COLUMBIA HCA HEALTHCARE CORP/
10-K, 1998-03-31
GENERAL MEDICAL & SURGICAL HOSPITALS, NEC
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                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
Mark One:
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934
 
                  For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997
 
                                      OR
 
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EX-
    CHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                For the Transition Period from       to      .
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-11239
 
                               ----------------
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                               ----------------
 
               DELAWARE                              75-2497104
    (State or Other Jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer
    Incorporation or Organization)               Identification No.)
            ONE PARK PLAZA
 
         NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE                           37203
    (Address of Principal Executive                  (Zip Code)
               Offices)
 
      Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (615) 344-9551
 
          Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
                                                NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS                    ON WHICH REGISTERED
                                               New York Stock Exchange
     Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
 
       Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [_]
 
  As of March 16, 1998, there were outstanding 621,527,226 shares of the Reg-
istrant's Common Stock and 21,000,000 shares of the Registrant's Nonvoting
Common Stock. As of March 16, 1998 the aggregate market value of the Common
Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $17,188,414,000. For purposes
of the foregoing calculation only, the Registrant's directors, executive offi-
cers, and The Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Stock Bonus Plan, The
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Salary Deferral Plan and the San Leandro
Retirement and Savings Plan have been deemed to be affiliates.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
  Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
                                     INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PAGE
                                                              REFERENCE
                                                              ---------
 <C>      <S>                                                 <C>       
                                 PART I
 Item 1.  Business..........................................       1
 Item 2.  Properties........................................      20
 Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.................................      21
          Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
 Item 4.  Holders...........................................      27
                                PART II
 Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
           Related Stockholder Matters......................      28
 Item 6.  Selected Financial Data...........................      29
 Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations..............      31
 Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.......      45
 Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
           Accounting and Financial Disclosure..............      45
                                PART III
          Directors and Executive Officers of the
 Item 10. Registrant........................................      45
 Item 11. Executive Compensation............................      45
          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 Item 12. and Management....................................      45
 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions....      45
                                PART IV
                 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
 Item 14. Reports on Form 8-K...............................      46
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
 
GENERAL
 
  Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation is one of the leading providers of
health care services in the United States. At December 31, 1997, the Company
operated 318 general, acute care hospitals and 18 psychiatric hospitals. In
addition, as part of its comprehensive health care networks, the Company
operated 145 outpatient surgery centers and provided extensive outpatient and
ancillary services, including home health (the Company plans to divest its
home health business, see NOTE 7 of the notes to consolidated financial
statements). The facilities "operated" by the Company included 27 hospitals
and five surgery centers which were operated through 50/50 joint ventures that
were managed by the Company, but which were not consolidated for financial
reporting purposes. The term the "Company" as used herein refers to
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation and its affiliates unless otherwise stated
or indicated by context.
 
  The Company's primary objective is to provide the communities it serves a
comprehensive array of quality health care services in the most cost effective
manner possible. The Company's general, acute care hospitals usually provide a
full range of services commonly available in hospitals to accommodate such
medical specialties as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology,
oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, as well as diagnostic and
emergency services. Outpatient and ancillary health care services are provided
by the Company's general, acute care hospitals as well as at freestanding
facilities operated by the Company including outpatient surgery and diagnostic
centers, rehabilitation facilities, home health care agencies and other
facilities. In addition, the Company operates psychiatric hospitals which
generally provide a full range of mental health care services in inpatient,
partial hospitalization and outpatient settings.
 
  In August 1997, the Company acquired Value Health, Inc. ("Value Health") in
a transaction accounted for as a purchase (the "Value Health Merger"). The
Company plans to divest three of the four primary Value Health business units
(see NOTE 7 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.) During April
1995, the Company acquired Healthtrust, Inc.--The Hospital Company
("Healthtrust") in a merger transaction accounted for as a pooling of
interests (the "Healthtrust Merger"). Healthtrust began operations through the
acquisition of a group of hospitals and related assets from Hospital
Corporation of America (the predecessor to HCA) in September 1987. During May
1994, Healthtrust acquired EPIC Holdings, Inc. ("EPIC") in a transaction
accounted for as a purchase. During September 1994, the Company acquired
Medical Care America, Inc. ("MCA") in a transaction accounted for as a
purchase. During February 1994, the Company acquired HCA-Hospital Corporation
of America ("HCA") in a merger transaction accounted for as a pooling of
interests. Effective September 1993, the Company acquired Galen Health Care,
Inc. ("Galen") in a merger transaction accounted for as a pooling of
interests. Galen began operations as an independent publicly held corporation
upon the distribution of all of its common stock by its then 100% owner,
Humana Inc., in March 1993.
 
  The Company, through various predecessor entities, began operations on July
1, 1988. The Company was incorporated in Nevada in January 1990 and
reincorporated in Delaware in September 1993. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at One Park Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37203,
and its telephone number at such address is (615) 344-9551.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
CHALLENGES AND REORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY
 
  The Company encountered significant challenges and changes during 1997. The
Company is currently the subject of several federal investigations into its
business practices, as well as governmental investigations by numerous states.
The Company is also named in various legal proceedings. In addition, the
Company experienced changes in numerous management positions. The new
management team developed and initiated significant changes in business
strategy for the Company during 1997. These factors, along with the
unfavorable media coverage related to the investigations, may have contributed
to a slowdown in the Company's revenue growth and a decline in results of
operations. Management is unable to predict if, or when, the Company can
return to its historical revenue growth rates, historical operating margins or
historical net income growth rates.
 
  The Company is facing significant legal challenges. The Company is the
subject of various federal and state investigations, qui tam actions,
stockholder derivative and class action complaints filed in federal court,
stockholder derivative actions filed in state courts, patient/payer actions
and general liability claims. See Item 3--"Legal Proceedings."
 
  Management believes the ongoing investigations, litigation and related media
coverage are having a negative effect on the Company's results of operations.
It is too early to predict the outcome or effect that the ongoing
investigations and litigation, the initiation of additional investigations or
litigation, if any, and the related media coverage will have on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations in future periods. Were the
Company to be found in violation of federal or state laws relating to
Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, the Company could be subject to
substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion from
participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such sanctions could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results
of operations.
 
   During 1997, the Company experienced a significant change in management and
changes in its business strategy. On July 25, 1997, the Company announced the
resignations of Richard L. Scott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and
David T. Vandewater, President and Chief Operating Officer. Thomas F. Frist,
Jr., M.D., Vice Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, was named
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. On August 4, 1997, the Company named
Jack O. Bovender, Jr. as President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
  On August 7, 1997, in an effort to address some areas of concern that may
have led to the investigations by certain government agencies, management
announced several significant steps that are being implemented to redefine the
Company's approach to a number of business practices. Some of the steps
include: elimination of annual cash incentive compensation for the Company's
employees, divestiture of the home health care business, the unwinding of
physician interests in hospitals, significant expansion of compliance
programs, increased disclosures in Medicare cost reports, changes in
laboratory billing procedures, increased reviews of Medicare coding and
further guidelines on any transactions with physicians. These changes have
been developed and are being implemented with consideration to laws,
regulations and existing contractual agreements. Management is not currently
able to predict what effect such actions might have on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
 
  On November 17, 1997, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
approved an internal operating reorganization plan. Effective January 1, 1998,
the Company was organized into five principal groups--Eastern, Western,
Atlantic, Pacific and America.
 
  The Board of Directors also authorized the evaluation of various
restructuring alternatives which could include divestitures of certain assets
to third parties and spin-offs of certain other
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
assets to the Company's stockholders. As part of these alternatives, the
Company is considering restructuring into a smaller, more focused company
located in strategic markets. No restructuring plan has been approved by the
Board of Directors and there can be no assurances that a plan will ultimately
be approved or implemented. Any spin-off or other restructuring alternative
would require Board of Directors approval as well as legal, regulatory and
governmental approvals.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's strategy is to be a comprehensive provider of quality health
care services in select markets. The Company maintains and replaces equipment,
renovates and constructs replacement facilities and adds new services to
increase the attractiveness of its hospitals and other facilities to local
physicians and patients. By developing a comprehensive health care network
with a broad range of health care services located throughout a market area,
the Company achieves greater visibility and is better able to attract and
serve physicians and patients. The Company is also able to reduce operating
costs by sharing certain services among several facilities in the same market
and is better positioned to work with health maintenance organizations
("HMOs"), preferred provider organizations ("PPOs") and employers.
 
