Autopsy

1. A medical opinion about immediate and underlying causes of death.
2. Can confirm a medical finding or reveal other causes of illness.
3. May detect some inherited diseases.

There is NO charge for an autopsy if the individual has been seen at a University of Rochester Medicine hospital and/or by a URochester Medicine physician within 6 months prior to the autopsy request.

However, if the patient died outside of URochester Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital or URochester Medicine Highland Hospital there may be cost incurred by the family for transportation to Strong Memorial Hospital for autopsy and then for return to the funeral home for final disposition.

Please note: All autopsies are performed at the discretion of the autopsy office and where warranted may be declined.

New York State law states that only a patient’s legal next-of-kin(s) may provide consent for a hospital autopsy. The order of priority for giving consent is as follows:

1. Spouse
2. Domestic partner
3. Child over the age of 18
4. Parent
5. Sibling over the age of 18
6. Other relative over the age of 18 (e.g. grandparent, niece, nephew)

NOTE: Power of Attorney and Health Care Agent status ceases at death.

For deaths occurring while hospitalized at URochester Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital or affiliated facilities please request an autopsy from a member (M.D., D.O., P.A., N.P.) of the clinical care team. 

For all other deaths preferably please have the doctor in charge of the patient’s care call our autopsy service for guidance.  Alternatively, call the autopsy department directly at (585) 275-3202 for further case review and information.

Generally, within 24 to 48 hours of death.

The procedure is scheduled after an "Authorization for Autopsy Report of Death" form is completed and received.

Initial examination typically takes between three to six hours.

Time depends on the type of disease, whether there are limitations to the autopsy, and the goal of the autopsy.

Additional studies may also be performed to identify other pathologies, such as infections.

Preliminary reports are usually available to the doctor who was in charge of the patient’s care within 4 business days.

Final autopsy reports are typically completed within 60 business days; however, complex cases may take longer.

The doctor in charge of the patient’s care receives a copy, or the next of kin can also designate a doctor of their choice (e.g. family physician) to receive a copy.

Next of kin can request a paper copy of the report in either of the following ways:

1. Call Health Information Management at (585) 275-2605
2. Request a copy directly from a doctor who received the report

Families are encouraged to speak to the patient’s physicians about the autopsy results.

In general, the autopsy procedure will not affect an open-casket viewing, as the incisions made for the procedure are covered by regular clothing and positioning of the body.

Yes, the pathologist may retain organs for more detailed examination, research, or educational purposes.

Retained organs are disposed of in accordance with hospital policy. 

Families may request that organs be released to the funeral home with the body by giving specific instructions on the written autopsy consent form; however, doing so may affect the results of the autopsy.

People may worry that performance of an autopsy may conflict with religious beliefs. Religious decisions are always personal. Families may want to discuss the decision to have an autopsy performed with other family members and religious or spiritual advisors.