Tick Bite Treatment Online in California
California adult care by secure video visit. Self pay $79 · Aetna in-network · UHC Commercial approved · IDSA 2020 Lyme Disease Guidelines + CDC tick bite guidance · CA B&P §2290.5 compliant.
Tick Bite 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 tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) 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: W57.XXXA (Bitten or stung by nonvenomous insect and other nonvenomous arthropods, initial encounter)
Online MD-Only Tick Bite Care in California
- Fast evaluation for tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) symptoms
- Red-flag screening for serious complications requiring in-person care
- Guideline-based treatment per AAFP
- 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.
Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) 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
- Tick bite evaluation — tick identified, attached <36 hours, no erythema migrans, no systemic symptoms
- Single-dose doxycycline prophylaxis when all 5 IDSA criteria are met
- Small erythema migrans rash (<5 cm, no systemic symptoms) — 14-day doxycycline course
- Post-exposure guidance after tick removal when prophylaxis criteria are not met
- Follow-up monitoring for tick bite without systemic symptoms
✗ Seek In-Person or Emergency Care If
- Suspected tick paralysis — ascending paralysis, difficulty walking after tick attachment — go to the ED
- Suspected Rocky Mountain spotted fever — fever, severe headache, rash 3–5 days after tick bite — fatal if untreated without appropriate antibiotics — go to the ED
- Lyme carditis — palpitations, lightheadedness, syncope after tick bite — go to the ED
- Neurological Lyme — facial palsy, severe headache, meningitis symptoms after tick bite — go to the ED
- Erythema migrans expanding >5 cm with systemic symptoms (fever, fatigue, arthralgias) — in-person evaluation or urgent care
- Suspected tick-borne encephalitis or severe systemic illness — go to the ED
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 Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) 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 tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) medications controlled substances under California law?
Doxycycline (single-dose prophylaxis or treatment course) is not a controlled substance. It 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 Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) 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 Tick Bite in California?
California is an endemic state for tick-borne diseases. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Tick-Borne Disease Section reports approximately 100–300 confirmed Lyme disease cases annually in California, with Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick) as the primary Lyme vector. The highest-risk California counties are in the North Coast (Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity) and Bay Area foothills (Marin, Santa Cruz, San Mateo). CDPH also tracks Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis in California. — CDPH — Tick-Borne Disease Section.
Clinical guidance for tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) is provided by AAFP through the IDSA/AAN/ACR Lyme Disease Guidelines 2020 + CDC Tick Bite Guidance. TeleDirectMD follows these guidelines on every patient visit.
What causes tick bite and who is most at risk in California?
Tick Bite 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.
Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) 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 Tick Bite 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.
Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) Medication Options and Costs in California
Medications for tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) are selected based on current guidelines from AAFP, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doxycycline 200 mg single dose (Lyme prophylaxis) · First-line | 200 mg single oral dose — take with food; must be given within 72 hours of tick removal | ~$5–$15 / 2 tablets | IDSA-recommended single-dose prophylaxis for Lyme disease. Five criteria must ALL be met: (1) Ixodes tick identified, (2) attached ≥36 hours, (3) within 72 hours of removal, (4) local Lyme rate ≥20%, (5) doxycycline not contraindicated. Not for use in pregnancy or children under 8. Not effective against non-Ixodes ticks. |
| Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily × 14–21 days (early Lyme treatment) · First-line | 100 mg twice daily × 14–21 days — if erythema migrans (EM rash) present | ~$12–$25 / 30 tabs | For early Lyme disease with erythema migrans rash — requires visible EM rash or serologic confirmation. Erythema migrans diagnosis with rash may be appropriate for telehealth; systemic Lyme (cardiac, neurological) requires in-person evaluation. |
| Amoxicillin 500 mg TID × 14–21 days (early Lyme — doxycycline-intolerant) | 500 mg three times daily × 14–21 days | ~$10–$20 / 42 caps GoodRx (generic) | Alternative for early Lyme when doxycycline contraindicated (pregnancy, age <8). Covers Borrelia burgdorferi per IDSA 2020. Not for Lyme prophylaxis (single-dose protocol is doxycycline only). Penicillin allergy: use cefuroxime 500 mg BID x14–21d. |
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 tick bite (lyme prophylaxis and evaluation) 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
- Tick bite evaluation — tick identified, attached <36 hours, no erythema migrans, no systemic symptoms
- Single-dose doxycycline prophylaxis when all 5 IDSA criteria are met
- Small erythema migrans rash (<5 cm, no systemic symptoms) — 14-day doxycycline course
- Post-exposure guidance after tick removal when prophylaxis criteria are not met
- Follow-up monitoring for tick bite without systemic symptoms
→ Use in-person care if
- Suspected tick paralysis — ascending paralysis, difficulty walking after tick attachment — go to the ED
- Suspected Rocky Mountain spotted fever — fever, severe headache, rash 3–5 days after tick bite — fatal if untreated without appropriate antibiotics — go to the ED
- Lyme carditis — palpitations, lightheadedness, syncope after tick bite — go to the ED
- Neurological Lyme — facial palsy, severe headache, meningitis symptoms after tick bite — go to the ED
- Erythema migrans expanding >5 cm with systemic symptoms (fever, fatigue, arthralgias) — in-person evaluation or urgent care
- Suspected tick-borne encephalitis or severe systemic illness — go to the ED
- 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 — Tick Bite (Lyme Prophylaxis and Evaluation) in California
Can I get tick bite treatment online in California?
