How much does an autopsy cost?

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There are some genetic conditions--such as Alzheimer's--which can be accurately diagnosed only after death.

How much do autopsies cost?

I know once any part of the body has been subjected to a private autopsy, medical science is not interested in the leftovers.

I also know that autopsies are not free--unless murder is suspected.

Can anyone give me an approximate figure for the cost of a cranial autopsy?

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Re: How much does an autopsy cost?

Noddy24 wrote:

There are some genetic conditions--such as Alzheimer's--which can be accurately diagnosed only after death.

How much do autopsies cost?
In the state of Maryland the average autopsy costs between $4,000-$6,000.

I know once any part of the body has been subjected to a private autopsy, medical science is not interested in the leftovers.
That's not necessarily true. Call your local medical board to find out the particuliar's in your state/county.

I also know that autopsies are not free--unless murder is suspected.

Can anyone give me an approximate figure for the cost of a cranial autopsy?

I don't know anything about cranial autopsies.

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DogLover--

Thanks for the information. I'm glad to know that we're talking serious money.

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The expense is out of pocket. At least in the cases I'm familiar with, HMO's...etc won't cover the cost.

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Doglover--

I'd heard this--which is why I was asking in advance. Since the problem is Alzheimer's, I'd just be interested in the brain tissue, but I gather that pathologists like to be thorough.

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What does that mean? Who pays for the autopsy then? Surely not the next of kin?
Noddy, someone in your family? Crying or Very sad

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suzy wrote:

What does that mean? Who pays for the autopsy then? Surely not the next of kin?

Yep, the family is required to pay for the autopsy...before the autopsy is performed. Rolling Eyes

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Re: How much does an autopsy cost?

Noddy24 wrote:

There are some genetic conditions--such as Alzheimer's--which can be accurately diagnosed only after death.

How much do autopsies cost?

I know once any part of the body has been subjected to a private autopsy, medical science is not interested in the leftovers.

I also know that autopsies are not free--unless murder is suspected.

Can anyone give me an approximate figure for the cost of a cranial autopsy?

I think that autospies are mandated by law, when the cause of death is unknown. The only restriction might be when the deceased's religion prohibits an autopsy.

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Suzy--

A condition like Alzheimer's exists for three in Mr. Noddy's family. Since there is a genetic component to Alzheimer's my stepsons and step-grandsons either do or do not deserve forewarning.

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Noddy, I'm so sorry. Alzheimers is so scary.

doglover wrote:

suzy wrote:
What does that mean? Who pays for the autopsy then? Surely not the next of kin?

Yep, the family is required to pay for the autopsy...before the autopsy is performed.

Wow.
How long has that been in effect? I can't imagine that my grandmother paid cash for my grandfather's autopsy.
I know I wasn't charged for my sons.
Unless you ask for it, or it's a suspicious death, they shouldn't do one, then. It advances research, so the hospital should pay, IMO.

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suzy wrote:

Noddy, I'm so sorry. Alzheimers is so scary.

doglover wrote:
suzy wrote:
What does that mean? Who pays for the autopsy then? Surely not the next of kin?

Yep, the family is required to pay for the autopsy...before the autopsy is performed.

Wow.
How long has that been in effect? I can't imagine that my grandmother paid cash for my grandfather's autopsy.
I know I wasn't charged for my sons.
Unless you ask for it, or it's a suspicious death, they shouldn't do one, then. It advances research, so the hospital should pay, IMO.

When my father-in-law died in 2001 (he committed suicide) we wanted an autopsy done to find out if he had cancer...or some other disease. (He would never go to the doctor). My mother-in-law had to pay $4,600 in order for an autopsy to be performed. During my five years working at a cemetery, I have heard several families tell of how they too had to pay for their loved ones autopsy. All of those autopsies were requested by the families for medical information.

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Wow, I admit I'm surprised.
I did not request one for my son (though I wanted one) but they did it anyway. I can't remember if I was asked. probably. I never got a bill. It was SIDS, and maybe they (at that time) automatically did them on SIDS kids, either for research or to check for foul play.
It was probably the same with my grandfather. I think they were curious just what happened there.
I know my grandmother didn't have money for that.

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How much does an autopsy cost?

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