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Head Lice

Procedure Overview

This is the presence of tiny insects on the scalp, the skin that covers the top of your head. It is also known as pediculosis capitus.

How Are These Numbers Calculated?

The cost information on this website is estimated and is based on roughly 67.6 million claims from a set of insurers and their reported negotiated rates with providers. These estimates are trended to and considered valid through July 1, 2019 based upon claims paid between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

Cost Overview

National Average

$ 77

Florida State Average

73

Our prices are estimates based on an average and may not be your actual costs. Your costs may be higher or lower for a number of reasons, including insurance deductibles, how sick you are, or other factors.

Cost Breakdowns

Our estimated cost information is not a guarantee of payment or benefits. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than the estimate.

Head Lice

This procedure includes the following steps and procedures. Costs are broken out by step.

STEP 1
Office Visit

A visit with a primary care physician to evaluate head lice and determine the best course of treatment

NATIONAL

$ 77

State ()

NA

TOTAL

NATIONAL

$ 77

State ()

What to Expect

Before you see your health care provider, learn more about this procedure, treatment or test. Remember that individual treatment plans and patient experiences may vary. This information is provided to help you understand what may happen during your visit or treatment.

About this Procedure

Head lice can live up to 30 days on a human. Their eggs can live for more than 2 weeks.

  • Part the hair all the way down to the scalp in very small sections
  • Examine the scalp and hair for moving lice and eggs (nits)
  • Look at the whole head this way
  • Look closely around the top of the neck and ears (the most common locations for eggs)

Head lice spread easily, particularly among school children. Head lice are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. Head lice can be hard to see. You need to look closely. Use disposable gloves and look at the person's head under a bright light. Full sun or the brightest lights in your home during daylight hours work well. A magnifying glass can help. To look for head lice:

How to Prepare

Sometimes there are things you can do that may positively affect your outcome. Here are some examples. Be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your provider.

On the Day of the Procedure

  • Rinse and dry the hair.
  • Apply the medicine to the hair and scalp.
  • Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
  • Check for lice and nits again in 8 to 12 hours.
  • If you find active lice, talk to your health care provider before doing another treatment.
  • You can use products that make the nits easier to remove. Some dishwashing detergents can help dissolve the "glue" that makes the nits stick to the hair shaft.
  • Remove the eggs with a nit comb. Before doing this, rub olive oil in the hair or run the metal comb through beeswax. This helps make the nits easier to remove.
  • Metal combs with very fine teeth are stronger and work better than plastic nit combs. These metal combs are easier to find in pet stores or on the Internet.
  • Comb for nits again in 7 to 10 days.

What to Ask

To get the best quality of care, be informed! Don’t be afraid to ask for a clearer explanation or to ask questions. Consider these topics when talking with your provider.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • How was this spread to me or my child?
  • Are there any lotions or medicines you would suggest? 
  • What is the typical length of time needed to treat this?

Related Procedures

Here are some other procedures and tests that may relate to your condition, or could serve as alternative options to explore with your provider. Remember that individual treatment plans and patient experiences may vary.

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