She thought it was a routine drug screening. Then came the $17,850 bill.

Back surgery led to an opioid prescription for Elizabeth Moreno. At a follow-up visit, the doctor asked for a urine sample. A lab tested it for several drugs, then billed Moreno the cost of a new car. Doctors say the cost of such tests rarely exceed $200, and some in-office tests cost as little as $10.

Carolyn Cole/LA Times via Getty Image Even as authorities worked to identify victims of the Florida high school shooting, Russian agents worked to convince you it was fake When news of the attack broke on Wednesday, hundreds of Twitter accounts suddenly went from posting about Syria and Ukraine to talking about gun control and the shooter’s identity. They seized on the tragedy — which left 17 students and staff members dead — to further Russia's aim, the intelligence community says, "to try to exacerbate social and political fissures in the United States." As with prior events, the accounts start with hyperpartisan attacks from all sides. Later, the accounts began spreading conspiracy theories, part of an ongoing effort to erode Americans’ trust in institutions. Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Fifth-to-last would disappoint most Winter Olympians, but not the tropical islander who first strapped on skis just 12 weeks ago Tonga's Pita Taufatofua came into the race in South Korea with two goals: "Finish before they turn the lights off" and "don't ski into a tree." Though his placement leaves Tonga, like Iceland, among countries that have never medaled in the Winter Games, he is proud to inspire Tongans and other would-be Olympians. "I thought if I could do this, then anyone who's following this journey could achieve anything they want." SPL/Science Source 'I didn't think anything of it': Her spine surgery went smoothly, but a basic follow-up urine test weighed her down with debt To watch for opioid issues, doctors sometimes screen their patients for drugs. But Elizabeth Moreno’s doctor sent his request to a lab her insurer refused to cover, sticking her with a $17,850 bill. (Get a strange medical bill? We’d love to take a look at it.) "Puffed-up bills straddle a fine line between abuse and outright fraud," says James Quiggle with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Better Business Bureau complaints suggest Moreno isn’t the first patient the lab has hammered with a five-figure bill. Chris Kindred for NPR To raise fully functional kids, one author says, parents should keep the helicopter grounded Overscheduling, testing pressures — being a young person today can be intense. The authors of the new book The Self-Driven Child say one way to ease that burden is to make sure your children feel a sense of control over their lives. Kids want to do well, says neuropsychologist Bill Stixrud, so let them come to you for help and advice instead of trying to micromanage them into the Ivy League. Studies show no correlation between time spent on homework and learning, he says — or between stellar grades and a happy and successful later life. Carolyn Kaster/AP The Trump administration is turning a consumer watchdog into a sleepy basset hound Launched in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau aggressively pursued perceived bad actors, including abusive lenders. Stricter regulations on payday lenders are being delayed, and interim leader Mick Mulvaney says the agency’s new marching orders are “to fulfill the Bureau's statutory responsibilities, but go no further,” and to act instead "with humility and moderation." Mulvaney also had lawsuits dropped, including one against a lender shocking some clients with 950 percent interest rates. You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002