  The Company generally seeks to operate each of its facilities as part of a
network with other health care facilities that it owns or operates within the
same region. In instances where acquisitions of additional facilities in the
area are not possible or practical, the Company may seek joint ventures or
partnership arrangements with other local facilities.
 
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
 
  The Company currently owns, manages or operates hospitals, ambulatory
surgery centers, diagnostic centers, cardiac rehabilitation centers, physical
therapy centers, radiation oncology centers, comprehensive outpatient
rehabilitation centers and home health care agencies and programs. The Company
plans to divest its home health business and significant portions of Value
Health, Inc. as a component of the change in business strategy and
restructuring program. See Note 7 of the notes to consolidated financial
statements.
 
  The Company currently operates 318 general, acute care hospitals with 65,184
licensed beds. Most of the Company's general, acute care hospitals provide
medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive and cardiac
care, diagnostic services and emergency services. The general, acute care
hospitals also provide outpatient services such as outpatient surgery,
laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. A
local advisory board, which usually includes members of the hospital's medical
staff, generally makes recommendations concerning the medical, professional
and ethical practices at each hospital and monitors such practices. However,
the hospital is ultimately responsible for ensuring that these practices
conform to established standards. When the Company acquires a hospital, it
establishes quality assurance programs to support and monitor quality of care
standards and to meet accreditation and regulatory requirements. Patient care
evaluations and other quality of care assessment activities are monitored on a
continuing basis.
 
  Like most hospitals, the Company's hospitals do not engage in extensive
medical research and medical education programs. However, some of the
Company's hospitals have an affiliation with medical schools, including the
clinical rotation of medical students.
 
  The Company currently operates 18 psychiatric hospitals with 1,914 licensed
beds. The Company's psychiatric hospitals provide therapeutic programs
tailored to child psychiatric, adolescent psychiatric, adult psychiatric,
adolescent alcohol or drug abuse and adult alcohol or drug abuse patients. The
hospitals use the "treatment team" concept whereby the admitting
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
physician, team psychologist, social workers, nurses, therapists and
counselors coordinate each phase of therapy. Services provided by this team
include crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, group and family
therapy, social services, chemical dependency counseling, behavioral
modification and physical therapy. Family aftercare plans are actively
promoted from the time of admission, through hospitalization and after
discharge. An aftercare plan measures each patient's post-program progress and
utilizes one or more self-help groups. Program procedures are designed to
ensure that quality standards are achieved and maintained. Certain of the
Company's general, acute care hospitals also have a limited number of licensed
psychiatric beds.
 
  Other outpatient or related health care services operated by the Company
include ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic centers, outpatient physical
therapy/rehabilitation centers, outpatient radiation therapy centers, cardiac
rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing services. These outpatient and
related services are an integral component of the Company's strategy to
develop a comprehensive health care network in each of its target markets.
 
  In addition to providing capital resources, the Company makes available a
variety of management services to its health care facilities, most
significantly: ethics and compliance programs; national supply and equipment
purchasing and leasing contracts; accounting, financial and clinical systems;
governmental reimbursement assistance; construction planning and coordination;
information systems; legal; personnel management and internal audit.
 
SOURCES OF REVENUE
 
  Hospital revenues depend upon inpatient occupancy levels, the ancillary
services and therapy programs ordered by physicians and provided to patients,
the volume of outpatient procedures and the charges or negotiated payment
rates for such services. Charges and reimbursement rates for inpatient routine
services vary significantly depending on the type of service (e.g.,
medical/surgical, intensive care or psychiatric) and the geographic location
of the hospital. The Company has experienced an increase in the percentage of
patient revenues attributable to outpatient services. This increase is
primarily the result of advances in technology (which allow more services to
be provided on an outpatient basis), acquisitions of additional outpatient
facilities and increased pressures from Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, PPOs,
employers and insurers to reduce hospital stays and provide services, where
possible, on a less expensive outpatient basis.
 
  The Company receives payment for patient services from the federal
government primarily under the Medicare program, state governments under their
respective Medicaid programs, HMOs, PPOs and other private insurers as well as
directly from patients. The approximate percentages of patient revenues from
continuing operations of the Company's facilities from such sources during the
periods specified below were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                    1997       1996       1995
                                                  --------   --------   --------
   <S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
   Medicare......................................       34%        35%        36%
   Medicaid......................................        6          6          6
   Other sources.................................       60         59         58
                                                  --------   --------   --------
   Total.........................................      100%       100%       100%
                                                  ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
 
  Medicare is a federal program that provides certain hospital and medical
insurance benefits to persons age 65 and over, some disabled persons and
persons with end-stage renal disease. Medicaid is a federal-state program
administered by the states which provides hospital benefits
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
to qualifying individuals who are unable to afford care. Substantially all of
the Company's hospitals are certified as providers of Medicare and Medicaid
services. Amounts received under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are
generally significantly less than the hospital's customary charges for the
services provided.
 
  To attract additional volume, most of the Company's hospitals offer
discounts from established charges to certain large group purchasers of health
care services, including Blue Cross, other private insurance companies,
employers, HMOs, PPOs and other managed care plans. Blue Cross is a private
health care program that funds hospital benefits through independent plans
that vary in each state. These discount programs limit the Company's ability
to increase charges in response to increasing costs. See "Competition."
Patients are generally not responsible for any difference between customary
hospital charges and amounts reimbursed for such services under Medicare,
Medicaid, some Blue Cross plans, HMOs or PPOs, but are responsible to the
extent of any exclusions, deductibles or co-insurance features of their
coverage. The amount of such exclusions, deductibles and co-insurance has
generally been increasing each year. Collection of amounts due from
individuals is typically more difficult than from governmental or business
payers.
 
 Medicare
 
  Under the Medicare program the Company receives reimbursement under a
prospective payment system ("PPS") for the routine and ancillary operating
costs of most Medicare inpatient hospital services. Psychiatric, long-term
care, rehabilitation, specially designated children's hospitals and certain
designated cancer research hospitals, as well as psychiatric or rehabilitation
units that are distinct parts of a hospital and meet Health Care Financing
Administration ("HCFA") criteria for exemption, are currently exempt from PPS
and are reimbursed on a cost based system, subject to certain cost limits. The
Balanced Budget Act of 1997 ("BBA-97") mandates a prospective payment system
for skilled nursing facility services for Medicare cost reporting periods
commencing after June 30, 1998, hospital outpatient services beginning
January 1, 1999, home health services for Medicare cost reporting periods
beginning after September 30, 1999, and inpatient rehabilitation hospital
services for Medicare cost reporting periods beginning after September 30,
2000. Prior to the commencement of the prospective payment systems, payment
constraints will be applied to home health services and inpatient
rehabilitation, psychiatric and long-term hospital services for Medicare cost
reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997.
 
  Under PPS, fixed payment amounts per inpatient discharge were established
based on the patient's assigned diagnosis related group ("DRG"). DRGs classify
patients' treatments for illnesses according to the estimated intensity of
hospital resources necessary to furnish care for each principal diagnosis. DRG
rates have been established for each individual hospital participating in the
Medicare program and are based upon a statistically normal distribution of
severity. When treatments for certain patients fall well outside the normal
distribution (defined as "outliers"), providers are afforded additional
payments. Under PPS, hospitals may retain payments in excess of costs but must
absorb costs in excess of such payments; therefore, hospitals are encouraged
to operate more efficiently.
 