Yes. California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5 permits California-licensed physicians to evaluate tick bites and prescribe Lyme prophylaxis by secure video visit. TeleDirectMD physicians follow IDSA 2020 Lyme Disease Guidelines. Single-dose doxycycline 200 mg is appropriate when all five IDSA criteria are met: Ixodes tick identified, attached ≥36 hours, prophylaxis startable within 72 hours, local Lyme rate ≥20%, and doxycycline not contraindicated. Go to the ED for suspected Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, Lyme carditis, or neurological Lyme. Self pay is $79.
What are the IDSA criteria for Lyme disease prophylaxis after a tick bite?
IDSA 2020 Lyme Disease Guidelines recommend single-dose doxycycline 200 mg prophylaxis only when ALL five criteria are met: (1) the attached tick is identified as Ixodes scapularis (deer tick) or Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick — California's primary Lyme vector), (2) the tick was attached for ≥36 hours (engorged appearance or known attachment duration), (3) prophylaxis can be started within 72 hours of tick removal, (4) local Lyme disease rate is ≥20% (applicable to California's North Coast high-risk counties), and (5) doxycycline is not contraindicated. If any criterion is not met, prophylaxis is not recommended.
How common is Lyme disease in California?
California is a lower-endemic Lyme state compared to northeastern states. CDPH Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance reports approximately 100–300 confirmed Lyme cases annually in California. The highest-risk California counties are in the North Coast (Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity) and Bay Area foothills (Marin, Santa Cruz, San Mateo), where Ixodes pacificus tick infection rates range from 1–10% depending on the area. CDC surveillance confirms California's Lyme rate is significantly lower than Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey, but meaningful exposure risk exists in endemic California habitats.
Does California require an in-person visit for tick bite evaluation?
No. California B&P Code §2290.5 does not require a prior in-person visit. Tick bite evaluation — determining IDSA prophylaxis criteria, assessing for erythema migrans, and evaluating systemic symptoms — is appropriately conducted by video. High-acuity presentations (suspected RMSF, tick paralysis, Lyme carditis, neurological Lyme) require in-person or emergency evaluation.
When does a tick bite require emergency care?
Go to the ER for: suspected Rocky Mountain spotted fever — fever, severe headache, and petechial rash 2–5 days after tick bite (fatal if not treated rapidly); tick paralysis — ascending paralysis after tick attachment; Lyme carditis — palpitations, lightheadedness, or syncope; neurological Lyme — severe headache, facial palsy, confusion. Early Lyme with only erythema migrans and no systemic symptoms is appropriate for telehealth management.
Is Aetna in-network for tick bite 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 tick bite treatment in California?
TeleDirectMD charges $79 self-pay for a complete MD video visit. Single-dose doxycycline 200 mg (Lyme prophylaxis) costs ~$5–$15 for 2 tablets with GoodRx. Full-course doxycycline 100 mg twice daily × 14–21 days costs ~$12–$25 with GoodRx. Urgent care tick bite visits in California typically cost $150–$300.
Does California's AB 744 parity law cover tick bite 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 remove a tick safely in California?
CDC recommends: use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible; pull upward with steady, even pressure — do not twist or jerk (this can cause parts to break off in the skin); avoid crushing the tick body. After removal: clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water; dispose of the tick by submersing in alcohol, placing in a sealed bag, or flushing down the toilet. Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish — these methods are ineffective.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease to watch for after a tick bite in California?
The hallmark early Lyme symptom is erythema migrans (EM) — an expanding red rash that may have a bull's-eye appearance, appearing 3–30 days after the bite at or near the attachment site. Not all EM rashes have a bull's-eye; some are uniformly red. Other early symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches. Later Lyme without treatment can cause arthritis, facial palsy, palpitations, and neurological symptoms. Monitor for 30 days after tick removal.
Which California counties have the highest Lyme disease risk?
CDPH Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance identifies the highest Lyme disease risk in California's North Coast counties (Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Del Norte) where Ixodes pacificus density is highest and tick infection rates are 1–10%. The Bay Area foothills (Marin County — Point Reyes, Mount Tamalpais; Santa Cruz; San Mateo) are also moderate-risk. Southern California and the Central Valley have lower but non-zero risk. TeleDirectMD physicians evaluate the specific California county of exposure when assessing Lyme prophylaxis criteria.
Will my tick bite 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.
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
- IDSA/AAN/ACR Lyme Disease Guidelines 2020. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDC — Lyme Disease. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDPH — Lyme Disease Data. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDPH — Tick-Borne Diseases. 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 — Doxycycline. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- CDC — Lyme Disease Surveillance. 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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