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Questions that need to be answered before the autopsy. Questions that need to be answered during the autopsy. Questions that need to be answered after the autopsy. Q. Is an autopsy always performed? Q. Why are autopsies performed? Q. Is there a charge for these services? Q. Can I come see him/ her? Q. What about funeral arrangements? Q. How long does the office take to close its cases? Q. Who can be an organ or tissue donor? Q. What can I donate? Q. Is there a need for organ and tissue donors? Q. Does my religion support donation? Q. Will my family have to pay additional fees if I am a donor? Q. Will my donation affect my funeral arrangements? Q. Will my medical care be altered because of my decision to donate? Q. How are organs distributed to patients waiting for a transplant? Q. Where is my loved one being taken? What is an autopsy? Q. Who is most qualified to perform an autopsy? Q. Are American Forensics’ pathologists board certified? Q. Can anyone request an autopsy? Q. Who can authorize an autopsy? Q. Who is considered the legal next of kin? Q. Is the pathologist providing the autopsy responsible for signing the death certificate? Q. When does a medical examiner order an autopsy? Q. Where are private autopsies performed? Q. Who performs the autopsy? Q. Why would I request an autopsy? Q. Will the hospital where my family member died perform an autopsy? Q. Will an autopsy hinder funeral arrangements? Q. Can an autopsy be performed if the body has been embalmed? Q. When will I get my report of the autopsy findings? Q. Are autopsies always performed when the Coroner investigates a death? Q. Why are autopsies performed? Q. Is there a charge for autopsies? Q. Are autopsies always performed when the Coroner investigates a death? Q. Why are autopsies performed? Q. Is there a charge for autopsies? Q. How do I contact the Coroner’s Office? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Can I stop an autopsy? Q. Is there a charge for an autopsy? Q. Under what circumstances is an autopsy performed or not performed? Q. How do I request an autopsy report? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Can I stop an autopsy? Q. Is there a charge for an autopsy? Q. Under what circumstances is an autopsy performed or not performed? Q. How do I request an autopsy report? Q. How do I obtain a Report of the Autopsy, Investigation, or Toxicology Findings? Q. Will an autopsy be performed? Q. Can I refuse an autopsy? Q. Will I still be able to have an open casket service if an autopsy is performed? Q. Do I have to pay for an autopsy? Q. When will the autopsy report be ready and how do I obtain a copy? Q. How do I obtain a Report of the Autopsy, Investigation, or Toxicology Findings? Q. Who decides if an autopsy is performed? Q. Who decides if an autopsy is performed? Q. Is an autopsy needed? Q. How do I get a copy of the autopsy? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Why might an autopsy be performed? Q. How can I obtain a copy of the Autopsy Report? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Why might an autopsy be performed? Q. How can I obtain a copy of the Autopsy Report? Q. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy? Q. What if I disagree with the Coroner/Medical Examiner’s decision regarding the necessity of autopsy? Q. How long does autopsy take, and when will the body be released? Q. Can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Is an autopsy required? Q. Are all individuals autopsied? Q. Is there a charge for a Medical Examiner autopsy? Q. Can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report? Q. How long does it take to receive an autopsy report? Q. Why is it taking so long to get results? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Can I stop an autopsy? Q. Is there a charge for an autopsy? Q. Under what circumstances is an autopsy performed or not performed? Q. How do I request an autopsy report? Q. When is an autopsy performed? Q. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy? Q. What is an autopsy and is there a charge for it? Q. Will an autopsy be performed? Q. Can I refuse an autopsy? Q. Will I still be able to have an open casket service if an autopsy is performed? Q. Do I have to pay for an autopsy? Q. When will the autopsy report be ready and how do I obtain a copy? Q. Will an autopsy be performed? Q. Can I refuse an autopsy? Q. Will I still be able to have an open casket service if an autopsy is performed? Q. Do I have to pay for an autopsy? Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Can I stop an autopsy? Q. Is there a charge for an autopsy? Q. How do I request an autopsy report? Q. When will the autopsy report be ready and how do I obtain a copy? Q. Who decides if an autopsy is performed? Q. Why might an autopsy be performed? Q. How can I obtain a copy of the Autopsy Report? |
Q. Is an autopsy always performed?
A: Not always. If the death is a "Natural Death" and cause of death can be determined by past medical history or from an external exam the Coroner will normally not perform an autopsy. Q: Why are autopsies performed? A: There are a number of reasons autopsies are performed. However, the basic reason is to determine the medical cause of death. The primary reason is to gather evidence for presentation in a court of law. Q: Is there a charge for these services? A: No, not if performed by our office Q: Can I come see him/ her? A: Due to legal and health issues, visitation of the loved one is done only at the funeral home after the body is properly prepared. Q: What about funeral arrangements? A: Contact the funeral director of your choice as soon as possible and advise him/ her what has transpired. Your funeral director will then coordinate further arrangements with the Forensic Pathology Department and help you begin the preparations for your loved one's funeral. Q. How long does the office take to close its cases? A. Most cases that are investigated by the Coroner's office are reviewed and closed within 14-21 days. If a case is pending toxicology or microscopic examination, a cause and manner of death could take upto 8 weeks for final results. FAQ ON ORGAN DONATION Q: Who can be an organ or tissue donor? A: Most anyone from birth to age 75 and beyond can be a donor. Physicians will determine the possibility of donation at the time of death. Q: What can I donate? A: As an organ donor you can donate heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, intestine and pancreas. As a tissue donor you can donate corneas, skin, bone and heart valves . Q: Is there a need for organ and tissue donors? A: Yes. Every day up to 8 people die due to a shortage of donated organs. Another man, woman or child is added to the transplant waiting list every 18 minutes. Q: Does my religion support donation? A: All major religions fully support organ and tissue donation. if you have a specific question contact your religious leader. Q: Will my family have to pay additional fees if I am a donor? A: No. Once your family gives consent for donation, all costs related to the donation and recovery of organs will be paid by Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. Q: Will my donation affect my funeral arrangements? A: No, The appearance of your body will not be altered. A highly skilled team of transplant surgeons will recover the organs in a manner that will allow your family to carry out normal funeral arrangements. Q: Will my medical care be altered because of my decision to donate? A: No. Before donation is considered, physicians and nurses will make every attempt to save your life. The quality of medical and nursing care will not change, regardless of your decision. Q: How are organs distributed to patients waiting for a transplant? A: Each patient waiting for a transplant is listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS.) This agency is responsible for ensuring that the donated organs are distributed equitably and fairly When a donor is identified, the donor's blood type, tissue type, body weight and size are matched against the list of patients currently waiting for a transplant. In addition, the recipient's severity of illness and time on the waiting list are factored into the matching process. Q: Where is my loved one being taken? A: Your loved one will be transported to the IU Forensic Pathology Department. This laboratory facility is where we will perform a medical examination on the deceased, if necessary. What is an autopsy? 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. Who is most qualified to perform an autopsy? 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. Are American Forensics’ pathologists board certified? 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. Can anyone request an autopsy? 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. Who can authorize an autopsy? In the case of a private autopsy, only the legal next of kin or an individual with durable power of attorney can authorize an autopsy. A medical examiner, coroner, or justice of the peace may also authorize autopsy examinations when they fall under their jurisdiction. Who is considered the legal next of kin? The legal next of kin is one of the following: parent of a minor child, surviving spouse, oldest adult child (if both parents are deceased or divorced), and oldest adult sibling (if both are parents are deceased). For more information, contact American Forensics directly: (214) 221-2700. Is the pathologist providing the autopsy responsible for signing the death certificate? 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. When does a medical examiner order an autopsy? 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. Where are private autopsies performed? Private autopsies can be performed in the funeral home where the body is located or in facility provided by American Forensics. Who performs the autopsy? An American Forensics Board Certified Forensic Pathologist conducts and administers the autopsy from start to finish. Why would I request an autopsy? 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. Will the hospital where my family member died perform an autopsy? 