Zone 3 ZPIC TrustSolutions is out, Cahaba Safeguard is in

Effective May 22, 2012

Published May 22, 2012

Correction: The previous story reported that Cahaba Safeguard had received the ZPIC contract for zone 6. Although Cahaba Safeguard was initially awarded the contract for zone 6, it is now under protest. Currently zone 6 has no ZPIC.

If your agency resides in zone 3 and experienced an audit from zone program integrity contractor (ZPIC) TrustSolutions, expect longer turnaround times as Cahaba Safeguard transitions into the role.

TrustSolutions, which oversaw midwestern states in zone 3 including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky has transferred all open cases to Cahaba Safeguard. As a result, you can expect longer turnaround times if your agency is involved in an audit.

Experts suspect that the change could result in better outcomes on audits for agencies. It's often difficult for auditors to defend a previous contractor's work, says Les Johnson, an attorney in the Baton Rouge, La. office of Liles Parker. A lot of times these changes can help your case, he says.

If you are in zone 3 and have any questions, contact CMS’ program integrity department in the office of financial management, or Cahaba Safeguard directly.

For more information, see an upcoming issue of HHL.

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