Preliminary reports are issued to the county medical examiner investigator within several days following the completion of the postmortem examination, and contain the information needed to complete the death certificate. Completion of the final autopsy report is not necessary in order to file a death certificate. For example, a death certificate containing a “pending” cause and/or manner of death is a valid certification of death, and may be amended at a later date when the cause and/or manner of death is determined. The availability of final reports varies significantly based on staffing levels, case load, and case complexity. Our physicians make every attempt to finalize cases as quickly as possible. To request reports, please see: Request Reports.
