Click on "Forms" to download various forms which must be completed before an autopsy can be performed.
CAN I STILL HAVE AN OPEN CASKET OR VIEWING AFTER AN AUTOPSY IS PERFORMED? Yes, an open casket viewing can still occur even though an autopsy is
performed. All of our incisions are sutured shut similar to someone having a surgical operation. It would be very difficult to detect that an autopsy was performed.
WHO CAN GIVE CONSENT FOR AN AUTOPSY? Texas law specifies that consent for an autopsy be provided by (in the order listed): 1. Spouse 2. Any child of legal age 3. Guardian or court having care of minor child 4. A parent 5. A guardian 6. The next of kin (other relative) 7. Any person who assumes custody of and responsibility for the burial of the body (Please note that a Power of Attorney expires when an individual dies).
CAN I LIMIT THE AUTOPSY TO CERTAIN AREAS OF THE BODY? Yes. some families only want the brain examined for neurological disorders. Others prefer the chest, neck, and abdominal organs examined without the brain examination. Still others want a complete examination with "no stone left unturned." See the "limitations" section of the Autopsy Consent Form. Please note that limiting the autopsy does not reduce the autopsy fee.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS OF AN AUTOPSY? Unfortunately most insurance policies do not cover the cost of an autopsy. Occasionally an insurance company will pay for an autopsy if it is a work related death and a Medical Examiner or Coroner has opted not to perform an autopsy.
IS TOXICOLOGY INCLUDED WITH AN AUTOPSY? No. However, during the autopsy, we retain blood, urine, vitreous humor, and other body fluids and tissues so that toxicology may be performed if requested or needed. These specimens are saved for six months. There is an additional fee for toxicology because it is sent to an independent Forensic Laboratory. Please call for fees.
Please note that toxicology analysis cannot be performed on an embalmed body. Therefore, have your funeral director wait on embalming until after the autopsy is performed.
