Scabies Treatment Online in California
California adult care by secure video visit. Self pay $79 · Aetna in-network · UHC Commercial approved · CDC scabies treatment guideline-based care · CA B&P §2290.5 compliant.
Scabies is a condition commonly evaluated and, when appropriate, treated via telehealth. TeleDirectMD uses a safety-first approach, screening for red-flag symptoms that require in-person or emergency care before determining whether treatment by video visit is appropriate. This page is for adults located in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and surrounding areas.
Can I get scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) online in California? Yes. California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5 — the Telehealth Advancement Act — permits licensed physicians to deliver care via synchronous video telehealth without a prior in-person visit. TeleDirectMD physicians are licensed in California and are held to the same standard of care as in-person physicians by the Medical Board of California. Adults 18+ located in California can book a same-day video visit. Self pay is $79. Aetna is in-network as of April 30, 2026; UnitedHealthcare Commercial approved May 29, 2026.
Quick navigation:
- Eligibility checklist
- California telehealth law
- California epidemiology
- Cost & insurance
- Medication options
- Telehealth vs in-person
- FAQs
- References
- Self pay $79 — no insurance required
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- Aetna in-network (effective April 30, 2026)
- UnitedHealthcare Commercial approved (effective May 29, 2026)
- Licensed telehealth care for adults 18+ located in California at time of visit
ICD-10 commonly used: B86 (Scabies)
Online MD-Only Scabies Care in California
- Fast evaluation for scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) symptoms
- Red-flag screening for serious complications requiring in-person care
- Guideline-based treatment per AAD
- e-Prescriptions to your CA pharmacy under AB 2789
- Clear follow-up steps and prevention guidance
Adults 18+ only. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service. Go to urgent care or the ER for severe symptoms, systemic illness, or any red-flag signs described on this page. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Telehealth Eligibility Checklist for California
You are likely eligible for a TeleDirectMD video visit if ALL of these apply to you:
✓ You Are Eligible If
- Adult 18+ located in California at time of visit
- Classic scabies — intense nocturnal itch, burrows between fingers, wrists, waistline, genitals
- Household scabies outbreak requiring treatment of all household members
- Known scabies exposure requiring prophylactic treatment of close contacts
- Scabies requiring oral ivermectin after permethrin course is completed
- Non-immunocompromised adult without features of crusted scabies
✗ Seek In-Person or Emergency Care If
- Crusted (Norwegian) scabies — thick crusted skin, possible immunocompromise — in-person dermatology; extremely contagious; requires physical evaluation
- Widespread scabies with secondary bacterial infection (impetigo) — in-person evaluation
- Scabies outbreak in facility (nursing home, shelter) — CDPH reporting required; facility-level management requires in-person
- Scabies not responding after 2 courses of permethrin 5% — in-person evaluation for crusted scabies or alternative diagnosis
- Scabies in pregnancy — medication safety review requires in-person coordination with OB
If you have red-flag symptoms, seek urgent in-person care or emergency care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not appropriate for complex or severe cases.
California Telehealth Law and Your Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Visit
Does California require an in-person visit before telehealth?
No. California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5 — the Telehealth Advancement Act — does not require a prior in-person visit before receiving telehealth services. Before delivering care, the physician must obtain the patient's verbal or written consent for telehealth and document it — which TeleDirectMD does at the start of every visit.
What standard of care applies to California telehealth physicians?
The Medical Board of California is explicit: “The standard of care is the same whether the patient is seen in-person, through telehealth or other methods of electronically enabled health care.” Physicians must be licensed in California to provide telehealth to California patients — a requirement TeleDirectMD satisfies. See our Dr. Bhavsar bio for credential details.
Does California insurance parity law cover telehealth visits?
Yes, for commercial plans. California Assembly Bill 744 (2019), codified in California Insurance Code §10123.85, requires commercial health plans to reimburse telehealth services on the same basis as comparable in-person services. Plans cannot require face-to-face contact as a condition of reimbursement, and copays for telehealth cannot exceed those for equivalent in-person visits. These parity provisions apply to contracts issued, amended, or renewed after January 1, 2021. AB 744 parity does not apply to Medi-Cal managed care plans or Medicare.
Are scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) medications controlled substances under California law?
