The Process of Independent Autopsy Services

I have questions but what do I do?

Regrettably, this situation is frequently encountered by families seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding a loved one's passing. You may have consulted with the attending physicians, the medical examiner, the funeral home, or even a lawyer. We hope this blog will guide you through the process of securing an independent autopsy from PrivateAutopsy, Inc.

Upon receiving a call from an individual, we request the location of the deceased and, most importantly, the reasons for the autopsy request. As professionals with extensive experience handling numerous cases across the United States, we strive to offer guidance and advice on the most effective methods to address any questions concerning the cause of death. We consider factors such as the duration of time since the individual passed away, the tests and services that can yield viable findings in line with the family's needs, and various other contributing factors. The more information families are comfortable providing, the more beneficial it is to the process.

Once the services and procedures have been outlined, we provide a Consent Form Packet for the deceased's Legal Next of Kin to sign.

Upon receipt of the completed packet, we collaborate with professionals to perform the services. These are typically conducted at the funeral home where the deceased is situated. The services vary in terms of invasiveness, yet each is executed with the highest level of care, respect, and professionalism.

Upon completion of the services, the professional responsible will deliver a "Preliminary Report" to the families within 3 to 4 weeks. The Final Report of findings is typically available after approximately 3 months. The timeline is influenced by various factors and may vary. We strive to maintain communication with the professional to keep families informed about the status and anticipated timeline for receiving the results and findings.