An autopsy is a medical exam and procedure performed to help determine the cause of death and any factors that may have contributed to the death of your loved one.
Do You Have to Consent to an Autopsy?
In most cases, an autopsy is optional, and a decision made by the family. Families may choose to request an autopsy through the hospital to better understand the cause of death. You can talk with your doctor to help determine whether an autopsy is likely to provide new or helpful information.
However, in certain circumstances, such as unexpected or unexplained deaths, a Medical Examiner may be required by law to review the case and perform an autopsy. In those cases, consent from the family is not needed.
What Does an Autopsy Cost?
At Texas Children’s Hospital, autopsies are provided at no cost to families of patients who received care at our hospital, including those who were enrolled in hospice care. However, there may be a transportation fee to bring your loved one back to Texas Children’s from home or an inpatient hospice facility. You can ask your hospice team for more details about how this fee is handled.
Will an Autopsy Interfere with Final Arrangements?
An autopsy should not change your funeral plans, and it will not affect your loved one’s appearance for the funeral.
How Long Does It Take to Get Autopsy Results from Texas Children’s?
Autopsy results are typically available within 3 months. You may schedule a time to review the results with your loved one’s attending doctor, either at the hospital or over the phone—whichever feels most comfortable for you.
The autopsy report is not automatically mailed. To receive a personal copy, you will need to request it through medical records. Since the report can be lengthy and contain medical terminology, it is recommended to discuss the results with a doctor first.
How to Contact the Medical Examiner in Harris County
If you need to reach the Harris County Medical Examiner, please use the following contacts based on your specific needs:
For questions or community resource information: Victim’s Assistance – (832) 927-5007
For medical questions related to your loved one’s case: Family Liaison Team – (832) 927-5006
To request a copy of an autopsy report or for general inquiries: Administrative Services – (832) 927-5004
Main Medical Examiner’s Office Line: (832) 927-5000 – calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except on Harris County holidays.