NILES — Spectrum Health Lakeland was recognized as an adopter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association’s Patient Financial Communications Best Practices Tuesday.

The recognition is based on nearly 100 best practices covering all aspects of financial interactions that take place in a variety of care settings from its 31 N. St. Joseph St., Niles location.

Spectrum Health Lakeland joins a select group of hospitals, health systems and physician practices that have received the first-of-its-kind national recognition. Best practices were developed to help improve communication between healthcare providers and consumers about financial matters, said Joseph Fifer, association president and CEO.

The task force for the awards included representatives from major industry groups, such the American Hospital Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Patient Advocate Foundation.

“We understand that health care costs can often seem complex or confusing and the financial conversations we have with patients have never been more important,” said Tim Calhoun, chief financial officer of Spectrum Health Lakeland. “We have taken steps to ensure our patients are treated with compassion and respect through initiatives such as financial assistance and our financial advocate program, and this recognition confirms that.”

More information on the best practices can be found at hfma.org/dollars.