Melinda Beck, The Wall Street Journal If you were in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, would you want to know? That question will haunt a growing number of people and their families as scientists devise more ways to diagnose the degenerative brain disease before it causes severe symptoms, but still can't prevent or cure [...]

Q: My doctor's office sometimes asks me to sign a release saying if Medicare doesn't pay it I'll be responsible. Can you explain why? A: Doctors' offices often ask Medicare beneficiaries to sign a form agreeing to pay for medical care if the provider thinks Medicare does not cover the treatment being provided. Medicare pays [...]