Good Faith Exams: What Actually Counts in 2025
State boards are tightening enforcement. Here's what a defensible Good Faith Exam looks like today.
A Good Faith Exam (GFE) is the clinical evaluation that must occur before any prescription-strength treatment — Botox, fillers, IV therapy, semaglutide, peptides.
The rules vary by state, but the trend is uniform: boards are demanding documented, defensible exams from a licensed provider authorized to prescribe.
A defensible GFE includes a documented medical history, vitals where appropriate, a problem-focused exam, an assessment, and a written plan tied to the specific treatment. It must be performed by a physician, NP, or PA — and in some states, it must be synchronous video, not asynchronous chat.
The "telehealth GFE in 90 seconds" model that some chains still use is rapidly becoming indefensible. If you're operating in California, Florida, Texas, or New York, assume the standard is rising and build accordingly.