If you are in an area with 10-digit dialing, then you would dial the area code plus the number (NPA-NXX-XXXX). Sending out a 1 in front of the area code signals most carriers to process the call through long distance switches. Since you do not have 212 programmed in your PBX, you are having to dial 1212 for both local and long distance calls.
We have been 10-digit dialing in our area for quite a while. The initial changeover left a lot of PBXs with some old programming that was no longer necessary. Setups can vary, of course, but you will typically have your area code in as 1+ and just by itself. Then you would direct each to a different RLI, one for local and one for long distance.
Have you looked at your phone bill to determine if you are being charged for those calls as long distance when they should be local? That is really the concern.