I got started in this business over twenty years ago when I started writing a program to manage an insurance repair cost database to be the basis for an estimating system. Lack of sales of the estimating software led my partners and I to become cat adjusters and eventually the estimating software company morphed into a independent adjusting company. I found this web site in 1996. I left the claims business in 1999 to concentrate on my computer services business, but stuck a toe back in '04 when every one was out on storms and claims needed to be done here in Hampton Roads, VA. I now do both computer services and day-to-day claims here in Virginia.
In my various roles in this industry, software developer, cat adjuster, vendor president/manager of a company running 40 adjusters, proprietor of a micro-adjusting company (me and 1 part time staff), I have talked to, and been talked at, by literally hundreds of adjusters. Many of these claimed to be great adjusters, some may even have been. A few of them I would put my name on their work, most I wouldn't let work for me, and once in a great while, I would stumble across someone who was obviously a library of claims knowledge, and would share it by teaching it to the other adjusters. Most of the "great" adjusters I met are too busy telling you how great they are, how much money they make, and, By God, how large and shiny their belt buckles are, to even learn the things the really great adjusters pass on to their brethren.
It was obvious from when Trader first appeared on this board, that he was library of claims knowledge, and he doled it out in very interesting ways. I have probably learned more from Ray Hall on this board than from any other adjuster I have never met face to face. We have exchanged a few emails about computers and software, and I pray that I helped Ray learn something as well. Ray is an asset this site can never replace.
My wife was a chemotherapy nurse for over ten years, before my computer geekdom wore off on her and now she trains her oncology practice on their electronic medical records system. I am quite familiar with what Ray and the people who care about him face. If there is anything this computer nerd/claims adjuster can do to help Trader or those that care about him, please let me know.
Best wishes for a speedy and successful treatment Ray.
Jeff Goodman