  DRG rates are updated and recalibrated annually and have been affected by
several recent federal enactments. The index used by HCFA to adjust the DRG
rates gives consideration to the inflation experienced by hospitals in
purchasing goods and services ("market basket"). However, for several years
the percentage increases to the DRG rates have been lower than the percentage
increases in the costs of goods and services purchased by hospitals. The
market basket is adjusted each federal fiscal year ("FY"), which begins on
October 1. The market basket for FY 1995 was 3.6%, FY 1996 was 3.5%, FY 1997
was 2.5% and for FY 1998 will be 2.7%.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 ("OBRA-93") set the updates to
the DRG rates for FY 1995 as market basket minus 2.5%; FY 1996 as market
basket minus 2%; and FY 1997 as market basket minus 0.5%. The BBA-97
establishes the DRG updates as follows: FY 1998 0%; FY 1999 as market basket
minus 1.9%; FY 2000 as market basket minus 1.8%; FY 2001 and 2002 as market
basket minus 1.1%; and FY 2003 and after as market basket.
 
  The BBA-97 establishes a prospective payment system for all hospital
outpatient services based upon hospital costs (with the exception of physical,
occupational and speech therapies) for services provided after December 31,
1998. These therapy services will be reimbursed based upon a separate fee
schedule. The hospital outpatient payments for 1998 are required to be set at
the same amount as would have been paid under the present system which is the
lesser of 94.2% of reasonable costs, charges, or a blend of fees and costs for
approved ambulatory surgery procedures, diagnostic radiology procedures, and
other diagnostic procedures. The BBA-97 also made a change in the formula for
determining the amount of the fees in the aforementioned blend that
effectively reduces payment amounts.
 
  Subsequent to September 30, 1991 and through FY 1992, capital related pay-
ments for inpatient hospital services were made at the rate of 90% of reason-
able capital costs. The PPS capital costs reimbursement applies an estimated
national average of FY 1989 Medicare capital costs per patient discharge up-
dated to FY 1992 by the estimated increase in Medicare capital costs per dis-
charge (the "Federal Rate"). Capital PPS is applicable to cost reports begin-
ning on or after October 1, 1991. Under capital PPS reimbursement, a 10 year
transition period has been established. A hospital is paid under one of the
following two different payment methodologies during this transition period:
(i) hospitals with a hospital-specific rate (the rate established for a hospi-
tal based on the cost report ending on or before December 31, 1990) below the
Federal Rate would be paid on a fully prospective payment methodology and (ii)
hospitals with a hospital-specific rate above the Federal Rate would be paid
based on a hold-harmless payment methodology or 100% of the Federal Rate,
whichever results in a higher payment. A hospital is generally paid under one
methodology throughout the entire transition, although a hospital can transi-
tion to the full Federal Rate if it exceeds the hold-harmless payment rate.
After the transition period, all hospitals will be paid the Federal Rate.
 
  The impact of PPS capital reimbursement in the first two years was not
material to Medicare capital reimbursement. The hospital-specific rates for FY
1994 decreased 2.16%. The established Federal Rate for FY 1994 was reduced by
9.33% to $378 per patient discharge and for FY 1995 was reduced by 0.4% to
$377 per patient discharge. The hospital-specific rate for FY 1996 increased
21.1% and decreased by 4.32% for FY 1997. The Federal Rate for FY 1996
increased 22.5% to $462 and decreased to $439 for FY 1997 per patient
discharge. These changes were primarily the result of the expiration of a
budget neutrality provision of The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
that limited payments to 90% of payments estimated to have been made on a
reasonable cost basis during the fiscal year. Legislation passed by Congress
and vetoed by the President would have resulted in a reduction of capital
payment rates for FY 1996. The BBA-97 reduces the hospital-specific rate for
FY 1998 by 14.4% and the Federal Rate for FY 1998 decreases to $371 per
patient discharge.
 
  Home health visits are paid based upon reasonable costs, subject to
aggregated cost per visit limits. For Medicare cost reporting periods
beginning after September 30, 1997, these limits are reduced by the amount of
the update for Medicare cost reporting periods beginning after June 30, 1994
and before July 1, 1996 and are further reduced by calculating the limits to
equal 105% of the median costs of freestanding home health agencies rather
than 112% of such median costs as was the case before October 1, 1997.
Further, aggregate payments are limited to an agency-
specific per-beneficiary cost from the 12 month Medicare cost reporting period
ending after September 30, 1993 and before October 1, 1994, updated for
inflation. The per beneficiary limit will be a blend of 75% of 98% of the
agency-specific amount and 25% of 98% of a standardized regional average.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Payments to PPS-exempt hospitals and units, (i.e., inpatient psychiatric,
rehabilitation and long-term hospital services), are based upon reasonable
cost, subject to a cost per discharge target. These limits are updated
annually by a market basket index. For FY 1995, 1996 and 1997, the market
basket was 4.7%, 4.4%, and 3.5% respectively. The update for each year was
market basket minus 1%. The BBA-97 reduces the FY 1998 update to 0%. Capital
payments, which have been 100% of reasonable cost will be reduced by 15% for
FY 1998 through 2002. Furthermore, limits have been established for the cost
per discharge target at the 75th percentile for each category of PPS-exempt
hospitals and hospital units, i.e., psychiatric, rehabilitation and long-term
hospitals. These caps are $10,547, $19,250, and $37,688 per discharge,
respectively, for FY 1998. In addition the cost per discharge for new
hospitals/hospital units cannot exceed 110% of the national median target rate
for hospitals in the same category. For FY 1998 these amounts are $8,517,
$16,738, and $18,947 per discharge for psychiatric, rehabilitation and long-
term hospital services, respectively.
 
  Prospective payments for skilled nursing facilities ("SNFs") will be based
upon per diems, which will be phased in over a four-year period starting with
cost reporting periods beginning after June 30, 1998. In the first year,
payments will be based on 75% of facility-specific rates and 25% federal rate;
year two will be 50% facility-specific rates and 50% federal rate; year three
will be 25% facility-specific rates and 75% federal rate; and year four 100%
federal rate. The facility-specific and federal rates will be updated
annually. For 1999, the facility-specific rate will be updated by the SNF
market basket minus 1% and thereafter by the SNF market basket. For 1999
through 2002 the federal rate will be updated by the SNF market basket minus
1%.
 
  The BBA-97 reduced Medicare payment for enrollees' bad debts resulting from
non-payment of deductibles and coinsurance by 25% in FY 1998, 40% in FY 1999
and 45% in FY 2000 and after.
 
  The BBA-97 also mandates a change in payment for certain hospital discharges
to post acute care providers. Beginning October 1, 1998, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services is required to identify 10 high-volume DRGs that
utilize a disproportionate amount of post discharge services to SNFs, PPS-
exempt hospitals and units, and home health agencies. Payments to a hospital
for these 10 DRGs, if the patient is discharged to one of the aforementioned
post acute services, will be a per-diem not to exceed the DRG payment (the so-
called transfer payment rate).
 
  The changes in Medicare payments as a result of the BBA-97 may have a
material effect on the Company's results of operation.
 
 Medicaid
 
  Most state Medicaid payments are made under a prospective payment system or
under programs which negotiate payment levels with individual hospitals.
Medicaid reimbursement is often less than a hospital's cost of services.
Medicaid is currently funded approximately 50% by the states and approximately
50% by the federal government. The federal government and many states are
currently considering significant reductions in the level of Medicaid funding
while at the same time expanding Medicaid benefits, which could adversely
affect future levels of Medicaid reimbursement received by the Company's
hospitals.
 
