Synonyms: Post-mortem Examination, Necropsy

CPT 4 Code(s): 88025, 88027, 88028, 88029

Test Includes: Autopsy with gross and microscopic examination and laboratory tests as indicated. Full or limited examination, with and/or without CNS (brain/spinal cord).

Applies To: Determination of cause of death, assessment of response to treatment and co-existing disease states.  Second opinions and consultation are available for non-UTMB private cases.

Lab: Autopsy Service

Request Form: 5012 (rev 6/02) Authorization for Post-Mortem Procedures; Authorization for Private Autopsy (rev 9/02). 

Collection: Invasive surgical procedure

Causes for Rejection: Not authorized by legal next-of-kin, telephone permit without fax confirmation, Medical Examiner jurisdiction, insufficient pertinent clinical history, improperly identified decedent

Availability: Autopsies are performed Monday-Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM (autopsies will not start after 2:00pm and holidays) in the Autopsy Suite 518 Clinical Science Building

Turnaround Time: Provisional Autopsy Diagnosis within 24 hrs, Final Autopsy Diagnosis within 30 working days for routine cases and 60 working days for complicated cases.

Specimen: Cadaver

How to Order: Physician requests permission from the legal next-of-kin to perform procedure. Private autopsies and consults call the Autopsy Service at (409) 772-2810.

Special Instructions: Pathologist will assess patient's clinical history based on documentation in the medical record and if necessary, discussion with the attending physician(s).  For further information, go to the Decedent Affairs Website.

reviewed by J. Aronson 10/11/07