Autopsy
A medical examination of the body, internal and external, to determine cause of death. Ordered by a medical examiner or requested by the family in some cases.
Autopsies fall into two categories: forensic (ordered by a medical examiner or coroner to investigate the death) and medical (requested by the family or treating physician to understand a disease or unexplained death). Forensic autopsies are free to the family. Medical autopsies cost $3,000–$5,000 unless performed at the hospital where the person died, in which case some are covered by insurance.
The procedure typically takes 2–4 hours and involves opening the chest, abdomen, and (in most cases) the skull to examine the organs. The body is closed and sutured afterward; visible incisions are placed where clothing would cover them. An open-casket viewing remains possible after an autopsy, though some funeral homes pass through a small additional preparation fee.
Full autopsy results take 6 to 12 weeks. The death certificate is usually filed before results are final, with the cause listed as 'pending' and amended later.
- Coroner / Medical examiner— The official who investigates deaths that did not happen under medical supervision — sudden deaths, accidents, suspicious deaths, deaths of unknown cause. The body stays in their custody until the investigation releases it.
- Death certificate— The official government document recording the death. Required for almost everything that comes after — bank accounts, insurance, Social Security, probate, transferring property.
This definition is general consumer information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Industry practices and regulations change occasionally; verify before relying on anything here for a specific decision.
Stuck or just need to hear a human voice?
Call (555) 555-55559am–9pm ET, every day.
Prefer email? support@honestfuneral.co