Permethrin 5% cream and oral ivermectin are not controlled substances. They can be prescribed via California telehealth and transmitted electronically to any California pharmacy under Assembly Bill 2789. California requires all prescriptions to be issued electronically under Assembly Bill 2789 (effective January 1, 2022), per the Medical Board of California. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances in any state.
How Online Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Works in California
Book your video visit
No referral needed. Self pay $79. Many visits available same day. Note your symptom onset, prior episodes, allergies, and current medications before the visit.
See a California-licensed MD by secure video
The physician reviews your symptoms, history, and risk factors. Telehealth consent under CA B&P §2290.5 is obtained and documented. Red-flag screening determines whether telehealth is appropriate for your presentation.
Receive your treatment plan and e-prescription
If medication is clinically appropriate, a California-compliant e-prescription is sent to your chosen California pharmacy during or after the visit. You receive clear follow-up instructions regardless of treatment choice, including when to seek in-person care.
How Common Is Scabies in California?
Scabies (caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei) affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide annually, according to the CDC Scabies Program. In California, scabies outbreaks occur in nursing homes, shelters, correctional facilities, and multi-family housing — settings with higher density in California's urban counties. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) tracks scabies outbreaks and requires reporting from facilities with ≥3 cases. CDC PLACES data documents elevated parasitic skin condition rates in California's high-density counties including Los Angeles and San Francisco. — CDC — Scabies Program.
Clinical guidance for scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) is provided by AAD through the CDC Scabies Treatment Guidelines. TeleDirectMD follows these guidelines on every patient visit.
What causes scabies and who is most at risk in California?
Scabies affects California adults across all demographics, though certain populations face higher risk based on the specific condition. The physician reviews your individual risk factors at each visit. Telehealth is appropriate for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate presentations who do not have red-flag symptoms requiring immediate in-person evaluation.
Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Cost & Insurance in California
TeleDirectMD's self-pay rate is $79 for a complete MD video visit, including evaluation, treatment plan, and e-prescription. Patients with in-network insurance pay their plan's telehealth copay instead. The table below reflects current TeleDirectMD payor enrollment for California.
TeleDirectMD Video Visit
$79
Self-pay flat fee — no subscription
- Board-certified MD video evaluation
- Red-flag screening & structured triage
- e-Prescription to your CA pharmacy (when appropriate)
- Follow-up instructions & prevention guidance
- No hidden fees
Typical Scabies Visit Cost in California
Common ranges Californians see before insurance. Actual costs vary by setting and city.
Comparison reflects typical California metro pricing. Actual costs vary.
California Payor Status — TeleDirectMD
| Insurer | Status | Effective | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | ✓ In-Network | April 30, 2026 | Commercial plans. In-network as of April 30, 2026. Verify plan eligibility with Aetna before booking. |
| UnitedHealthcare Commercial | ✓ In-Network | May 29, 2026 | Covers UHC Commercial and Medicare Advantage. Excludes Medi-Cal, Individual Exchange, and Navigate/Charter/Core plan types. |
| Anthem Blue Cross | Pending | Pending determination | Enrollment pending. Self pay ($79) available. |
| Cigna | Pending | Pending determination | Pending — Telehealth Only review in progress. Self pay ($79) available. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Closed system | — | Kaiser is a closed health system. Use Kaiser telehealth at kp.org. TeleDirectMD self pay is available but Kaiser will not reimburse out-of-network visits. |
| Medi-Cal | Not enrolled | — | TeleDirectMD is not currently a Medi-Cal rendering provider. Find Medi-Cal telehealth providers via your managed care plan or dhcs.ca.gov. |
View all insurance options or book a $79 self-pay visit.
Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Medication Options and Costs in California
Medications for scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) are selected based on current guidelines from AAD, patient history, allergies, and relevant contraindications assessed at the visit. GoodRx-verified pricing is shown below.
| Medication | Typical Regimen | GoodRx Price (May 2026) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permethrin 5% cream (Elimite, Acticin) · First-line | Apply from neck to soles of feet (including under nails, genital area) — leave on 8–14 hours (overnight), rinse; repeat in 7 days | ~$20–$50 / 60g | First-line scabies treatment per CDC. Prescription 5% (not OTC 1% used for lice). Must be applied to entire body below neck. Simultaneous treatment of all household members recommended regardless of symptoms. Repeat in 7 days. |
| Oral ivermectin 200 mcg/kg (weight-based dose) · First-line | 200 mcg/kg single dose — repeat in 7–14 days; take with food (fatty meal increases absorption) | ~$10–$25 / dose | CDC-recommended oral treatment for scabies. Used when permethrin treatment fails or for household outbreaks. Avoid in pregnancy. Combination with permethrin 5% cream may be used for severe cases per CDC guidance. |
| Crotamiton 10% cream (Eurax) | Apply to entire body from chin to toes after bathing; repeat application in 24 hours; bathe and remove 48 hours after second application | ~$30–$60 / 60g GoodRx | Alternative for patients who cannot use permethrin or ivermectin (e.g., permethrin allergy). Lower cure rate than permethrin per CDC — reserve as second-line. Anti-pruritic properties help with symptomatic relief during treatment. |
Important: The choice of medication depends on your medical history, allergies, drug interactions, and clinical factors assessed by the physician at the visit. Do not start any prescription medication without a clinical evaluation.
TeleDirectMD vs. In-Person Care: Which Is Right for You?
For most adults with mild to moderate scabies (sarcoptes scabiei) without red-flag symptoms, a video visit is appropriate and convenient. Some situations require in-person evaluation. Use the comparison below to determine the right care pathway for you.
✓ Use TeleDirectMD (telehealth) if
- Adult 18+ located in California at time of visit
- Classic scabies — intense nocturnal itch, burrows between fingers, wrists, waistline, genitals
- Household scabies outbreak requiring treatment of all household members
- Known scabies exposure requiring prophylactic treatment of close contacts
- Scabies requiring oral ivermectin after permethrin course is completed
- Non-immunocompromised adult without features of crusted scabies
→ Use in-person care if
- Crusted (Norwegian) scabies — thick crusted skin, possible immunocompromise — in-person dermatology; extremely contagious; requires physical evaluation
- Widespread scabies with secondary bacterial infection (impetigo) — in-person evaluation
- Scabies outbreak in facility (nursing home, shelter) — CDPH reporting required; facility-level management requires in-person
- Scabies not responding after 2 courses of permethrin 5% — in-person evaluation for crusted scabies or alternative diagnosis
- Scabies in pregnancy — medication safety review requires in-person coordination with OB
- ER / 911: Any life-threatening symptom — difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe confusion, signs of sepsis
- Urgent care: Moderate symptoms needing physical exam or testing TeleDirectMD cannot perform
- Primary care: Chronic management, recurrent episodes, specialist referral needs
- California 211: Find local clinics and health resources
Book a same-day video visit — California adults, 18+
Self pay $79 · Aetna in-network · UHC Commercial approved May 2026 · No ER waitFrequently Asked Questions — Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) in California
Can I get scabies treatment online in California?
Yes. California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5 permits California-licensed physicians to evaluate and treat scabies by secure video visit. TeleDirectMD physicians follow CDC scabies treatment guidelines, prescribing permethrin 5% cream (first-line) and oral ivermectin — permethrin 5% and oral ivermectin only per physician-confirmed scope; precipitated sulfur is not used. Adults 18+ in California can book same-day. Self pay is $79.
What scabies medications does TeleDirectMD prescribe in California?
TeleDirectMD prescribes permethrin 5% cream (first-line — apply from neck to feet overnight, repeat in 7 days) and oral ivermectin 200 mcg/kg (weight-based dose, repeat in 7–14 days) — per physician-confirmed scope: permethrin 5% topical and oral ivermectin only. Precipitated sulfur is not prescribed and is not recommended per the physician's clinical protocol.
How common is scabies in California?
Scabies affects approximately 300 million people worldwide annually per CDC data. In California, outbreaks occur in nursing homes, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and multi-family housing. CDPH tracks facility outbreaks and requires reporting when ≥3 cases occur in a facility. Los Angeles and San Francisco counties — with high rates of multi-family and congregate housing — have elevated scabies incidence.
Does California require an in-person visit before scabies telehealth?
No. California B&P Code §2290.5 does not require a prior in-person visit. Classic scabies — nocturnal itch, burrows between fingers, wrists, waistline, and genitals in adults 18+ — is appropriate for video evaluation. Crusted (Norwegian) scabies, secondary bacterial infection, or facility outbreaks require in-person evaluation and management.
