Autopsies are considered the gold standard in determining cause of death and identifying diagnostic errors that may have played a role in the death. Studies comparing antemortem and postmortem diagnosis published between 1967 and 2002 were included in this review. Rates of diagnostic discrepancies that could have impacted survival ranged from 10% to nearly 21%. Despite these discrepancies, autopsy rates continue to decline, missing opportunities to improve diagnostic education.