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. Will an autopsy hinder funeral arrangements? An autopsy does not interfere with viewing for a funeral. Working with your funeral director, American Forensics will attempt to schedule the autopsy so as not to interrupt funeral arrangements. Can an autopsy be performed if the body has been embalmed? Yes, however, for the best outcome, an autopsy should be performed on an unembalmed body. 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. When will I get my report of the autopsy findings? 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 “Provisional Anatomical Diagnosis” is mailed 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 mailed within 4 to 8 weeks. Q. Are autopsies always performed when the Coroner investigates a death? Q. Why are autopsies performed? Q. Is there a charge for autopsies? 9. Are autopsies always performed when the Coroner investigates a death? * Sometimes the Coroner may find it necessary to investigate a sudden or unexpected death, but after inquiry decide that enough information is present to determine the cause and manner of death, and that an autopsy is not necessary to make these determinations. Typically, these are cases of sudden deaths from “natural” disease processes. * More Information... 10. Why are autopsies performed? * There are a number of reasons why autopsies are performed. However, the basic reason is to determine how and why an individual died suddenly and/or unexpectedly. The determination of the “truth” is our only underlying motive. This “truth” may later be of great service to the family or a Court of Law. Frequently, families do find great comfort when they understand exactly how and why their loved one died. 11. Is there a charge for autopsies? * There are no charges associated with autopsies when they are performed as part of an official Coroner’s investigation. 12. How do I contact the Coroner’s Office? * Simply call 610-344-6165 during normal business hours. The Office is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Q. What is an autopsy? Q. Can I stop an autopsy? Q. Is there a charge for an autopsy? Q. Under what circumstances is an autopsy performed or not performed? Q. How do I request an autopsy report? 6. What is an autopsy? Also called a post-mortem examination, an autopsy is a systematized, intricate surgical procedure performed after death which involves examination of body tissues and often subsequent laboratory testing to determine cause and manner of death. The body is examined both externally and internally, with examination of all major organs to document injury or disease. Small samples of internal organs are retained for microscopic examination and body fluids are obtained and tested for drugs and alcohol. 7. Can I stop an autopsy? Autopsies are performed to answer medicolegal questions that are deemed in the "public's interest" or to address a question of law. However, we recognize that an individual's religious or personal beliefs may be contrary to the performance of an autopsy. In the event of a homicide or suspicious circumstances of death, the Medical Examiner WILL perform an autopsy. If the death is not a homicide, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office is open to discussion to try to accommodate the family's wishes while still meeting our mission and fulfilling the legal obligation presented by an individual's death. If a family wishes for an autopsy to not be performed, they may request so by phone with the on-duty investigator at 816-881-6600. 8. Is there a charge for an autopsy? There is no charge for an autopsy performed under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s Office (Jackson, Cass, Clay and Platte Counties) when it is determined by the Medical Examiner that an autopsy is warranted. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office does not perform private autopsies. 9. Under what circumstances is an autopsy performed or not performed? As a facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners, a forensic autopsy will be performed when: 1. the death is known or suspected to have been caused by apparent criminal violence. 2. the death is unexpected and unexplained in an infant or child. 3. the death is associated with police action. 4. the death is apparently non-natural and in custody of a local, state, or federal institution. 5. the death is due to acute workplace injury. 6. the death is caused by apparent electrocution. 7. the death is by apparent intoxication by alcohol, drugs, or poison. 8. the death is caused by un-witnessed or suspected drowning. 9. the body is unidentified and the autopsy may aid in identification. 10. the body is skeletonized. 11. the body is charred. 12. the forensic pathologist deems a forensic autopsy is necessary to determine cause or manner of death or collect evidence. An autopsy is not normally required when the death is known to be the result of natural causes, adequate medical history exists and there are no signs of foul play. In some cases, a detailed external examination may be sufficient to document injuries in cases with no pending legal issues associated. 