A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Autopsy

Message
Refer to Lucidoc SOP 11903 Autospy and Coroner's Cases for complete instructions


Test Code
Autopsy


Alias/See Also
Path,


Instructions
CRITERIA FOR REQUESTING AN AUTOPSY
 
  1. All deaths in which the cause is not known with certainty on clinical grounds.
  2. All obstetric, neonatal and pediatric deaths.
  3. Deaths at any age in which it is believed the autopsy will disclose a known or suspected illness which may have a bearing on survivors or recipients of transplanted organs.
  4. Deaths in which the autopsy may allay concerns of the family regarding the death and to provide reassurance to them regarding same.
  5. Deaths in which the autopsy may help to explain unanticipated medical complications.
  6. Deaths of patients who have participated in clinical trials (protocols) approved by Human Research Protection Committee.
  7. Deaths possibly resulting from environmental or occupational hazards.
  8. Deaths resulting from high-risk infectious and contagious diseases.
  9. Unexplained or unexpected deaths occurring during or following any dental, medical, or surgical diagnostic procedures and/or therapies. (Coroner’s Case).
  10. Unexplained or unexpected deaths which are apparently natural and do not come under a forensic medical jurisdiction.
  11. Natural deaths which are reportable to, but have been waived by, the coroner. However, a hospital autopsy should be offered only when death occurs at or beyond 24 hours of admission to the hospital.
    • For coroner-waived natural deaths within 24 hours of admission or in the Emergency Department, the family may obtain a private autopsy, but no hospital autopsy is to be offered. If pathologist feels extenuating circumstances exist, contact Risk Management for guidance.  See CMC Autopsy Procedure.
 
AUTOPSIES: SEEKING, PERFORMING AND NOTIFICATION
 
  1. It shall be the duty of all Medical Staff members to seek consent for autopsies whenever appropriate. An autopsy may be performed only with written consent signed in accordance with state law. The persons who may consent to autopsies are identified in CMC Autopsy Procedure. In all cases of death which fall under the coroner's jurisdiction, the responsible attending physician or designee shall be responsible for proper notification of the coroner. All other hospital autopsies shall be performed by a member of the contracted Pathology Group or by a physician delegated this responsibility. When an autopsy is scheduled, the Department of Pathology shall notify the attending physician and members of the Medical Staff.
  2. It is the responsibility of the provider to order the autopsy in the hospital information system.
  3. The ordering provider is strongly encouraged to complete the section of the autopsy authorization form to communicate to the pathologist the key clinical concerns to be addressed. The pathologist will also contact the ordering provider (or some provider involved in the decedent’s care) prior to performing the autopsy.
  4. Provisional anatomic diagnoses shall be recorded on the medical record within two business days, and the completed report should be made a part of the medical record within two (2) months, unless specialized studies or external consultation is pending.
  5. It is the responsibility of the attending physician or provider who ordered the autopsy to communicate the findings with the next of kin or other authorizing individual.


Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory  (CCMC and FHSH autopsies are performed at CRMC)



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.