What is a Medical Examiner?

What Does a Medical Examiner Do? Key Responsibilities Explained

For most of us, the only experience we’ve had with a medical examiner is what we’ve seen on TV or in movies.

But just what is that job, and how is it different from a coroner?

When Is a Medical Examiner or Coroner Involved in a Death?

The medical examiner is necessary when the cause of death needs to be determined because it was “sudden, unexpected, violent or suspicious.” Some common scenarios include a death at home not caused by illness or a suspected suicide or homicide.

While most families will not encounter a medical examiner, in a small number of cases, a medical examiner or coroner will investigate the death of a loved one before they can be moved to and cared for by a funeral home.

Medical Examiner vs. Coroner: What’s the Difference?

A coroner’s duties are similar to those of a medical examiner. Still, the role, often a part of a sheriff’s department, has more of a law enforcement focus than a medical or public health lens. Coroners are usually not physicians and not trained in medicine, forensic medicine, or forensic science. As in Clark County, Washington, many larger cities have moved away from a coroner role to a medical examiner model.

While the ME or coroner’s office is a government agency, the funeral home is a private business serving families. The two often communicate and coordinate, but they are separate entities with their own fees, rules, and timelines.

Also, because laws are different in each area, you will want to contact the specific office you are dealing with if you have questions about your loved one’s death.

What to Know About Autopsies

Despite what we see on TV, the ME doesn’t automatically perform an autopsy. They only perform autopsies where they feel they are necessary to determine the cause of death or if there is suspected criminal wrongdoing.

If a family doesn’t want an autopsy, the appropriate office should be contacted immediately. While guided by state law, there may be cases where one is unnecessary, or requests for religious exemptions may be accepted. For example, while families’ desires about autopsies are considered, Multnomah County says it is up to the Oregon State Medical Examiner whether certain procedures are necessary.

Understanding Costs: Fees Related to Medical Examiner Services

Depending on the jurisdiction where the office operates, there may be fees associated with the person's transportation to the medical examiner’s office, but generally not the investigation itself (which is paid by taxpayer dollars). This is separate from the transportation fee a funeral home typically charges to move someone from the medical examiner’s office into their care. Fees by the medical examiner’s office are waived in some cases.

Contact the appropriate office to determine the costs and learn whether the family will pay them directly to the government agency or later through the funeral home.

Delays in Death Certificates: What Families Should Expect

When an investigation is required and the cause of death is not immediately obvious, there may be delays in obtaining a death certificate and/or autopsy report. If toxicology is required, expect the timeline to be longer for a final cause of death.

Can Families View Their Loved One at the Medical Examiner’s Office?

In some instances, the medical examiner may need help identifying a loved one. This is different from a viewing opportunity for families. A viewing is an informal opportunity for family and friends to view the body of a loved one, sometimes also called visitation. Most medical examiners and coroners are not set up for and do not provide viewings. Contact the office your loved one is being handled by, or see their website for details. Sometimes, viewings can be arranged later at a funeral home. 

How Medical Examiners and Funeral Homes Work Together

While these offices do often require additional time, paperwork, and payment, their goal is to better understand the health needs of their communities and to give some closure to the families they serve.

For more information, see the details on our service area pages.