10. How do I request an autopsy report? If a party is requesting an autopsy report, we must receive that request in writing. Accepted methods of request include faxing or mailing to the address listed following this paragraph. The request must include the decedent’s full name and date of death. Be sure to include a fax number or address to which the autopsy report should be sent. There is no charge to request an autopsy report as this information is a matter of public record. Note, if a case is pending litigation or is an open criminal investigation, the records are not available. In general, it takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks to complete an autopsy report. In certain cases, additional tests may need to be performed which will delay completion of the report for several additional weeks. Fax: 816-404-1345 Mail requests to: Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office 660 E. 24th Street Kansas City, MO 64108 How do I obtain a Report of the Autopsy, Investigation, or Toxicology Findings? * You will need to officially request a copy of an autopsy report from the Coroner’s Office. One copy of the Coroner’s findings is provided to the legal next of kin free of charge. * Additional copies are provided for a reasonable fee. * More Information... Who decides if an autopsy is performed? The Coroner’s Office will determine if an autopsy is needed based of the circumstances of the case, and each case is determined individually. The wishes of the family - based on personal, cultural and religious beliefs - are also considered. Autopsies are not ordered “by request”. Families wishing to pursue a private autopsy may contact the Coroner’s Office or their local hospital for names of area pathologists. Is an autopsy needed? Autopsies are not always required prior to making a professional medicolegal determination as to the cause and manner of death. However, an autopsy may be performed if the Medical Examiner determines, in their sole discretion, that it is necessary in order to determine the exact cause and manner of death. How do I get a copy of the autopsy? If an autopsy was done under the order of the Coroner, a copy of that autopsy may be requested from that Coroner. In a situation in which there is an ongoing investigation into the death, the Coroner may not release a copy of the autopsy. 5. What is an autopsy? An autopsy is a systematic examination of the body of a deceased person by a qualified pathologist. Performance of an autopsy does not interfere with having the body on view at the funeral. The body is inspected for the presence of disease or injury; specimens of the vital organs and/or body fluids may be taken for microscopic, chemical, or other tests. In some instances, an organ such as a brain or heart may be retained for further diagnostic tests. These diagnostic tests are conducted after release of the body to the next of kin. After the body is released to next of kin, a family may contact the Office of Chief Medical Examiner to request the return of any organs and/or tissue specimens. A written record is made of the autopsy findings including the microscopic and laboratory tests, and the reports of consultants. Copies of these reports are available upon request by next of kin or other authorized individuals. 6. Why might an autopsy be performed? Autopsies are conducted for a variety of reasons. The primary concern is to determine cause and manner of death. Did the death result from disease, injury, a combination of both, or another cause altogether? When death results from chemical agents, the autopsy permits us to obtain biological samples for testing in the laboratory, and to evaluate the effects of the chemical agents on vital organs. When death results from physical injuries, the autopsy frequently provides a means to reconstruct the fatal incident. The autopsy serves the best interests of the public, and of the family, by answering a multitude of pressing and important questions. When the next of kin objects to an autopsy, OCME makes every effort to honor that objection. However, if we cannot fulfill our legal and public responsibility without performing an autopsy, if the family has raised a viable religious objection (i.e., based on Judaism, Islam, Christian Science, Jehovah's Witness, or 7th Day Adventist) they will be provided an opportunity to hire an attorney, if they desire, and to present their objection to a Judge who will determine whether an autopsy will be performed. Objections to autopsy which are not based on religious beliefs have no standing in the law. 11. How can I obtain a copy of the Autopsy Report? Completed autopsy and toxicology reports are obtained by written request to: Office of Chief Medical Examiner Records Department 421 East 26 Street New York, NY 10016 A blank request letter may be obtained from the Identification Unit Staff who interviews you. Please include in your request: * The name of the deceased * Medical Examiner case number (available from the ID Unit staff or the death certificate) * Date and borough of death * Your name and relationship to the deceased Note: Autopsy reports may only be requested by next of kin. If you want these reports sent to someone other than yourself (eg., to an attorney or an insurance company), your signature on the request must be notarized. We at the Weld County Coroner’s Office extend our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. We hope that the information below will assist you by providing answers to commonly asked questions. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy? Colorado Law provides that the Coroner does not need permission for an autopsy. What is an autopsy and is there a charge? An autopsy is a medical examination of the dead person by a forensic pathologist in order to determine the cause and manner of death. Further, recovering evidence from the body may assist in a criminal or civil legal action. A record is made of the findings of the autopsy including microscopic and toxicological testing results. No, The Weld County Coroner/Medical Examiner does not assess any fees, other than those for processing requested autopsy reports. What if I disagree with the Coroner/Medical Examiner’s decision regarding the necessity of autopsy? A Colorado law (CRS 30-10-606) provides the authority for the Coroner/Medical Examiner to perform an autopsy as part of an investigation. We use the following guidelines: 1. If the autopsy is deemed unnecessary for the investigation, it will not be performed. By law, an autopsy cannot be performed by the Coroner/Medical Examiner solely for "medical curiosity". If the family or doctor would like a medical curiosity autopsy to be performed, it must be arranged by the family or by the doctor with the family’s permission, and be done by the Pathologist of your choice. You should be aware that the financial responsibility falls upon the requesting party and an autopsy can be quite expensive. 2. If the Coroner/Medical Examiner deems it necessary to perform an autopsy as part of the investigation, the law grants us the ability to take jurisdiction of the body to perform the autopsy. There is no charge for an autopsy conducted under these circumstances. 3. If you or your family should disagree with our decision to perform an autopsy in spite of the benefits and the questions it will answer, you must obtain a Court Order through your attorney to prevent the autopsy from taking place. All legal financial obligations incurred are your responsibility. 4. In the case of religious objection to autopsy, the Coroner will review the matter and determine whether it is absolutely necessary to perform an autopsy over the family's objections. 5. If after careful review the Coroner determines an autopsy is required, the family may ask the court to intervene. These legal proceedings may take several days and will delay the release of the body to the funeral director. It is important for family members to inform the coroner’s office immediately if they have any objection to an autopsy since most begin as soon as the body arrives at the coroner’s office. How long does autopsy take, and when will the body be released? Routinely, autopsies are conducted as quickly as possible often within 48-hours. Following autopsy, the body is releasable to a funeral director. The next-of-kin should select and notify a funeral director who, in turn, will arrange to secure a written release from the next-of-kin, arrange transportation for the deceased to the funeral home and obtain the necessary documents for burial or cremation. Can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report? Yes. You may obtain a copy by submitting a written request. Send your request to the Weld County Coroner’s Office, 905 10th Ave, Greeley, Colorado, 80631. You may fax a request to 970-392-4546. Please include the decedent’s name as well as your name, address and relationship. The legal next-of-kin (or person acting on their behalf) is permitted a courtesy copy of the autopsy report. All other persons must pre-pay at the rate of $.25 per page. 7. What is an autopsy? An autopsy is a systemic examination of the body of a deceased person by a licensed physician. At the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office, this physician is a trained Forensic Pathologist. The body is examined externally and internally for presence of disease or injury and appropriate specimens of vital organs and/or bodily fluids are retained for microscopic, chemical, or other tests. These tests are performed following conclusion of the examination and do not delay the release of the body to the next of kin. An autopsy examination does not preclude a viewing by the family at the funeral home. 8. Is an autopsy required? No. The decision to perform an autopsy is made by the forensic pathologist on call. An autopsy is not normally performed when the death is known to be a result of natural causes, sufficient medical history exists and there are no signs of foul play. Many deaths investigated by the Medical Examiner’s Office that are not ultimately autopsied are deaths when an individual has no personal physician who is available or willing to sign his/her death certificate. The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office currently autopsies between 60 and 70% of individuals whose deaths are investigated. 