Doctors must distinguish between natural death (from internal illness) and non-natural/unclear death (accident, suicide, or crime).
Next of kin are responsible for notifying a doctor immediately. Often, this is the deceased's general practitioner (GP) or an emergency physician. Die Leichenschau
Resident hospital physicians typically handle the procedure. Resident hospital physicians typically handle the procedure
It contributes to the official mortality statistics used for healthcare planning. 2. Who Performs the Examination? Who Performs the Examination
The (post-mortem examination) is the formal medical examination of a deceased person to confirm death, determine the cause and manner of death, and establish the time of death. It is a legal requirement in Germany and a critical step before a death certificate can be issued or a funeral can take place. 1. Purpose and Legal Framework
The responsibility falls strictly on physicians, though the specific type of doctor often depends on where the death occurred:
It ensures death is certain by identifying "sure signs of death" (e.g., Totenflecke or Totenstarre ).