If you’ve booked an appointment with us at PURE Medical Aesthetics in Stamford or Norwalk, or any Aesthetic clinic in the state of Connecticut for that matter, you’ve probably received a message referencing something called a “Good Faith Exam” (GFE for short), typically with the stipulation that you should complete it either before your appointment, or first-thing when you come in to the clinic. But what is a GFE? Why is it required before my appointment? Who’s telling me to take this exam anyway? These are all common questions we get from patients encountering the GFE for the first time. So let’s set the record straight on the Connecticut Good Faith Exam!
At its core, the Good Faith Exam is an annual medical assessment required by Connecticut state law. The main goal of the GFE is to ensure that the patient is suitable for certain aesthetic treatments. Crucial medical information such as allergies, medications, chronic conditions, and past procedures are all recorded during the GFE. GFEs can be completed in two ways. The first (and often simplest) option is to complete the exam ahead of time via a brief, 5-10 minute telehealth video call. The second option is to complete your Good Faith Exam in-office at the time of your appointment. Only advanced practice providers (APPs) can conduct a Good Faith Exam, which means an APP must be present and available in the clinic when you arrive. Many aesthetic providers are registered nurses (RNs). While they are highly skilled and knowledgeable, they are not permitted to prescribe medications or treatments; those decisions must be made by a licensed MD, APRN, or PA. Under Connecticut state law, a GFE must be performed by a provider with prescribing authority. If our APPs are assisting other patients when it’s time for your GFE, you may experience a slight delay in your appointment. For this reason, we recommend completing the GFE via telehealth prior to your visit, especially if your provider is not an APP.
After you book an appointment, you’ll receive a link to the exam scheduling window. All you need to do is put down a time that works for your schedule, and you’ll get a quick call at your chosen time. After completing the exam, the information is added to your patient file and will last you the whole year.
At PURE Medical Aesthetics, we always strive to provide the highest quality treatments custom tailored to your specific needs, and getting that perfect treatment starts with getting a complete picture of YOU. Patient safety is our number one priority, and that means having a complete understanding of your medical history before treatment begins. The Good Faith Exam helps us do exactly that. We’re always ready to help you through any step of the process from start to finish. Should you have any questions about completing the Good Faith Exam, you can always reach out to us at the office at (203) 253-0351.
