Who is the doctor who performs the autopsy?

An autopsy is a medical procedure involving the examination of a dead body. Autopsies are performed by pathologists, medical doctors who have received specialty training in the diagnosis of diseases by the examination of body fluids and tissues. Autopsies are performed for a variety of reasons, including: to determine the cause of death

Where does the word autopsy come from in medical terms?

An autopsy is sometimes termed an obduction or a post-mortem examination. The word autopsy is derived from the Greek word autopsia, which means “to see with one’s own eyes.”. Autopsies are performed by pathologists, medical doctors who have received specialty training in the diagnosis of diseases by the examination of body fluids and tissues.

How are autopsies performed to determine the cause of death?

Autopsies are performed to determine the cause of death, for legal purposes, and for education and research. The body is opened in a manner that does not interfere with an open casket service. The autopsy rate has dropped from 50% to less than 10% over the past fifty years.

Can a non-medical coroner perform an autopsy?

In the event that a non-medical coroner needs an autopsy performed, he or she can have it sent to a medical examiner. In some states, the government will provide the coroner with a medical examiner for the autopsy.

What is the person called who conducts an autopsy?

Autopsies are usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist. In most cases, a medical examiner or coroner can determine cause of death and only a small portion of deaths require an autopsy.

Who pays for an autopsy?

Whoever orders/requests the autopsy pays. If it is part of a police investigation the DA or PD pick up the tab; if the insurance company requests it they pick up the tab; If the family wants one done, they pay for it. If someone died for an unknown reason in a hospital, the hospital eats the cost.

What kind of doctor or title performs autopsies?

• Pathologist. Pathologists are medical professionals who have specifically studied the science of diagnosing diseases by examining a deceased patient’s organs and tissues.
• Medical examiner. Another professional who performs autopsies is a medical examiner.
• Coroner.

  Who is entitled to see an autopsy report?

  If you are next of kin or the executor of the decedent’s estate you’re entitled to a free copy of the autopsy report. However, if the death is under investigation by law enforcement or is part of pending litigation, you will have to wait until the investigation or court case is closed to obtain the report.