<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Vencor,
Inc.'s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months
ended June 30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 183,146
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 302,445
<ALLOWANCES> (178,073)
<INVENTORY> 29,711
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 637,207
<PP&E> 625,422
<DEPRECIATION> (268,777)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,248,379
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 374,131
<BONDS> 0
1,743
0
<COMMON> 17,566
<OTHER-SE> (417,325)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,248,379
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,428,880
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,138,721
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 222,405
<LOSS-PROVISION> 17,368
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 30,902
<INCOME-PRETAX> (19,963)
<INCOME-TAX> 1,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (20,963)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (20,963)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.31)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.31)
</TABLE>