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# Check provider wait times

This guide shows how to read the current wait time for a location and how a member client can contribute a wait-time observation. Both calls are member-path calls; authenticate as a member client first. See [Authentication](/api-reference/authentication).

## Read the wait time for a location

Call `GET /v1/wait-times/{locationId}` with the stable identifier of the location.

```bash
curl --get "$CAIL_API_BASE_URL/v1/wait-times/8f3c1b2a-4d5e-46c7-b890-1f2e3d4c5b6a" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer $CAIL_TOKEN"
```

The response is shaped for the audience that calls it. A member token returns the member view: a current wait-time estimate suitable to show in a client. An operator token returns the operator view, which adds percentile detail for performance monitoring.

Use the member view to set expectations before a member travels, and pair it with [Find providers near a member](/guides/find-providers-near-a-member) so a member can weigh distance against how busy each option is.

## Contribute a wait-time observation

Member clients can submit what a member observed on arrival. These observations keep estimates current. Call `POST /v1/wait-times`.

```bash
curl --request POST "$CAIL_API_BASE_URL/v1/wait-times" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer $CAIL_TOKEN" \
  --header "Content-Type: application/json" \
  --data '{
    "locationId": "8f3c1b2a-4d5e-46c7-b890-1f2e3d4c5b6a",
    "valueMinutes": 35,
    "devicePlatform": "ios"
  }'
```

Observations are anonymous, like every member-path call. Never include a name, contact detail, or other identifying field. See the [Auth model](/concepts/auth-model) for why member flows carry no identifying information.

## Next steps

* Combine wait times with ranked options in [Find providers near a member](/guides/find-providers-near-a-member).
* Walk a member all the way to a provider in [Navigate a member to care](/guides/navigate-a-member-to-care).