Auto codes for Canada work behind the scenes to insert and validate the correct procedure code depending on a variety of tooth conditions. Auto codes can be associated with Procedure Buttons.

Canadian auto codes can be automatically generated in version 15.4 and greater. See Canada Procedure Code Tools. For U.S. auto code examples, see Auto Codes.

You may need to enter more than the default auto codes. For example, there is no default auto code for amalgams.

To add or edit auto codes:

1. In the Main Menu, click Setup, Auto Codes.
   
2. Click Add, or double-click an auto code to edit.
   

   All procedure codes associated with the auto code will list.

3. Description: Enter the Description of this auto code.
4. Add each procedure code that should be associated with this auto code and define the conditions that will trigger it. All possible conditions must be defined for the auto code to work correctly.
   1. Click Add or double-click an existing auto code to edit.
   2. Click Change to select the procedure code from the Procedure Codes.
   3. Highlight the conditions that will trigger this procedure code, then click OK to save.
   4. Repeat sub steps 1- 3 for each procedure code in this auto code.
      

      When selecting conditions, there are some logical groupings. You should never select two conditions from the same group since both conditions can not possibly be met simultaneously.

      • Anterior and Posterior are opposites.
      • Anterior is also part of the Molar/Premolar group.
      • The five surfaces are a group.
      • First is the opposite of Each Additional.
      • Maxillary is the opposite of Mandibular.
      • Primary is the opposite of Permanent.
      • Pontic is the opposite of Retainer.
      • The AgeOver18 condition is non-functional and should not be used.

      Most of the conditions are simply based on tooth number.

      • For instance, for tooth number 14, the Anterior condition is false, the Posterior condition is true, and the Premolar condition is true.
      • First and Each Additional really only apply if you have selected multiple teeth on the chart and click a procedure button, perhaps for a PA. The first one meets the First condition, and the remaining will be Each Additional.
      • Pontic and Retainer are also unusual. A tooth is considered missing if it has been marked as missing in the Chart Module (an extraction or using Missing Teeth). So the Pontic condition is met if the tooth is missing, and the Retainer condition is met if the tooth is not missing.
5. Click OK to save the auto code.

Other options:

• Hidden: If checked, this auto code will not be available for selection on the Edit Procedure Button window.
• Do not check codes in the procedure edit window, but only use this auto code for procedure buttons: If checked, this auto code will only be used when entering treatment using a Procedure Button. It will not be used for validating procedure codes entered on the Procedure. Thus, the validation message usually triggered when an entered procedure does not match the entered procedure code will no longer popup. To restart the validation message, uncheck this box.