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Data Input Options

The Data Input Options available within each function vary, but the functionality of each option is consistent regardless of the function. The different data input options include:

• Check Boxes
  Check boxes are used to enable or disable one or more features or options from a set. When an option is selected, a check mark appears in the box.
  
  

  	Cleared Check Box  - Option not selected
  	Selected Check Box - Option is selected

  
  
• Option Buttons
  An option button appears as a small circle that, when selected, has a smaller, filled circle inside it. Selecting one button in a set deselects the previously selected button, so one and only one of the options in the set can be selected at any given time.
  
  
  
• Drop-down List Boxes
  The drop-down list box appears as a box with a down arrow button. When you click the down arrow button, the list appears. The list has a scroll bar if there are more options than the list has room to show.
  
  
  
• Split Drop-down List Boxes
  The split drop-down list box appears as two boxes. The first box is a text box and the second is a drop-down list box. The split drop-down list boxes are used for selecting codes from the tables stored in the system. If you know which code you want to use you can type it in the text box, otherwise you can click the down arrow button on the drop-down list box to make the list appear and select from it.
  
  
  
• Split List Boxes with Magnifying Glass
  The split list box with magnifying glass appears as two boxes with a magnifying glass icon between the boxes. Both boxes are text boxes. The split list boxes with a magnifying glass are used for selecting codes from the tables stored in the system. If you know which code you want to use you can type it in the text box, or click the magnifying glass to make Search the tables.
  
  
  
• Date Boxes
  The date box appears as a box with a calendar icon next to it.
  
  
  There are two basic ways in which dates are entered. The first method uses a default date, while the second does not.
  
  • Entering Dates With a Default - Any date field in the system that is 'required' contains a default date. This default date is generally the current date. It is only necessary to change the portion of the default date that requires changing. You can highlight the portion of the date that you want to change and type the new data in or you can click on the calendar icon next to the date box to select the correct date.
    
  • Entering Dates Without a Default - Any date field in the system that is 'not required' is generally blank. If you want to type a date in the field, you can type one or two digits for the day or three or four digits for the month and day. The remaining digits will be pulled from the current date. You can also type eight digits for the date either with or without dashes. For example, '092308' or '09-23-2008'. If you do not enter the full century, the system automatically assumes the current century.
  
  
• Multiple Selection Boxes
  The multiple selection box appears as a box in which you can select more than one item. For information about working with data in multiple selection boxes, see Working With Data.
  
  

  - Multiple Selection Box

  
  
  
• Text Boxes
  The text box appears as a rectangular box in which you can type or edit text. For information about working with data in text boxes, see Working With Data.
  
  
  
• Entering Dollar Amounts
  You do not need to type the decimal point and two zeroes when typing a whole dollar amount, but when there is a cent amount, you must type the decimal before the cents. For example, type $25.00 as 25, but type $25.32 as 25.32.
  
  

  	Even Dollar Amount - Do not type a decimal point
  	Dollar Amount Containing Cents - Type a decimal point

  
  
• Entering Phone Numbers
  You can type a phone number with or without the area code. If you do not enter an area code, the default area code of the practice will automatically be used. The area code is taken from the Phone Number field in Change Database Parameters. You can also enter the phone number with or without dashes to separate the prefix and suffix of the telephone number.
  

  	Type phone number without area code
  	Area Code automatically inserted