POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital now has an online bill-pay service accessible from a button on its homepage.

The system is operated through InstaMed, a company that provides online financial services for over 400 hospitals, 60,000 practices/clinics, and over 100 billing services. Instamed is independently certified as a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards Level One Service Provider.

“Quick turnaround in accounts receivable is one of the keys to remaining financially strong and being able to serve our community,” said Maxine Briggs, CPH controller.

The online system will be familiar to people who pay other bills online, Briggs noted. It accepts most commonly used credit cards and payment directly via e-check from a bank account. A receipt can be emailed. A phone number connects visitors to CPH Patient Financial Services for answers to questions or more information about payment.

“Providing an online option for paying bills is just one of the ways we are demonstrating our commitment to customer service,” Briggs said.

As a not-for-profit institution employing approximately 900 people in St. Lawrence County, CPH provides community services free of charge to eligible beneficiaries and to the community at large. In 2012, the hospital donated $1.5 million in free care to eligible low-income patients, in addition to holding numerous free health screenings and informational sessions for community groups. Revenue includes donations to the CPH Foundation. Surpluses of revenue over expenditures are reinvested in services, technology, and facilities to serve health needs identified in collaboration with other hospitals, healthcare agencies, and the New York State Department of Health.

For more information about online bill-pay services at CPH, interested individuals may contact Patient Financial Services at 261-5150 or visit www.cphospital.org