Cause of death duration

Recently, we've noticed that there is some confusion about the duration for the cause of death. Sandy has written some clarifying information.

On duration of death cause, only include the actual time frame that is listed on the death certificate.  DO NOT infer a duration based on the dates the doctor attended the patient.   We really don't make estimates or inferences.  However, if duration says 2 1/2 weeks, for example, you may change that into days so it fits our field, or 20 hours can be 1 day, but please put a  note in remarks with the exact figure.  Do not make any other inferences.  Doctor's time attending patient is just that.  Patient could have been sick for weeks, months, or years before that particular doctor attended him.