That sounds serious.  I'm not sure we can be of too much help.  If your vet
charges a huge fee just for a check up, then you need a new vet.  When I
have problems I just call mine and it depends on what they have to do as to
what the charge is.  When my kitty had acne on her chin I was concerned
because it just looked like black dots and I thought she was having a
reaction to something.  When I took her in and it turned out to just be
acne, they didn't charge me for the visit but did charge me when I asked for
some of the cleansing pads the doctor had used to clean the area for me.  It
was a whopping $10.  It can't hurt to call and describe the problem and ask
how much the visit would be to just have the cat looked at.  I can't imagine
having scabs all over feels very good.

get to the vet and help your cat out, obviously it is suffering from
something serious.

I wouldn't even try to guess what they are or try to treat, i'd get
the cat to the vet.  

You may need treatment to avoid infection.

I urge you to get the cat to a vet.  I agree with Beth, call the vet first,
describe the problem to her/him, and ask how much it would be for a visit.
The sooner you go, the better.  Getting this checked out now and nipping it
in the bud might save you a larger vet bill later.  Not to mention suffering
on the part of your cat.

Good luck and hope you'll update,
Jan

Does she have fleas? Some cats are allergic to flea bites and will lose
their fur and get scabby. Comb kitty over a piece of white paper. If
you see dark "flea dust" on the paper, this might be the problem. If it
is, a vet can help your kitty the price of some Advantage and an office
visit.