Data Types

The Data Type is based on its intended usage, for example:

• Do you want a predesigned dropdown or do you want to use Library or System options?
• Do you want a short or a long free text field?
• Do you want to use decimals or numbers?
• Do you want to use a Date formatted field?

Text

• Selecting Text gives you the most options for creating custom lists or allows you to use Libraries or System options.
• Size: Text is limited to 30 characters.

• Enter any numerical value less than or equal to 30.

• Example: You want to capture the state where the Patient resides on the Appointment screen, but you only want to allow two characters in the field.

• Set the Size to 2 to limit the free text to two characters.
• If GA is entered on the Add Appointment screen, GA will appear on the Patient's Appointment.

• If Georgia is entered on the Add Appointment screen, GE will display on the Patient's Appointment.

• You will not get a warning that you have entered more than 2 characters, but only the first two characters will display.

• Lookup: Choose the lookup and associated criteria that will be used.

• Select a Lookup in the dropdown.

• Add Custom: Create a custom list of values to use as a lookup for dropdown.

• Name: Enter the name for the custom list to make it easily usable on other Custom Fields.
• Values: Add the values that will be used in the list.
  
• Separate each value with a comma and no space.
  
• Example: TV,Facebook,Friend,Family

• Use Library: Choose a Library that you want to use.

• Example: Billing/Rendering Provider Library

• Use System: Choose a System item that you want to use.

• Example: Language

• Use Lookup as a Dropdown: Determines the format of the Lookup.

• Example 1: The Use Lookup as a Dropdown checkbox is selected.

• Example 2: The Use Lookup as a Dropdown checkbox is not selected.

Long Text

• An unlimited amount of text can be entered in a Long Text field.
• Size: The number entered in this field determines how many characters appear on the associated screen. All characters will appear on Reports regardless of the Size.

• It does not affect the number of characters that can be entered in the field.

• Example 1: If the Long Text Custom Field is set to Size 5, you can enter the word Facebook during Patient Registration, but you will not be able to see the extra characters on the Patient Dashboard.
• Example 2: If the Long Text Custom Field is set to Size 20, you can enter the word Facebook during Patient Registration and will be able to see the entire word on the Patient Dashboard.

Date

• Date Custom Fields are limited to 10 characters.
• Dates will display in the format of mm/dd/yyyy.

Number

• Limits the data to numbers only.

• This does not support symbols, dashes, slashes, or letters.
• If you want to add a phone number or other numbers that have dashes or slashes, use the Text Data Type.

Decimal

• Decimals are used for entering dollar amounts.
• A dollar sign ($) will automatically be added to the field and should not be entered by the User.
• Recommendation: Set the Size to accommodate the largest number plus 2 additional characters.

• Example 1: If the Size is set to 2, and you enter 5 in the field, it will display as $5.
• Example 2: If the Size is set to 5 (or greater), and you enter 5 in the field, it will display as $5.00.

Learn More

Custom Fields Overview