How to Find a Good Allergist
An allergist (also called an allergist/immunologist) is a physician specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies, asthma, and related immune conditions. Becoming one takes about nine years of training after medical school, and board certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) signals that a physician has met those standards. Look for a board-certified allergist when you have symptoms without a clear diagnosis, hard-to-control allergies or asthma, or a history of severe reactions. Your primary care provider can often refer you.
Quick answer
An allergist (allergist/immunologist) is a physician specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies, asthma, and related immune conditions. It takes about nine years of training after medical school, and board certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) signals a physician has met those standards. Look for a board-certified allergist when you have undiagnosed symptoms, hard-to-control allergies or asthma, or a history of severe reactions; your primary care provider can often refer you.
What you need to know
- An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained in allergies, asthma, and immune conditions.
- Training takes about nine years after medical school — medical degree, then residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, then a 2-year allergy/immunology fellowship.
- Board certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) indicates the physician met the specialty's standards.
- Consider seeing an allergist for undiagnosed symptoms, allergies or asthma that are hard to control, or a history of severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
- Your primary care provider can often provide a referral, and some insurance plans require one.
- Professional societies (AAAAI, ACAAI) maintain “find an allergist” directories you can use.
What an Allergist Actually Does
An allergist, or allergist/immunologist, is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergic and immune conditions — things like allergic rhinitis, asthma, food and drug allergies, eczema, hives, and severe reactions. They perform and interpret allergy testing, identify what's triggering your symptoms, and build treatment plans that can include avoidance strategies, medications, and immunotherapy. Because they combine testing with a detailed history, they're especially useful when the cause of your symptoms isn't obvious.
What Board Certification Means
Becoming an allergist takes roughly nine years of training after medical school. A physician first earns a medical degree, then completes a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and then does at least a two-year fellowship specifically in allergy and immunology. The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) — a conjoint board of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics — sets the qualifications and administers the certifying exam. A board-certified allergist has passed that exam, which is the public's assurance that the physician completed an approved program and met specialty standards. Checking for ABAI board certification is one of the most reliable ways to identify a qualified allergist.
When to See an Allergist
- You have ongoing allergy symptoms but no clear diagnosis of what's triggering them
- Your allergies or asthma aren't well controlled with standard over-the-counter or primary-care treatment
- You've had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a reaction to a food, medication, or insect sting
- You're considering immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets)
- You need testing to confirm or rule out a specific allergy, such as a suspected penicillin allergy
For what a visit involves once you book one, see our allergist appointment guide, and for the emergency side, our when to see a doctor for allergies guide.
How to Find One
Start by asking your primary care provider, who can assess whether a referral makes sense and, for some insurance plans, is required for coverage. You can also use the "find an allergist" directories maintained by professional societies such as the AAAAI and ACAAI to locate board-certified allergists near you. When choosing, it's reasonable to confirm board certification, check that the practice is in your insurance network, and consider whether they treat your specific concern (for example, pediatric allergies or food allergy).
When to seek care
Routine
You have undiagnosed or poorly controlled allergy symptoms and want specialist evaluation.
Prompt (within days)
Allergies or asthma that standard treatment isn't controlling, or a suspected food, drug, or insect allergy you want tested.
Urgent (same day)
A recent significant allergic reaction that needs evaluation and a plan, even if it resolved.
Emergency (call 911)
A severe allergic reaction — trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness — needs emergency care now, not a specialist referral. Use epinephrine if prescribed and call 911.
Practical next steps
Safe general steps
- Ask your primary care provider whether an allergist referral is appropriate
- Confirm the allergist is board-certified (ABAI) and in your insurance network
- Use AAAAI or ACAAI directories to find allergists near you
- Choose one who treats your specific concern, such as pediatric or food allergy
Actions that need medical guidance
- Whether your symptoms warrant a specialist referral
- Which type of allergy specialist fits your situation
- Coordinating care between your primary provider and an allergist
Don't attempt without professional advice
- Don't assume any provider offering allergy testing is a board-certified allergist — check certification
- Don't delay evaluation of a past severe reaction while deciding on a provider
- Don't skip confirming insurance coverage and referral requirements first
Frequently asked questions
What is an allergist?
What does board certification mean for an allergist?
How much training does an allergist have?
When should I see an allergist?
Do I need a referral to see an allergist?
How do I find a board-certified allergist near me?
Sources
- AAAAI — American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI)
- ACAAI Patient — Testing and Diagnosis
- ACAAI Patient — Allergy Testing
Medical disclaimer: This guide is for general education and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. It doesn't provide dosing. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment.
MDMedically reviewed
Dr. Hannah H. Walford, MD
Allergist and Immunologist
- Website role
- Owner, Medical Director and Medical Reviewer of Allergy Relief Guide
- Professional affiliation
- Stanford Health Care / Menlo Medical Clinic, Menlo Park, California
- Areas of expertise
- Food allergy, eczema, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma
Dr. Hannah H. Walford is a board-certified allergist and immunologist experienced in caring for adults and children with allergic conditions. Her areas of expertise include food allergy, eczema, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma. She provides medical leadership and review oversight for the educational health content published by Allergy Relief Guide.
Medical content is provided for education and is not a substitute for diagnosis or individualized medical care.
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