  On November 27, 1991, Congress enacted the Medicaid Voluntary Contribution
and Provider-Specific Tax Amendments of 1991 (the "Medicaid Amendments"),
which limit the amount of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes
that can be used by states to fund Medicaid and require the use of broad-based
taxes for such funding. As a result of enactment of the Medicaid Amendments,
certain states in which the Company operates have adopted broad-based provider
taxes to fund their Medicaid programs. To date, the impact upon the Company of
these new taxes has not been materially adverse. However, the Company is
unable to predict whether any additional broad-based provider taxes will be
adopted by the states in which it operates and, accordingly, is unable to
assess the effect thereof on its results of operations or financial position.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 Annual Cost Reports
 
  Review of previously submitted annual cost reports and the cost report
preparation process are areas included in the ongoing government
investigations. It is too early to predict the outcome of these
investigations, but if the Company were found to be in violation of federal or
state laws relating to Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, the Company
could be subject to substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties
and exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any
such sanctions could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position and results of operations.
 
  The Company's annual cost reports which are required under the Medicare and
Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits, which may result in
adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due the Company under
these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to
reach the final determination of amounts earned under the programs. Providers
also have rights of appeal, and the Company is currently contesting certain
issues raised in audits of prior years' reports. Management believes that
adequate provision has been made in its financial statements for any material
retroactive adjustments that might result from such audits and that final
resolution of the contested issues will not have a material adverse effect
upon the Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
 Managed Care
 
  Pressures to control the cost of health care have resulted in increases to
the percentage of admissions and net revenues attributable to managed care
payers. The percentage of the Company's admissions attributable to managed
care payers increased from 31.9% in 1996 to 35.2% in 1997 and the percentage
of the Company's net revenue from continuing operations attributable to
managed care payers increased from 25.2% in 1996 to 28.4% in 1997. The Company
expects that the trend of increasing percentages related to managed care
payers will continue in the future. The Company generally receives lower
payments from managed care payers than from traditional commercial/indemnity
insurers.
 
 Commercial Insurance
 
  The Company's hospitals provide services to individuals covered by private
health care insurance. Private insurance carriers either reimburse their
policy holders or make direct payments to the Company's hospitals based upon
the particular hospital's established charges and the particular coverage
provided in the insurance policy. Blue Cross is a health care financing
program that provides its subscribers with hospital benefits through
independent organizations that vary from state to state. The Company's
hospitals are paid directly by local Blue Cross organizations on the basis
agreed to by each hospital and Blue Cross by a written contract.
 
  Commercial insurers are continuing efforts to limit the costs of hospital
services by adopting prospective payment or DRG based payment systems for more
inpatient and outpatient services. To the extent such efforts are successful
and reduce the insurers' reimbursements to hospitals for the costs of
providing services to their beneficiaries, such efforts may have a negative
impact on the operating results of the Company's hospitals.
 
HOSPITAL UTILIZATION
 
  The Company believes that the two most important factors relating to the
overall utilization of a hospital are the quality and market position of the
hospital and the number and quality of physicians providing patient care
within the facility. Generally, the Company believes that the ability of a
hospital to be a market leader is determined by its breadth of services, level
of technology, emphasis on quality of care and convenience for patients and
physicians. Other factors
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
which impact utilization include the growth in local population, local
economic conditions and market penetration of managed care programs.
 
  The following table sets forth certain operating statistics for hospitals
owned by the Company for each of the most recent five years. Medical/surgical
hospital operations are subject to certain seasonal fluctuations, including
decreases in patient utilization during holiday periods and increases in the
cold weather months. Psychiatric hospital operations are also subject to
certain seasonal fluctuations, including decreases in patient occupancy during
the summer months and holiday periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          -----------------------------------------------------
                           1997(g)    1996(g)    1995(g)     1994       1993
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Number of hospitals (a).        309        319        319        311        274
Weighted average
 licensed beds (b)......     61,096     62,708     61,617     57,517     53,247
Admissions (c)..........  1,915,100  1,895,400  1,774,800  1,565,500  1,451,000
Average length of stay
 (days) (d).............        5.0        5.1        5.3        5.6        5.8
Average daily census
 (e)....................     26,006     26,583     25,917     23,841     22,973
Occupancy rate (f)......         43%        42%        42%        41%        43%
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) End of period.
(b) Represents the average number of licensed beds weighted based on periods
    owned. Licensed beds are those beds for which a facility has been granted
    approval to operate from the applicable state licensing agency.
(c) Represents the total number of patients admitted (in the facility for a
    period in excess of 23 hours) to the Company's hospitals.
(d) Represents the average number of days admitted patients stay in the
    Company's hospitals.
(e) Represents the average number of patients in the Company's hospital beds
    each day.
(f) Represents the percentage of hospital licensed beds occupied by patients.
(g) Excludes 27 facilities in 1997, 22 facilities in 1996 and 19 facilities in
    1995 that are not consolidated (accounted for using the equity method) for
    financial reporting purposes.
 
  Hospitals have experienced significant shifts from inpatient to outpatient
care as well as decreases in average lengths of inpatient stay, primarily as a
result of hospital payment changes by Medicare, insurance carriers, managed
care programs and self-insured employers. These changes generally encouraged
the utilization of outpatient, rather than inpatient, services whenever
possible, and shortened lengths of stay for inpatient care. Another factor
affecting hospital utilization levels is improved treatment protocols as a
result of medical technology and pharmacological advances.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Generally, other hospitals in the local markets served by most of the
Company's hospitals provide services that are offered by the Company's
hospitals. Additionally, in the past several years, the number of freestanding
outpatient surgery and diagnostic centers in the geographic areas in which the
Company operates has increased significantly. As a result, most of the
Company's hospitals operate in an increasingly competitive environment. The
rates charged by the Company's hospitals are intended to be competitive with
those charged by other local hospitals for similar services. In some cases,
competing hospitals are more established than the Company's hospitals. Some
competing hospitals are owned by tax-supported government agencies and many
others by tax-exempt entities which may be supported by endowments and
charitable contributions and are exempt from sales, property and income taxes.
Such exemptions and support are not available to the Company's hospitals. In
addition, in certain localities served by the Company, there are large
teaching hospitals which provide highly specialized facilities,
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
equipment and services which may not be available at most of the Company's
hospitals. Psychiatric hospitals frequently attract patients from areas
outside their immediate locale and, therefore, the Company's psychiatric
hospitals compete with both local and regional hospitals, including the
psychiatric units of general, acute care hospitals.
 
  The Company believes that its hospitals compete within local markets on the
basis of many factors, including the quality of care, ability to attract and
retain quality physicians, location, breadth of services, technology offered
and prices charged. The competition among hospitals and other health care
providers has intensified in recent years as hospital occupancy rates have
declined. The Company's strategies are designed, and management believes that
its hospitals are positioned, to be competitive under these changing
circumstances.
 
  One of the most significant factors in the competitive position of a
hospital is the number and quality of physicians affiliated with the hospital.
Although physicians may at any time terminate their affiliation with a
hospital operated by the Company, the Company's hospitals seek to retain
physicians of varied specialties on the hospitals' medical staffs and to
attract other qualified physicians. The Company believes that physicians refer
patients to a hospital primarily on the basis of the quality of services it
renders to patients and physicians, the quality of other physicians on the
medical staff, the location of the hospital and the quality of the hospital's
facilities, equipment and employees. Accordingly, the Company strives to
maintain high ethical and professional standards and quality facilities,
equipment, employees and services for physicians and their patients.
 
  Another major factor in the competitive position of a hospital is
management's ability to negotiate service contracts with purchasers of group
health care services. HMOs and PPOs attempt to direct and control the use of
hospital services through managed care programs and to obtain discounts from
hospitals' established charges. In addition, employers and traditional health
insurers are increasingly interested in containing costs through negotiations
with hospitals for managed care programs and discounts from established
charges. Generally, hospitals compete for service contracts with group health
care service purchasers on the basis of price, market reputation, geographic
location, quality and range of services, quality of the medical staff and
convenience. The importance of obtaining contracts with managed care
organizations varies from market to market depending on the market strength of
such organizations.
 
