The quality of a victim's initial application greatly affects the speed of case processing. This can be enhanced by training those who assist victims in completing applications, using a quarterly newsletter to describe how to complete the application, and telephoning applicants frequently during the period they are completing the application. The development of personal professional relationships between claims specialists and the law enforcement and medical personnel with whom they deal most often can also expedite claims processing. A number of States have boosted the speed of claims processing dramatically by automating their case management system. Continuing assessment of claims-processing procedures can also help avoid duplicative and unnecessary steps. Other measures that can increase the efficiency of claims processing include precise budgeting of staff time, restricting the time spent responding to providers' requests for payment, not overworking investigations, continuous training, the use of management tools, and the development of a team spirit among the staff. A checklist used by the Missouri program is included.