Why optometry practices are turning to TEEM for remote support
Cory Pinegar. Photo Credit: TEEM.
By Maggie Fernandez
August 27, 2026
I recently spoke with Cory Pinegar, founder of TEEM, about how its network of remote assistants can bring a multitude of benefits to optometry practices.
Start with the Practice’s Biggest Problem
One of Cory’s main takeaways was that practices should solve their biggest problem first. If new patient calls are being missed, that may be the best place to begin. Cory shared that in optometric practices, 28% to 32% of phone calls typically go unanswered, with last year’s full-year data showing 32% of calls during business hours were missed.
That’s a major issue because every missed call is a missed opportunity for a new patient. Cory pointed out that practices are already investing in Facebook ads, websites and other marketing efforts to bring patients in, but when no one answers the phone, those opportunities quickly disappear.
If overdue recalls or billing backlogs are the bigger issue, those should take priority instead.
TEEM Provides Solutions
TEEM can work with practices to find out where to start with a discovery call. He explained that remote support can make the greatest impact in non-clinical areas that don’t require in-person interaction, including phone calls, insurance verification, submitting claims, scribing and patient billing.
Human-Led, AI-Amplified Support
We also talked about TEEM’s new human-led, AI-amplified approach. Cory emphasized that AI is not replacing people. Instead, TEEM is using AI to help trained humans do more. TEEM uses automation to support its team members, including a call coaching tool that helps them review recorded calls and improve conversion rates, as well as tools that help claims get submitted faster and more completely.
Embedded in the Practice
Cory’s focused on making remote team members feel like a true extension of the practice. They join morning huddles, communicate through team chat tools and work within existing workflows so they feel embedded in the office, not separate from it.
For optometric business owners looking to improve efficiency, reduce burnout and strengthen their teams for the future, TEEM offers a compelling model worth exploring.
This podcast is sponsored by TEEM
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Maggie Fernandez is the senior editor of Review of Optometric Business and Independent Strong. To contact her: mbiunno@jobson.com |
