Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs) are entities tasked by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with uncovering and recouping improper payments resulting from Medicare fraud. Since ZPICs work for (and get paid by) the government, it is strongly in their best interests to help the government recover as much money as possible. As a result, healthcare providers subjected to ZPIC audits regularly face recoupment requests, and those who fail to take appropriate action to protect themselves can also face civil or criminal charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ).