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 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 Contact 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 Client file. Click any one of the four phone number selectors to view the following list of phone number fields for a contact.

  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  

The Home, Mobile, Business, and Business Fax selectors are displayed by default. However, the default order in which they are displayed depends on whether the contact is an individual or organization. Individual contacts display the Home and Mobile selectors on the left and the Business and Business Fax selectors on the right. Organization contacts display the Business and Business Fax selectors on the left and the Home and Mobile selectors on the right.

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.