Duplicate Data?

Hello, I am new to the site and it looks great so far. I was wondering how the data is sorted so we are not all running around recreating duplicate POIs in different lists.

For instance, I would like to add a new QT gas station that is not already loaded on my Garmin. Since Quick Trip gas stations are already listed in a vast number, how can I be sure that I am contributing something new?

Further, is there a search engine somewhere where I can see if specific locations or Points already exist or do I simply need to open up the excel files and search the long way?

Thanks for your time.