it works in an aesthetic clinic
A new client books lip filler online. Before treatment, an authorized provider reviews their history, screens for contraindications, examines them in person or by synchronous video where the state allows it, and documents the outcome with a validity window. The injector then treats under that exam. A well-run chart answers three questions instantly: who performed the GFE, when, and by what modality.
Good faith exam (GFE) vs informed consent
| Good faith exam (GFE) | The provider's clinical determination, before treatment, that this person is an appropriate candidate |
|---|---|
| Informed consent | The client's documented agreement to proceed after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives |
Why it matters for clinic operators
Skipped or rubber-stamped GFEs are among the most commonly cited compliance failures in medical aesthetics. States differ on who may perform one, how often it refreshes, and whether telehealth satisfies it, so the workflow belongs in written policy, on the chart, and in front of your counsel for review.
On the platform: Charting & consent · Go deeper: The good faith exam operator's guide
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