Can you get access to autopsy reports?

The family (next-of-kin) is always entitled to receive a copy of the autopsy report. Of course, the family may choose to share the information with anyone they wish, but they must give written permission for the hospital to release autopsy records, just as with any medical records.

Are autopsy records public?

The coroner’s report and the autopsy report are two different documents. Whereas the coroner’s report is a public document available to anyone who submits a request, access to the autopsy report is restricted by certain legal conditions.

Is Cause of death public record?

For example, the cause of a person’s death will be recorded on a death certificate, which is a public document. Similarly, the cause of death and other medical information may have been put in the public domain by the surviving family or as a result of an inquest or court case.

How long are autopsy reports kept?

Autopsy policies vary from state to state, and country to country. However, in general, most final autopsy reports are available 30 to 45 days after the autopsy. Complex cases may take up to 90 days before the final autopsy results are complete and available.

What can an autopsy tell you?

cause of death
An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination or necropsy) is the examination of the body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, to identify or characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had, or to determine whether a particular medical or surgical …

What’s in an autopsy report?

The autopsy report describes the autopsy procedure, the microscopic findings, and the medical diagnoses. The report emphasizes the relationship or correlation between clinical findings (the doctor’s examination, laboratory tests, radiology findings, etc.) and pathologic findings (those made from the autopsy).