Q I need to find a doctor who can help me. I have such bad allergies and headaches. — E.B., Abbeville

A Several readers have asked for help finding doctors. Your family or primary care doctor is the best source for a referral to another physician or a specialist.

Everyone should have a physician they see regularly for physicals, flu shots or infections. The primary care doctor can help you plan when physicals are needed, order mammograms and bloodwork and perform yearly pap smears for women. This doctor is your first line of defense, helping to make early diagnosis of potential problems and referring you to a specialist as needed.

To find a family doctor, ask friends and co-workers for suggestions. Ask whether the doctors they know have a reputation for caring and listening to patients. If you don’t have a family doctor and are having symptoms such as allergies or headaches or pain, consider stopping at a primary care center that doesn’t require appointments.

If you need to find a specialist, the Yellow Pages lists physicians by specialty. For example, if you have allergies, you need an immunologist. If you have a problem that relates to blood flow, you’d want to see a vascular specialist.

Another alternative is to contact a toll-free health line sponsored by a foundation or self-help group. An example is the National Headache Foundation (1-888-NHF-5552 or www.info.headaches.org). You can look in the Yellow Pages or online for lists of local or regional groups that may be able to help you.

The South Carolina Medical Association (800-327-1021) has a physician database, as well as a list of free clinics in the state. Their Web site is www.scmanet.org.

On a national basis, the American Medical Association’s Doctor Finder (www.ama-assn.org) provides information on licensed physicians in the United States, with credentials including medical schools, residency training programs, licensing, certification and other data — all of which is verified for accuracy and authenticated by accrediting agencies.

Using their database, you can select a doctor by name, location or specialty. The system is easy to use and includes a mapping function to show you where the doctor’s office is located. Future plans include adding a method of finding a doctor by condition or illness. You’ll type in your symptoms or diagnosis and the system will provide a list of doctors who specialize in treating that.

You are not alone in trying to find a good doctor to address your health problems. The solution will require you to spend a little time in tracking down a physician. A primary care doctor whom you trust and who helps you sort through your symptoms and possible diagnosis will guide you in making good health decisions.

Send your health questions to Debbie Jackson, PhD, MN Clemson University, 302 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-5155 or via e-mail to dbj@clemson.edu