Cause of Death: What It Means on a Death Certificate
Cause of death is the disease, condition or injury that led to a person's death, recorded in the medical section of the death certificate. The CDC describes it as the sequence of medical conditions with the greatest impact in causing death, plus the approximate time between each condition's onset and death.
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How it is recorded
The certifier lists the immediate cause first, then the conditions that led to it. According to CDC guidance, the underlying cause is recorded on the lowest line used in that sequence. Other significant conditions that contributed to the death but were not part of the sequence go in a separate section.
Who determines it
The certifier is typically a physician, medical examiner or coroner, and the CDC notes that guidelines vary by jurisdiction. Deaths involving accident, suicide or homicide are referred to a medical examiner or coroner.
Cause versus manner
Cause of death is the medical reason. Manner of death is a separate category describing how the death came about, such as natural causes or accident.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the cause of death on the certificate?
It appears in the medical certification section, completed by the certifier rather than by the funeral director.
Can the cause of death change after it is filed?
According to the CDC handbook, the state registrar may amend the record if information changes or errors are found. Contact the vital records office for its process.
Do all copies show the cause of death?
Not always. Washington's informational death copies omit cause and manner of death. Check with the issuing office.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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