What accurately describes Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs)?

Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs) are private entities that have been contracted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to perform various tasks aimed at ensuring the integrity of Medicare claims. Their primary responsibilities include conducting audits and investigations to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, waste, and abuse in the Medicare program. ZPICs play a crucial role in safeguarding Medicare funds and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

This distinction highlights that ZPICs are not federal employees, nor are they state agencies. While they do contribute to the oversight of Medicare services, their work is performed as independent contractors rather than as state or federal entities. This separation underscores the role of private contractors in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Medicare oversight while allowing for specialized expertise in program integrity.