Autopsy

The word autopsy comes from a Greek word meaning “seeing for oneself.” In turn, an autopsy is meant to examine the entire body systematically in order to determine the cause of death. An inspection of the outside condition of the body is completed and the internal organs are examined for defects, infections, wounds, etc. that may explain the cause of death.

In situations where the Coroner determines an autopsy is unnecessary, any requests from the family for an autopsy can be arranged through the primary care physician or a pathologist can be privately retained. The family is responsible for the fees for both of these options.