The Medical Examiner Officer (MEO) Call: What They Will Ask and Why You Can’t Skip It

In the first few days following a bereavement, your phone will ring with a call from someone you likely haven’t heard of: the Medical Examiner Officer (MEO).

Under the old system (pre-September 2024), this role didn’t exist for most people. Today, this phone call is a mandatory statutory milestone. If you miss it, or if the conversation isn’t completed to the MEO’s satisfaction, the entire death registration process stops.

This guide explains the technical logic behind the call, what questions you will be asked, and how to handle it with the “Remarkable” poise required of a modern Executor.

1. Why is this call happening? (The Sept 2024 Rule)

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Regulations 2024 mandates that every death not investigated by a Coroner must be scrutinized by a Medical Examiner.

The Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior doctor who didn’t treat the patient but is reviewing the case for accuracy. The MEO is their primary officer. Their job is to act as a bridge between the clinical review and you—the family.

The Statutory “Pause”: The Medical Examiner cannot authorize the Registrar to issue a death certificate until the MEO has spoken with the Next of Kin. This is designed to ensure that the family’s voice is heard before the legal cause of death is finalized.

2. The Three Core Objectives of the Call

When the MEO calls, they are looking to check three specific boxes required by law:

1. Explanation: They will explain the medical cause of death in plain English, moving away from the complex Latin or clinical jargon found on the draft certificate.
2. Concerns: They will ask if you have any concerns about the care the deceased received or the circumstances leading up to the death.
3. Accuracy: They will verify that the information the doctor has provided (such as name, date of birth, and occupation) is correct to prevent errors on the final certificate.

3. What the MEO Will Ask You

The call typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. You should be prepared for the following questions:

• “Did you have any concerns about the medical care provided?” This is your opportunity to raise any issues. If you raise a serious concern, the MEO may refer the case for further scrutiny or to the Coroner.
• “Is the proposed cause of death what you expected?” They will read out the cause (e.g., 1a. Ischaemic Heart Disease). They want to ensure this aligns with your understanding of the deceased’s health.
• “Are there any religious or cultural requirements for the funeral?” They need to know if you require an urgent burial (e.g., for Jewish or Muslim faiths) so they can prioritize the scrutiny.
• “Who is your chosen Funeral Director?” While not a legal requirement for the certificate, they often use this to coordinate the movement of the body once the scrutiny is complete.

4. Why You Can’t “Skip” the Call

We have seen families try to avoid this call because they are overwhelmed. However, avoiding the MEO creates a “Systemic Lock”:

• The Registrar is Blind: Until the MEO marks the case as “Scrutiny Complete” in the national digital system, the Registrar cannot see the death on their computer.
• The 5-Day Rule: The “5-day clock” for registration effectively begins after this call is successful.
• The Funeral Delay: Without the MEO’s authorization, the “Green Form” (certificate for burial or cremation) cannot be issued, meaning the funeral cannot proceed.

5. How to Prepare (The “Unreasonable Hospitality” Strategy)

At EstateOS, we believe in anticipating hurdles. To make this call as smooth as possible:

1. Have the Full Name and DOB Ready: Ensure you have the exact spelling and details as they appear on a passport or birth certificate.
2. Write Down Questions: If you didn’t understand why a certain medication was given or why a certain symptom occurred in the final hours, the MEO is the best person to ask. They have access to the medical records that you do not.
3. Assign a Single Point of Contact: Ensure the hospital or GP has the phone number of the one person who will handle this call to avoid conflicting messages.

Expert Summary

The MEO call is a safeguard, not a hurdle. It was introduced to ensure that the “Family Voice” is part of the legal record of death. Treat this call as your primary opportunity to get clarity on the medical side of your loved one’s passing.

Next Step: If you haven’t received a call within 48 hours of the death, use our Medical Examiner Predictor to find the contact details for your local ME office. Don’t wait for the system to find you; take control of the timeline.