9. Are all individuals autopsied? No. The legal next-of-kin should voice an objection to an autopsy with the Medical Examiner’s Office by calling 520-243-8600 as soon as possible. The Medical Examiner’s Office is sensitive to the religious and cultural needs of families and will seriously consider any objection to the procedure. Nevertheless, in many cases an autopsy is mandated by the circumstances of the death and we will be unable to comply with the family’s request. 12. Is there a charge for a Medical Examiner autopsy? No. 17. Can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report? Yes. Arizona law states that medical examiner autopsy reports are public records. A completed autopsy report may not be immediately available particularly in cases in which there is an on-going police investigation. Non-family members may incur a nominal charge for copies. 18. How long does it take to receive an autopsy report? Most autopsy reports are completed and are generally available to the public within 6 to 8 weeks. In certain cases, particularly those that require extensive additional testing, this may take significantly longer. 19. Why is it taking so long to get results? While the actual autopsy rarely takes longer than a few hours, the follow-up analysis, studies, tests, and consultations may take several weeks. Following the completion of the autopsy, the findings must be dictated, transcribed, proofread, and then signed. Additional studies such as toxicology , histology (microscopic analysis) and microbiology cultures are not done on site and are sent out to a contracted forensic laboratory. When completed, materials are returned for interpretation and are incorporated into the final results. Q. When is an autopsy performed? A. Not all persons brought to the Coroner's Office are autopsied. Certain cases are not autopsied where no "foul play" is suspected and evidence of a natural death is present. In other cases an autopsy will be performed. In these cases both positive and negative information is found which substantiates the cause and manner of death as signed by the Coroner. Under the Ohio Revised Code, any child under the age of 2 years who has been in apparent good health shall be autopsied. Q. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy? A. Ohio Law (ORC 2108.52) provides that the Coroner does not need permission for an autopsy. The Office of the Coroner will attempt to comply with the wishes of the next-of-kin, if this does not conflict with the duties of the Coroner. Q. What is an autopsy and is there a charge for it? A. An autopsy is a systematic examination by a qualified physician of the body of a deceased person for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death. A record is made of the findings of the autopsy including microscopic and other laboratory tests, including toxicology laboratory tests. These laboratory tests are conducted after the release of the body to the next-of-kin for burial. There is no charge to the next-of-kin for an autopsy nor for any of the tests, which may be conducted by the Coroner. Q. Will an autopsy be performed? When a body is brought into the State Medical Examiner’s Office, either an external examination or an autopsy will be performed. An autopsy is a medical examination that includes removal of the internal organs; an external examination is a medical examination that does not include removal of the organs. Both autopsies and external examinations are routinely performed to determine the cause and manner of death. Final determination as to the level of examination is determined by the assigned pathologist. Q. Can I refuse an autopsy? The State Medical Examiner’s Office has the right and authority to determine whether or not an autopsy is necessary. The next-of-kin has the right to make their wishes known and every consideration will be given to religious and cultural concerns; however, the final determination as to whether or not an autopsy is to be performed rests with the State Medical Examiner’s Office. Q. Will I still be able to have an open casket service if an autopsy is performed? Yes - autopsies are performed in a professional manner that does not interfere with the viewing of the deceased. Q. Do I have to pay for an autopsy? No - there is no charge to families for an autopsy or transportation to Anchorage and return to the community nearest the place of death. However, the family is responsible for all funeral home charges. Q. When will the autopsy report be ready and how do I obtain a copy? Autopsy reports are available to the next-of-kin upon written request as soon as the case is closed. This may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks but on rare occasions more complicated cases or cases requiring additional testing can take longer. Please submit your request in writing using the State Medical Examiner's Office “Request for Documents” form available on the State Medical Examiner’s web page or by calling 907-334-2200. A legible copy of photo identification must be received for the request to be processed. |