NCJ Number
168687
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1997) Pages: 270-275
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A survey questionnaire mailed to a random sample of medicolegal officers throughout the United States inquired about the number of autopsies performed in 1993, the categorization of pathologists by forensic pathology Board examination status and form of remuneration; and for categories of autopsies done fee- for-service, the fee paid to each category of pathologist.
Abstract
The survey response rate was 61 percent, with 188 offices returning questionnaires. Survey findings show that the average fee was $518, with a standard error of $27. The number of fee- for-service autopsies was split evenly between Board-qualified and Board-ineligible pathologists, accounting for approximately one-third of medicolegal autopsies nationwide. Although smaller offices used more pathologists ineligible for forensic Boards, they paid a premium for such qualification. Larger offices used more forensic Board-qualified pathologists, but paid them less than those ineligible to take the examination. Overall, there was no significant premium paid for Board qualification. The average fee paid is far less than the published estimates of the cost of an autopsy. The low fees paid may reflect the value of the teaching experience supplied to medical students and/or residents; pathologists performing medico-legal examinations as community service; and the lower marginal cost of additional autopsies. 6 tables, 2 figures, and 13 references