  State certificate of need ("CON") laws, which place limitations on a
hospital's ability to expand hospital services and add new equipment, may also
have the effect of restricting competition. The application process for
approval of covered services, facilities, changes in operations and capital
expenditures is, therefore, highly competitive. In those states which have no
CON laws or which set relatively high levels of expenditures before they
become reviewable by state authorities, competition in the form of new
services, facilities and capital spending is more prevalent. The Company has
not experienced, and does not expect to experience, any material adverse
effects from state CON requirements or from the imposition, elimination or
relaxation of such requirements. See "Regulation and Other Factors."
 
  The Company, and the health care industry as a whole, face the challenge of
continuing to provide quality patient care while dealing with rising costs,
strong competition for patients and a general reduction of reimbursement rates
by both private and government payers. As both private and government payers
reduce the scope of what may be reimbursed and reduce reimbursement levels for
what is covered, federal and state efforts to reform the United States health
care system may further impact reimbursement rates. Changes in medical
technology, existing and future legislation, regulations and interpretations
and competitive contracting for provider services by private and government
payers may require changes in the Company's facilities, equipment, personnel,
rates and/or services in the future.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  The hospital industry and the Company's hospitals continue to have
significant unused capacity and substantial competition for patients.
Inpatient utilization, average lengths of stay and average occupancy rates
continue to be negatively affected by payer-required pre-admission
authorization, utilization review and by payer pressure to maximize outpatient
and alternative health care delivery services for less acutely ill patients.
Increased competition, admissions constraints and payer pressures are expected
to continue. To meet these challenges, the Company expands many of its
facilities to include outpatient centers, offers discounts to private payer
groups, enters into capitation contracts in some service areas, upgrades
facilities and equipment and offers new programs and services.
 
REGULATION AND OTHER FACTORS
 
 Licensure, Certification and Accreditation
 
  Health care facility construction and operation is subject to federal, state
and local regulations relating to the adequacy of medical care, equipment,
personnel, operating policies and procedures, fire prevention, rate-setting
and compliance with building codes and environmental protection laws.
Facilities are subject to periodic inspection by governmental and other
authorities to assure continued compliance with the various standards
necessary for licensing and accreditation. All of the Company's health care
facilities are properly licensed under appropriate state laws. Substantially
all of the Company's general, acute care hospitals are certified under the
Medicare program or are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations ("Joint Commission"), the effect of which is to
permit the facilities to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Certain of the Company's psychiatric hospitals do not participate in these
programs. Should any facility lose its Joint Commission accreditation, or
otherwise lose its certification under the Medicare program, the facility
would be unable to receive reimbursement from the Medicare and Medicaid
programs. Management believes that the Company's facilities are in substantial
compliance with current applicable federal, state, local and independent
review body regulations and standards. The requirements for licensure,
certification and accreditation are subject to change and, in order to remain
qualified, it may be necessary for the Company to effect changes in its
facilities, equipment, personnel and services.
 
 Certificates of Need
 
  The construction of new facilities, the acquisition of existing facilities,
and the addition of new beds or services may be subject to review by state
regulatory agencies under a CON program. The Company operates hospitals in
some states that require approval under a CON program. Such laws generally
require appropriate state agency determination of public need and approval
prior to the addition of beds or services or certain other capital
expenditures. Failure to obtain necessary state approval can result in the
inability to expand facilities, complete an acquisition or change ownership.
Further, violation may result in the imposition of civil or, in some cases,
criminal sanctions, the denial of Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement or the
revocation of a facility's license.
 
 State Rate Review
 
  Some states in which the Company owns hospitals have adopted legislation
mandating rate or budget review for hospitals or have adopted taxes on
hospital revenues, assessments or licensure fees to fund indigent health care
within the state.
 
  In Florida, a budget review process and limitations on net revenue increases
per admission have been in effect with respect to the Company's hospitals
since January 1, 1986. The increase in hospital net revenues per admission is
limited to an annually-determined percentage increase in costs that Florida
hospitals pay for goods and services plus a statutory 2%, plus additional
amounts which recognize the effect of patient days related to Medicare,
Medicaid and
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
uncompensated charity care. This law limits the ability of Florida hospitals
to increase rates to maintain operating margins. The Company operated 52
hospitals aggregating 12,105 beds in Florida as of December 31, 1997.
 
  In the aggregate, state rate or budget review and indigent tax provisions
have not materially adversely affected the Company's results of operations.
The Company is unable to predict whether any additional state rate or budget
review or indigent tax provisions will be adopted and, accordingly, is unable
to assess the effect thereof on its results of operations or financial
condition.
 
 Utilization Review
 
  Federal law contains numerous provisions designed to ensure that services
rendered by hospitals to Medicare and Medicaid patients meet professionally
recognized standards, are medically necessary and that claims for
reimbursement are properly filed. These provisions include a requirement that
a sampling of admissions of Medicare and Medicaid patients must be reviewed by
peer review organizations ("PROs"), which review the appropriateness of
Medicare and Medicaid patient admissions and discharges, the quality of care
provided, the validity of DRG classifications and the appropriateness of cases
of extraordinary length of stay or cost. PROs may deny payment for services
provided, may assess fines and also have the authority to recommend to the
Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") that a provider which is in
substantial noncompliance with the standards of the PRO be excluded from
participating in the Medicare program. Utilization review is also a
requirement of most non-governmental managed care organizations.
 
 Medicare Regulations and Fraud and Abuse
 
  Participation in the Medicare program is heavily regulated by federal
statute and regulation. If a hospital provider fails substantially to comply
with the numerous conditions of participation in the Medicare program or
performs certain prohibited acts (e.g., (i) making false claims to Medicare
for services not rendered or misrepresenting actual services rendered in order
to obtain higher reimbursement; (ii) paying remuneration for Medicare
referrals (so called "fraud and abuse" which is prohibited by the "anti-
kickback" provisions of the Social Security Act); (iii) failing to stabilize
all individuals who come to its emergency room who have an "emergency medical
condition," whether or not any such individual is eligible for Medicare; (iv)
transferring any stabilized patient to another health care facility before
such other facility has agreed to the transfer of such patient, while such
other facility does not have sufficient room and staff to treat the patient,
without the patient's emergency department medical records, or without
appropriate life support equipment; and (v) transferring any unstabilized
patient (except those transferred at the patient's request or with physician
certification that the medical risks from the transfer are less harmful than
continued treatment at the transferring facility), such hospital's
participation in the Medicare program may be terminated or civil or criminal
penalties may be imposed upon such hospital under certain provisions of the
Social Security Act.
 
  Moreover, HHS and the courts have interpreted the "fraud and abuse" anti-
kickback provisions of the Social Security Act (presently codified in Section
1128B(b) of the Social Security Act, hereinafter the "Antifraud Amendments")
broadly to include the intentional offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of
anything of value if one purpose of the payment is to induce the referral of
Medicare business. Health care providers generally are concerned that many
relatively innocuous, or even beneficial, commercial arrangements with their
physicians may technically violate this strict interpretation of the Antifraud
Amendments.
 
  In 1976 Congress established the Office of Inspector General ("OIG") at HHS
to identify and eliminate fraud, abuse and waste in HHS programs and to
promote efficiency and economy in HHS departmental operations. The OIG carries
out this mission through a nationwide program
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
of audits, investigations and inspections. In order to provide guidance to
health care providers on ways to engage in legitimate business practices and
avoid scrutiny under the fraud and abuse statutes, the OIG has from time to
time issued "fraud alerts" identifying features of transactions, which, if
present, may indicate that the transaction violates the fraud and abuse law.
In May 1992, the OIG issued a special fraud alert regarding hospital
incentives to physicians. The alert identified the following incentive
arrangements as potential violations of the statute: (a) payment of any sort
of incentive by the hospital each time a physician refers a patient to the
hospital, (b) the use of free or significantly discounted office space or
equipment (in facilities usually located close to the hospital), (c) provision
of free or significantly discounted billing, nursing or other staff services,
(d) free training for a physician's office staff in areas such as management
techniques and laboratory techniques, (e) guarantees which provide that, if
the physician's income fails to reach a predetermined level, the hospital will
supplement the remainder up to a certain amount, (f) low-interest or interest-
free loans, or loans which may be forgiven if a physician refers patients (or
some number of patients) to the hospital, (g) payment of the costs of a
physician's travel and expenses for conferences, (h) coverage on the
hospital's group health insurance plans at an inappropriately low cost to the
physician and (i) payment for services (which may include consultations at the
hospital) which require few, if any, substantive duties by the physician, or
payment for services in excess of the fair market value of services rendered.
In this fraud alert the OIG encouraged persons having information about
hospitals who offer the above types of incentives to physicians to report such
information to the OIG.
 
  In addition, on July 29, 1991, the OIG issued final regulations outlining
certain "safe harbor" practices, which, although potentially capable of
inducing prohibited referrals of business under Medicare or state health
programs, would not be subject to enforcement action under the Social Security
Act. The practices covered by the regulations include certain physician joint
venture transactions, rental of space and equipment, personal services and
management contracts, sales of physician practices, referral services,
warranties, discounts, payments to employees, group purchasing organizations
and waivers of beneficiary deductibles and co-payments. Certain of the
Company's current arrangements with physicians, including joint ventures, do
not qualify for the current safe harbor exemptions and, as a result, such
arrangements risk scrutiny by the OIG and may be subject to enforcement
action. The failure of these arrangements to satisfy all of the conditions of
the applicable safe harbor criteria does not mean that the arrangements are
illegal. Nevertheless, certain of the Company's current financial arrangements
with physicians, including joint ventures, and the Company's future financial
arrangements with physicians, could be adversely affected by the failure of
such arrangements to comply with the safe harbor regulations, or the future
adoption of other legislation or regulation in these areas.
 
  Section 1877 of the Social Security Act (commonly known as "Stark I")
prohibits referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients to clinical laboratories
with which a referring physician has a financial relationship. OBRA-93
included certain amendments to Section 1877 (such amendments commonly known as
"Stark II") which substantially broadened the scope of prohibited physician
self-referrals to include referrals by physicians to entities with which the
physician has a financial relationship and which provide certain "designated
health services" which are reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid. "Designated
health services" include not only the clinical laboratory services which were
the only such services covered by Stark I, but also, among other things,
physical and occupational therapy services, radiology services, durable
medical equipment, home health, and inpatient and outpatient hospital
services. Sanctions for violating Stark I or II include civil money penalties
up to $15,000 per prohibited service provided, assessments equal to 200% of
the dollar value of each such service provided and exclusion from the Medicare
and Medicaid programs. Stark II contains certain exceptions to the self-
referral prohibition, including an exception if the physician has an ownership
interest in the entire hospital. Stark II became effective January 1, 1995 and
proposed regulations implementing the new provisions were
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
published on January 9, 1998. The Company cannot predict the final form that
such regulations will take or the effect that Stark II or the regulations
promulgated thereunder will have on the Company.
 
  Many states in which the Company operates also have laws that prohibit
payments to physicians for patient referrals with statutory language similar
to the Antifraud Amendments, but with broader effect since they apply
regardless of the source of payment for care. These statutes typically provide
criminal and civil penalties as well as loss of licensure. Many states also
have passed legislation similar to Stark II, but with broader effect, since
the legislation applies regardless of the source of payment for care. The
scope of these state laws is broad, and little precedent exists for their
interpretation or enforcement.
 
  On August 21, 1996, President Clinton signed significant new federal health
reform legislation known as the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"). Most important for health care
providers, the new law includes comprehensive and far-reaching amendments or
supplements to the Antifraud Amendments. It also contains substantive
provisions relating to portability of health insurance coverage and
limitations on preexisting condition exclusions. Under HIPAA, health care
fraud, now defined as knowingly and willfully executing or attempting to
execute a "scheme or device" to defraud any health care benefit program, is
made a federal criminal offense. In addition, for the first time, federal
enforcement officials will have the ability to exclude from Medicare and
Medicaid any investors, officers and managing employees associated with
business entities that have committed health care fraud, even if the investor,
officer or employee had no knowledge of the fraud. HIPAA also establishes a
new violation for the payment of inducements to Medicare or Medicaid
beneficiaries in order to influence those beneficiaries to order or receive
services from a particular provider or practitioner. Most of the provisions of
HIPAA became effective January 1, 1997.
 
  HIPAA was followed by BBA-97 which was enacted by Congress on August 5,
1997. BBA-97 contains a significant number of new fraud and abuse provisions.
Civil monetary penalties ("CMP") may now be imposed for violations of the
anti-kickback provisions of the Medicare and Medicaid statute (previously,
exclusion or criminal prosecution were the only actions under the anti-
kickback statute) as well as contracting with an individual or entity that the
provider knows or should know is excluded from a federal health care program.
BBA-97 provides for a CMP of $50,000 and damages of not more than three times
the amount of remuneration in the prohibited activity. In addition, BBA-97
also has important discharge planning and reimbursement provisions as well as
surety bond requirements for home health agencies.
 
  The Social Security Act also imposes criminal and civil penalties for making
false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services not rendered or for
misrepresenting actual services rendered in order to obtain higher
reimbursement. Like the Antifraud Amendments, this statute is very broad.
Careful and accurate coding of claims for reimbursement must be performed to
avoid liability under the false claims statutes.
 
  The Company is currently the subject of government investigations into the
Company's business practices in several states. See Item 3--"Legal
Proceedings."
 
  Certain of the Company's current financial arrangements with physicians,
including joint ventures, and the Company's future development of joint
ventures and other financial arrangements with physicians, could be adversely
affected by the failure of such arrangements to comply with the Antifraud
Amendments, Section 1877, current state laws or other legislation or
regulation in these areas adopted in the future. The Company is unable to
predict the effect of such regulations, whether other legislation or
regulations at the federal or state level in any of
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
these areas will be adopted, what form such legislation or regulations may
take or their impact on the Company. The Company is continuing to enter into
new financial arrangements with physicians and other providers in a manner
structured to comply in all material respects with these laws. There can be no
assurance, however, that (i) governmental officials charged with the
responsibility for enforcing these laws will not assert that the Company is in
violation thereof or (ii) such statutes will ultimately be interpreted by the
courts in a manner consistent with the Company's interpretation.
 
  The federal Medicaid regulations also prohibit fraudulent and abusive
practices and authorize the exclusion from such program of providers in
violation of such regulations.
 
 State Legislation
 
  Some of the states in which the Company operates have laws that prohibit
corporations and other entities from employing physicians and practicing
medicine for a profit or that prohibit certain direct and indirect payments or
fee-splitting arrangements between health care providers that are designed to
induce or encourage the referral of patients to, or the recommendation of,
particular providers for medical products and services. In addition, some
states restrict certain business relationships between physicians and
pharmacies. Possible sanctions for violation of these restrictions include
loss of licensure and civil and criminal penalties. These statutes vary from
state to state, are often vague and have seldom been interpreted by the courts
or regulatory agencies. Although the Company exercises care in an effort to
structure its arrangements with health care providers to comply with the
relevant state statutes, and although management believes that the Company is
in compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that (i) governmental
officials charged with responsibility for enforcing these laws will not assert
that the Company or certain transactions in which it is involved are in
violation of such laws and (ii) such state laws will ultimately be interpreted
by the courts in a manner consistent with the practices of the Company.
 
 Health Care Reform
 
  Health care, as one of the largest industries in the United States,
continues to attract much legislative interest and public attention. In recent
years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been introduced or
proposed in Congress and in some state legislatures that would effect major
changes in the health care system, either nationally or at the state level.
Among the proposals under consideration are cost controls on hospitals,
insurance market reforms to increase the availability of group health
insurance to small businesses, requirements that all businesses offer health
insurance coverage to their employees and the creation of a single government
health insurance plan that would cover all citizens. The costs of certain
proposals would be funded in significant part by reductions in payments by
governmental programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, to health care
providers such as hospitals. There can be no assurance that future health care
legislation or other changes in the administration or interpretation of
governmental health care programs will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
 Conversion Legislation
 
  Many states have enacted or are considering enacting laws affecting the
conversion or sale of not-for-profit hospitals. These laws, in general,
include provisions relating to attorney general approval, advance notification
and community involvement. In addition, state attorneys general in states
without specific conversion legislation may exercise authority over these
transactions based upon existing law. In many states there has been an
increased interest in the oversight of
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
not-for-profit conversions. The adoption of conversion legislation and the
increased review of not-for-profit hospital conversions may limit the
Company's ability to grow through acquisitions of not-for-profit hospitals.
 
 Revenue Ruling 98-15
 
  During March 1998, the IRS issued guidance regarding the tax consequences of
joint ventures between for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. The Company
has not determined the impact of the tax ruling on its existing joint
ventures, or the development of future ventures, and is consulting with its
joint venture partners and tax advisers to develop an appropriate course of
action. The tax ruling could limit joint venture development with not-for-
profit hospitals, require the restructuring of certain existing joint ventures
with not-for-profits and influence the exercise of "put agreements" (that
require the Company to purchase the partner's interest in the joint venture)
by certain existing joint venture partners.
 
 

                                     15(a)
<PAGE>
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The Company is subject to various federal, state and local statutes and
ordinances regulating the discharge of materials into the environment.
Management does not believe that the Company will be required to expend any
material amounts in order to comply with these laws and regulations or that
compliance will materially affect its capital expenditures, earnings or
competitive position.
 
INSURANCE
 
  As is typical in the health care industry, the Company is subject to claims
and legal actions by patients in the ordinary course of business. Through a
wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, the Company insures a substantial portion
of its general and professional liability risks. The Company's health care
facilities are insured by the insurance subsidiary for losses of up to $25
million per occurrence, a portion of which is reinsured with unrelated
commercial carriers. The Company also maintains general and professional
liability insurance with unrelated commercial carriers for losses in excess of
amounts insured by its insurance subsidiary.
 
  The Company and its insurance subsidiary maintain allowances for loss for
professional and general liability risks which totalled $1.3 billion at
December 31, 1997. Management considers such allowances, which are based on
actuarially determined estimates, to be adequate for such liability risks. Any
losses incurred in excess of the established allowances for loss will be
reflected as a charge to earnings of the Company. Any losses incurred in
excess of amounts funded and maintained with commercial excess liability
insurance carriers will be funded from the Company's working capital. While
the Company's cash flow has been adequate to provide for professional and
general liability claims in the past, there can be no assurance that such
amounts will continue to be adequate. If payments for general and professional
liabilities exceed anticipated losses, the results of operations and financial
condition of the Company could be adversely affected.
 
EMPLOYEES AND MEDICAL STAFFS
 
  At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 295,000 employees,
including approximately 65,000 part-time employees. Employees at 14 hospitals
are represented by various labor unions. The Company considers its employee
relations to be satisfactory. While the Company's hospitals experience union
organizational activity from time to time, the Company does not expect such
efforts to materially affect its future operations. The Company's hospitals,
like most hospitals, have experienced labor costs rising faster than the
general inflation rate. In recent years, the Company generally has not
experienced material difficulty in recruiting and retaining employees,
including nurses and professional staff members, primarily as a result of
staff retention programs and general economic conditions. There can be no
assurance as to future availability and cost of qualified medical personnel.
References herein to "employees" refer to employees of affiliates of the
Company.
 
  The Company's hospitals are staffed by licensed physicians who have been
admitted to the medical staff of individual hospitals. With certain
exceptions, physicians generally are not employees of the Company's hospitals.
However, some physicians provide services in the Company's hospitals under
contracts, which generally describe a term of service, provide and establish
the duties and obligations of such physicians, require the maintenance of
certain performance criteria and fix compensation for such services. Any
licensed physician may apply to be admitted to the medical staff of any of the
Company's hospitals, but admission to the staff must be approved by the
hospital's medical staff and the appropriate governing board of the hospital
in accordance with established credentialling criteria. Members of the medical
staffs of the Company's hospitals often also serve on the medical staffs of
other hospitals, and may terminate their affiliation with a hospital at any
time.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  The executive officers of the Company as of March 16, 1998, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME             AGE                  POSITION(S)
            ----             ---                  -----------
 <C>                         <C> <S>
                                 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
 Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D..  59 Officer
 Jack O. Bovender, Jr.......  52 President and Chief Operating Officer
 David G. Anderson..........  50 Vice President--Finance and Treasurer
 Richard M. Bracken.........  45 President--Western Group
 Victor L. Campbell.........  51 Senior Vice President
 Kenneth C. Donahey.........  47 Senior Vice President and Controller
 W. Leon Drennan............  42 President--Physician Services
 Rosalyn S. Elton...........  36 Vice President--Financial Planning
 James A. Fitzgerald, Jr....  43 Vice President--Operations Support
 James M. Fleetwood, Jr.....  50 President--America Group
 V. Carl George.............  54 Vice President--Development
 Jay F. Grinney.............  47 President--Eastern Group
 Neil D. Hemphill...........  44 Senior Vice President--Human Resources
                                 Senior Vice President--Quality and Medical
 Frank M. Houser, M.D.......  57 Director
 Daniel J. Moen.............  46 President--Columbia Sponsored Networks
 A. Bruce Moore, Jr.........  38 Vice President--Operations Administration
                                 Senior Vice President--Columbia Sponsored
 Richard A. Schweinhart.....  48 Networks
 James D. Shelton...........  44 President--Pacific Group
 Joseph N. Steakley.........  43 Vice President--Audit and Consulting Services
 Robert A. Waterman.........  44 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
 David R. White.............  50 President--Atlantic Group
 Noel Brown Williams........  43 Senior Vice President and Chief Information
                                 Officer
 Alan R. Yuspeh.............  48 Senior Vice President--Ethics, Compliance and
                                 Corporate Responsibility
</TABLE>
 
  Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D. has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer since July 1997. Previously, he served as Vice Chairman of
the Board of the Company since April 1995. From February 1994 to April 1995,
he was Chairman of the Board of the Company. Dr. Frist was Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of HCA-Hospital Corporation of
America ("HCA") from 1988 to February 1994. Dr. Frist was previously Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Hospital Corporation of America from August
1985 until September 1987.
 
  Jack O. Bovender, Jr. has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company since August 1997. From April 1994 to August 1997, he was retired
after serving as Chief Operating Officer of HCA from 1992 until 1994. Prior to
1992, Mr. Bovender held several senior level positions with HCA.
 
  David G. Anderson has served as Vice President--Finance of the Company since
September 1993 and was elected to the additional position of Treasurer in
November 1996. From March 1993 until September 1993, Mr. Anderson served as
Vice President Finance and Treasurer of Galen Health Care, Inc. From July 1988
to March 1993, Mr. Anderson served as Vice President Finance and Treasurer of
Humana Inc.
 
  Richard M. Bracken has served as President--Western Group of the Company
since August 1997. From January 1995 to August 1997, Mr. Bracken served as
President of the Pacific Division of the Company. From July 1993 to December
1994, he served as President of Nashville Healthcare Network, Inc. From
December 1981 to June 1993, he served in various hospital Chief Executive
Officer and Administrator positions with HCA.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  Victor L. Campbell has served as Senior Vice President of the Company since
February 1994. Prior to that time, Mr. Campbell served as HCA's Vice President
for Investor, Corporate, and Government Relations. Mr. Campbell joined HCA in
1972. Mr. Campbell is currently a director of the Federation of American
Health Systems and the American Hospital Association.
 
  Kenneth C. Donahey has served as Senior Vice President and Controller of the
Company since April 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Donahey served as Senior
Vice President and Controller of Healthtrust from April 1993 to April 1995.
Mr. Donahey served as Vice President and Controller of Healthtrust from 1987
to 1993.
 
