Each phone option consists of a selector and a phone number field. Each selector has a button allowing you to select which type of phone number is displayed. Phone numbers are defined and edited by opening the contact record associated with the Contact Name field.

Phone fields allow area code, phone number, and extension to be entered in the same field. The area code and extension are optional. A maximum of 31 characters is allowed for each phone number.

Phone fields accept any format. The following formats are recommended when using the Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster Phone Dialer. If another format is used, the Phone Dialer software may not be able to parse the desired phone number from the characters entered.

(402) 419-2200

(402)419-2200

402-419-2200

419-2200

402.419-2200

419.2200

(402) 419-2200x1440

PracticeMaster Note: You may want to consider always using area codes when using PracticeMaster. This will make it easier for those users that synchronize Outlook with mobile devices. All 31 characters entered in a PracticeMaster phone field will integrate with Outlook, regardless of the format used. However, if a phone number is edited in Outlook, it will synchronize back to PracticeMaster using Outlook's preferred "(402) 419-2200" format.

International phone number fields must be entered with a + as the first character in order to use the international dialing conventions configured in your Phone and Modem software. The Phone Dialer can accept any of the following formats:

+39 (033) 3456789

+39(033)3456789

Although 19 phone numbers can be defined in the contact record, only four different types can be displayed in the Client file at a time. Only one instance of each type of phone number can be defined. The phone numbers shown are independent of the four shown in the Contact file. Click any one of the four phone number selectors to view the following list of phone number fields for a client.

  Assistant ISDN
  Business Mobile
  Business 2 Other
  Business Fax Other Fax
  Callback Pager
  Car Primary
  Company Radio
  Home Telex
  Home 2 TTY/TDD
  Home Fax  

Phone Dialer

The button or right-clicking a phone field and selecting the Dial Phone option in the right-click menu will open the Phone Dialer window to automatically dial the phone number, launch a fee entry, and/or start a timer. This window can be repositioned but must be closed before switching to any other task. Area codes for local phone numbers are not required. This is because the area code from the Firm Phone number defined in the Firm Information program in System Configuration is used by default. The Phone Dialer does not dial extension numbers.

Note: Text in the phone number fields on the Address tab of the Client file can be copied to the Windows clipboard and pasted into other locations using right-click menus or standard keystroke combinations. However, if you attempt to edit the text in the phone number fields of the Client file, the message "Click the hyperlink next to the Contact Name field to open the Contact Information window to change this information." will be displayed. This message serves as a reminder that information related to the matter contact must be edited in the Contact file, not the Client file.

Secure Client Note: When a client's Secure Client check box is selected, the phone selectors cannot be changed. Only the following four phone numbers can be defined for the client: 1) Business, 2) Business Fax, 3) Home, and 4) Mobile. The phone numbers for a secure client are stored on the Address tab of the Client file, rather than in the Contact file in order to maintain security and prevent them from being accessed by non-approved users.