Medicare's ZPIC audits: the auditors' new stomping ground.

This article describes Medicare's recent Integrity Program effort, the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs). The ZPICs are replacing the existing Program Safeguard Contractors and are part of Medicare's effort to enhance its auditing capabilities through centralization of audits and identification of potentially noncompliant activities. The ZPICs are currently active in three of the eventual seven zones, and through their active pursuit of fraudulent activities have already demonstrated their zealous intent to investigate potential fraud. ZPICs in all seven zones are scheduled to open by year end.