Question 1

What is an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

An autopsy is an invasive examination of a deceased individual for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death. A complete autopsy entails examination of the external body surface, an internal examination of the chest and abdominal cavities, and cranium (head). A non-forensic autopsy examination can also be limited to certain areas of interest and concern which the family can specify.

Question 2

Who is most qualified to perform an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

American Board of Pathology (ABP) certified forensic pathologists are the most fully qualified experts for providing autopsy services. They are physicians who perform autopsies routinely and are specially trained to recognize the anatomic changes brought about by disease and sequelae of injury.

Question 3

Are American Forensics pathologists board certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. American Forensics' pathologists are board certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic, clinical, forensic, and/or neuropathology. All have performed thousands of autopsy examinations and are experienced in civil and criminal court testimony,

Question 4

Can anyone request an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Any family member or close friend of the deceased may ask for an autopsy, but the autopsy must be properly authorized. Additionally, some autopsy examinations are required by law because they fall under the jurisdiction of a coroner, justice of the peace, or medical examiner.

Question 5

How soon after death should an autopsy be performed?

Accepted Answer

The autopsy should be performed as soon as possible after death to prevent the changes of decomposition from interfering with the examination results. When the deceased is properly cooled, a brief delay of several days generally will not interfere with the autopsy results. The results of some specialized tests may be affected by a delay in the autopsy examination.

Question 6

Will the hospital where my family member died perform an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes the hospital where the patient died will perform an autopsy free of charge to the family or at the request of the doctor treating the patient. However, not all hospitals provide this service. Check with the individual hospital as to their policies.

Question 7

Is the pathologist providing the autopsy responsible for signing the death certificate?

Accepted Answer

No. The attending physician who provided medical services prior to the person's death is responsible for signing the death certificate. In the event the attending physician doesn't sign the death certificate, then the coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction. A medical examiner, coroner, or justice of the peace will sign death certificates for cases under their jurisdiction.

Question 8

When does a medical examiner order an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

The Coroner, Medical Examiner or Justice of the Peace has authority over cases of sudden, unexpected, violent or traumatic death. The Medical Examiner may also take jurisdiction of cases involving a natural death under certain circumstances. If the deceased has a significant, well-documented medical history, the Medical Examiner will usually release the case and not perform an autopsy. The guidelines may vary by jurisdiction.

Question 9

Where are private autopsies performed?

Accepted Answer

Private autopsies will be performed in our facility where the highest clinical and forensic standards are practiced.

Question 10

Who performs the autopsy?

Accepted Answer

An American Forensics Board Certified Forensic Pathologist conducts and administers the autopsy from start to finish.

Question 11

Does insurance pay for an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

No. Private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not pay for autopsy examinations.

Question 12

Why would I request an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

If not under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner, an autopsy may be recommended. Questions family members may have related to the death can be investigated. An autopsy often discloses information about inheritable diseases that will assist surviving family members with their own healthcare. If medical malpractice or medical neglect is suspected, an autopsy can document the disease process and treatment. We suggest you consult with an American Forensics doctor who can help you decide if your questions related to the death can be answered by an autopsy

Question 13

Will an autopsy hinder funeral arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Autopsy should not interfere with viewing at a funeral. When performed correctly, the incisions performed at the time of autopsy are not visible after routine embalming procedures and would not interfere with viewing the deceased at a funeral.

Question 14

Can an autopsy be performed if the body has been embalmed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however, for the best outcome, an autopsy should be performed on an un-embalmed body after proper refrigeration. If there is a long delay (beyond one week) between the time of death and the autopsy, embalming is recommended to preserve the body tissues. Embalming interferes with most of the toxicology studies.

Question 15

When will I get my report of the autopsy findings?

Accepted Answer

The forensic pathologist conducting the autopsy is available to discuss case findings with the family throughout the process. A preliminary one-page written report, called Preliminary Anatomical Diagnosis is sent to the authorizing family member within 24-48 hours after an autopsy is performed. The final report including all histology and toxicology tests interpreted by the physician will be completed and sent within 60 days.

Question 16

Who can authorize an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

In the case of a private autopsy, only the legal next of kin can authorize an autopsy. A medical examiner, coroner, or justice of the peace may also authorize autopsy examinations when they fall under their jurisdiction. Texas law specifies that consent for an autopsy be provided by (in the order listed):
1. Spouse 
2. Any child of legal age (18) 
3. Guardian or court having care of minor child 
4. A parent 
5. A guardian 
6. The next of kin (other relative) 
7. Any person who assumes custody of and responsibility for the burial of the body. (Please note that a Power of Attorney expires when an individual dies).

Question 17

How much does an autopsy cost?

Accepted Answer

Contact American Forensics for pricing specific to your needs.

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