Frequently Asked Questions for Private Autopsies

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We offer private autopsy examinations, neuropathology examinations, toxicology services as needed with autopsies through National Medical Sciences, civil medicolegal consultations, and more.

We do not accept private cases that are in-custody deaths, active duty military cases, or if the family suspects foul play.

Our team of forensic pathologists includes board-certified forensic pathologists, pathologists' assistants, and other experienced professionals with extensive training and knowledge in their field.

The cost of a private autopsy varies based on the specific services required. Please contact our office to speak with a case manager who can provide a quote suited to meet your needs. 

All autopsies are conducted at DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office. Our pathologists do not travel to perform examinations. 

We do not provide transportation to our facility. Transportation arrangements are typically made between the next-of-kin and your chosen funeral home. If needed, we can recommend a transport service. 

Authorized forms of payment include certified bank checks made payable to Forensic Medicine Associates, Inc., wire transfers, money orders, and cash. Payment is required prior to the performance of the autopsy. We do not accept credit cards, debit cards, Zelle/PayPal, or personal checks. 

No, toxicology testing, laboratory studies, and cultures are charged separately. These additional analyses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what is requested or needed. 

A reliable postmortem analysis is not available for every drug or medication, especially poisons. Drug concentrations at the time of death may differ from those found during the autopsy due to variations in sampling sites and the interval between death and specimen collection. Most private autopsies do not require toxicology testing as the deaths are usually due to natural disease processes. 

Neuropathology autopsies require the brain to be submerged in formalin for two weeks to preserve and stabilize the tissue for a comprehensive examination. After the analysis, the brain is medically disposed of according to established protocols. 

An autopsy report may take several weeks to months to complete, depending on factors such as the acquisition of medical records, special studies, histology, and toxicology. 

Unfortunately, we can only provide toxicology services in conjunction with an autopsy. 

Death certificates are signed in limited circumstances. Please discuss this with your case manager. 

Yes, but a HIPAA authorization is required. Your case manager can provide a HIPAA Authorization Form. 

We do not offer opinions on the ‘Standard of Care’ or hospital/nursing home policies and procedures. The autopsy results provide an objective, unbiased determination of the decedent’s health and disease, without implying whether treatment was proper or improper. 

The decision to pursue legal action is made between the family and their attorney. 

Yes, depositions, court appearances, and meetings with attorneys incur additional charges, which are often covered by your attorney. 

Once the autopsy examination, ancillary testing, and/or medical record review are completed, you will receive a copy of the completed autopsy report. Please call our office to schedule a phone conference if you would like the report thoroughly explained.