If you live in California and want a licensed provider's help with thinning hair, you do not have to wait weeks for an in-person dermatology appointment. Telehealth lets you complete a consultation from home, have a California-licensed provider review your case and, if appropriate, receive prescription treatment by mail.
Here is how it works in California specifically, and what to check before you choose a service.
Your provider must be licensed in California
Medical licensing is state by state. A provider who treats you through telehealth must be licensed to practice in the state where you are located during the consultation. For California patients, that means a California-licensed provider.
When comparing online services, check that the provider reviewing your case is licensed in California and that a real clinician, not an automated quiz, makes the treatment decision.
You need to be in California during your consultation
Because licensing follows where the patient is located, you should complete your intake and consultation while you are physically in California. If you are travelling out of state, wait until you are back to start.
What the consultation involves
An online hair loss consultation in California generally includes:
- Telehealth consent. California requires that patients consent to receiving care through telehealth. This is part of the intake.
- A health history. Questions about your hair loss, medical history, medications, allergies and anything you have already tried.
- Photos. Clear photos of your hairline, the top of your head and your crown.
- Provider review. A licensed provider reviews everything, may follow up with questions, and decides whether prescription treatment is appropriate.
For a full walkthrough of each step, see how an online hair loss consultation works.
How treatment reaches you
If treatment is prescribed, the prescription goes to a licensed pharmacy. For compounded treatment, the pharmacy prepares a formulation for you individually, then ships it to your California address with instructions from your provider. Compounded medications are made for individual patients and are not FDA-approved.
Why Californians choose online care for hair loss
- Access. Dermatology wait times in many parts of California can stretch for weeks. Online review removes the wait for a first opinion.
- Convenience. No commute, no time off work and no waiting room, whether you are in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego or a smaller town.
- Privacy. Many people prefer to discuss hair loss from home.
- Ongoing access. You can reach your care team with questions or side effects without booking a new appointment.
When to see someone in person instead
Online care suits common, gradual hair loss. See a clinician in person if your hair loss is sudden or patchy, if your scalp is painful, scaly, scarred or has open sores, or if you have other new symptoms. A provider reviewing your online intake may also recommend an in-person visit or lab work if they need more information.
Getting started in California
Prescribed Essence serves patients located in California, as well as Colorado, Florida and New York. If you are in California and ready to find out whether prescription treatment is right for you, start your online consultation here.
Prescription required. A licensed provider decides whether treatment is appropriate. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary. Prescribed Essence currently serves patients in California, Colorado, Florida and New York.