When does scabies require in-person or emergency care?
Seek in-person dermatology for suspected crusted (Norwegian) scabies — extremely thick, crusted, hyperkeratotic skin lesions (highly contagious; often in immunocompromised patients). Scabies with widespread secondary bacterial infection (impetigo) warrants in-person evaluation. Facility-level outbreaks (nursing homes, shelters) require CDPH reporting and facility management protocols. Scabies not responding after 2 permethrin courses warrants in-person evaluation.
Is Aetna in-network for scabies treatment at TeleDirectMD in California?
Yes. Aetna became an active in-network payor for TeleDirectMD in California effective April 30, 2026. UnitedHealthcare Commercial is approved effective May 29, 2026. Self pay is $79.
What is the cost of scabies treatment in California?
TeleDirectMD charges $79 self-pay. Permethrin 5% cream costs ~$20–$50 for 60g with GoodRx. Oral ivermectin costs ~$10–$25 per dose. Urgent care or in-person scabies visits typically cost $150–$300 before insurance.
Does California's AB 744 parity law cover scabies telehealth?
Yes, for in-network commercial plans. California AB 744 (2019) requires commercial health plans to reimburse telehealth on the same basis as in-person services. Aetna and UHC Commercial are in-network for TeleDirectMD in California.
How do I use permethrin 5% cream correctly for scabies?
CDC instructions: before bed, apply permethrin 5% cream from neck to soles of feet — include all skin folds, between fingers, under fingernails, genitals, and buttocks. Leave on 8–14 hours (overnight). Rinse off in the morning. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the past 3 days in hot water and dry on high heat. Treat all household members simultaneously, regardless of symptoms. Repeat the treatment in exactly 7 days — it catches newly hatched mites.
Why must all household members be treated simultaneously for scabies?
Scabies mites spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Household members can be infested without showing symptoms (the incubation period is 2–6 weeks for newly infested individuals). Treating only symptomatic members leaves asymptomatic carriers to reinfest treated individuals — causing treatment failure. CDC guidelines require simultaneous treatment of all household members and close physical contacts, regardless of whether they itch.
Will my scabies prescription be sent electronically to a California pharmacy?
Yes. California AB 2789 (effective January 1, 2022) requires all prescriptions to be issued electronically. TeleDirectMD sends e-prescriptions to your chosen California pharmacy — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Safeway — during or after your visit.
How long does scabies itch last after treatment?
Itch and rash may persist for 2–4 weeks after successful scabies treatment — this is a post-treatment inflammatory reaction to dead mites and their products in the skin, not treatment failure or continued infestation. If live mites or new burrows appear more than 2 weeks after correct treatment, re-evaluation is needed. A short course of topical corticosteroid (triamcinolone) or oral antihistamine (hydroxyzine) may be prescribed to manage post-treatment itch while the immune response resolves.
Ready to see a California-licensed MD?
Book a same-day video visit. Self pay $79 · Aetna in-network · UHC Commercial approved.
References and Primary Sources
- CDC — Scabies Treatment. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDC — Scabies Overview. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDPH — Scabies. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- California B&P Code §2290.5. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- Medical Board of California — Telehealth. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- California Insurance Code §10123.85 (AB 744). Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- GoodRx — Permethrin. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- GoodRx — Ivermectin. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- Medical Board of California — AB 2789. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Use of TeleDirectMD does not establish a physician-patient relationship until a video visit is initiated and consent is documented under California B&P §2290.5. Treatment decisions are made by a California-licensed board-certified physician based on the clinical history at the time of the visit. If you have red-flag symptoms — severe pain, high fever, difficulty breathing, rapidly spreading infection, signs of sepsis, or worsening symptoms — seek urgent in-person care or call 911 immediately.
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances in any state. The price information on this page reflects GoodRx national coupon pricing retrieved May 2026; actual prescription costs at California pharmacies vary. Insurance status is current as of May 20, 2026; verify with your insurer before booking.
What does an online doctor visit in California cost?
TeleDirectMD's $79 flat rate is up to 3× cheaper than an in-person urgent care visit and ~11× cheaper than an uninsured ER visit. See verified 2026 cash-pay prices across every care setting.
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