  W. Leon Drennan has served as President--Physician Services for the Company
since January 1998. Mr. Drennan served as Senior Vice President--Internal
Audit of the Company from February 1995 to December 1997. From February 1994
to January 1995, Mr. Drennan served as Vice President--Internal Audit of the
Company. Mr. Drennan served as Vice President--Internal Audit for HCA from
1987 until 1994.
 
   Rosalyn S. Elton has served as Vice President--Financial Planning of the
Company since August 1993. From October 1990 to August 1993, Ms. Elton served
as Vice President--Financial Planning and Treasury.
 
  James A. Fitzgerald, Jr. has served as Vice President--Operations Support of
the Company since 1994. From 1993 to 1994, he served as the Assistant Vice
President of Operations Support. From July 1981 to 1993, Mr. Fitzgerald served
as Director of Internal Audit for HCA.
 
  James M. Fleetwood, Jr. has served as President--America Group of the
Company since January 1, 1998. Mr. Fleetwood served as President--Florida
Group of the Company from May 1996 to January 1998. Mr. Fleetwood served as
President of the Company's North Florida Division from April 1995 to May 1996.
From August 1992 to April 1995, Mr. Fleetwood was a Regional Vice President of
Healthtrust. Mr. Fleetwood served as the Administrator and Chief Executive
Officer of Plantation General Hospital in Plantation, Florida from July 1989
to August 1992.
 
  V. Carl George has served as Vice President --Development of the Company
since April 1995. From August 1987 to April 1995, Mr. George served as
Director of Development for Healthtrust.
 
  Jay F. Grinney has served as President--Eastern Group of the Company since
May 1996. From October 1993 to May 1996, Mr. Grinney served as President of
the Greater Houston Division of the Company. From November 1992 to October
1993, Mr. Grinney served as Chief Operating Officer of the Houston Region of
the Company. From June 1990 to November 1992, Mr. Grinney served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
 
  Neil D. Hemphill has served as Senior Vice President--Human Resources of the
Company since February 1994. Mr. Hemphill served as Vice President--Human
Resources of the Company from June 1992 to February 1994. Mr. Hemphill was a
Director of Human Resources of Republic Health Corporation from January 1985
to June 1992.
 
  Frank M. Houser, M.D. has served as Senior Vice President --Quality and
Medical Director of the Company since November 1997. Dr. Houser served as
President--Physician Management Services of the Company from May 1996 to
November 1997. Dr. Houser served as President of the Georgia Division of the
Company from December 1994 to May 1996. From May 1993 to December 1994, Dr.
Houser served as the Medical Director of External Operations at The Emory
Clinic, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Houser served as State Public Health
Director, Georgia Department of Human Resources, from July 1991 to May 1993.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
  Daniel J. Moen has served as President--Columbia Sponsored Networks since
March 1996, and served as President of the Company's Florida Group from
February 1994 until March 1996. Mr. Moen was President of the Company's South
Florida Division from October 1991 until February 1994.
 
  A. Bruce Moore, Jr. has served as Vice President--Operations Administration
of the Company since September 1997. From October 1996 to September 1997
Mr. Moore served as Vice President--Benefits of the Company. Mr. Moore served
as Vice President of Compensation of the Company from March 1995 until October
1996. From February 1994 to March 1995, Mr. Moore served as Director--
Compensation of the Company. Mr. Moore also served as Director--Compensation
for HCA from November 1987 until February 1994.
 
  Richard A. Schweinhart has served as Senior Vice President--Columbia
Sponsored Networks of the Company since March 1996. From April 1995 until
March 1996, Mr. Schweinhart served as Senior Vice President--Nonhospital
Operations, and from September 1993 until April 1995 as Senior Vice
President--Finance of the Company. Mr. Schweinhart served as Senior Vice
President--Finance for both Galen and Humana from November 1991 to September
1993.
 
  James D. Shelton has served as President--Pacific Group since January 1,
1998. Mr. Shelton served as President--Central Group of the Company from June
1994 until January 1998. From May 1993 to June 1994, Mr. Shelton was employed
by National Medical Enterprises, Inc. ("NME") (presently called Tenet
Healthcare Corporation) as Executive Vice President of the Central Division.
Mr. Shelton served as Senior Vice President of Operations for NME from August
1986 until May 1993.
 
  Joseph N. Steakley has served as Vice President--Audit and Consulting
Services since November 1997. From December 1975 until October 1997, Mr.
Steakley worked for Ernst & Young LLP where he served as a partner from
October 1989.
 
  Robert A. Waterman has served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel
of the Company since November 1997. Mr. Waterman served as a partner in the
law firm of Latham & Watkins from September 1993 to October 1997; he was also
Chair of the firm's healthcare group during 1997. Prior to September 1993, Mr.
Waterman was a partner in the law firm of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen.
 
  David R. White has served as President--Atlantic Group since January 1,
1998. Mr. White joined the Company in March 1994 and served as President--
Mid-America Group of the Company since June 1995. Before this period, he
served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with Community
Health Systems, Inc. for eight years.
 
  Noel Brown Williams has served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Information Officer of the Company since October 1997. From October 1996 to
September 1997, Ms. Williams served as Chief Information Officer for American
Services Group/Prison Health Services, Inc. From September 1995 to September
1996, Ms. Williams worked as an independent consultant. From June 1993 to June
1995, Ms. Williams served as Vice President, Information Services for
Columbia/HCA Information Services. From February 1979 to June 1993, she held
various positions with HCA Information Services.
 
  Alan R. Yuspeh has served as Senior Vice President--Ethics, Compliance and
Corporate Responsibility of the Company since October 1997. From September
1991 until October 1997, Mr. Yuspeh was a partner with the law firm of Howrey
& Simon. As a part of his law practice, Mr. Yuspeh served from 1987 to 1997 as
Coordinator of the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
 
   The following table lists, by state, the number of hospitals owned, managed
or operated by the Company as of December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        LICENSED
      STATE                                                   HOSPITALS   BEDS
      -----                                                   --------- --------
      <S>                                                     <C>       <C>
      Alabama................................................      9      1,303
      Alaska.................................................      1        254
      Arizona................................................      5        789
      Arkansas...............................................      4        909
      California.............................................     16      3,006
      Colorado...............................................      9      2,226
      Florida................................................     52     12,105
      Georgia................................................     19      3,193
      Idaho..................................................      2        462
      Illinois...............................................      8      2,584
      Indiana................................................      2        460
      Kansas.................................................      5      1,707
      Kentucky...............................................     13      2,505
      Louisiana..............................................     20      3,093
      Massachusetts..........................................      2        501
      Mississippi............................................      2        284
      Missouri...............................................      3        767
      Nevada.................................................      2        808
      New Hampshire..........................................      2        295
      New Mexico.............................................      2        381
      North Carolina.........................................      7        996
      Ohio...................................................      4      1,617
      Oklahoma...............................................      8      1,532
      Oregon.................................................      2        198
      South Carolina.........................................      5        932
      Tennessee..............................................     29      4,271
      Texas..................................................     66     13,150
      Utah...................................................      7        951
      Virginia...............................................     15      3,534
      Washington.............................................      1        119
      West Virginia..........................................      7      1,284
      Wyoming................................................      1         70
<CAPTION>
      INTERNATIONAL
      -------------
      <S>                                                     <C>       <C>
      Spain..................................................      1        110
      Switzerland............................................      1        185
      United Kingdom.........................................      4        517
                                                                 ---     ------
                                                                 336     67,098
                                                                 ===     ======
</TABLE>
 
  In addition to the hospitals listed in the above table, the Company operates
145 outpatient surgery centers. The Company also operates medical office
buildings in conjunction with its hospitals. These office buildings are pri-
marily occupied by physicians who practice at the Company's hospitals.
 
  The Company owns and maintains its headquarters in approximately 580,000
square feet of space in five office buildings in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's headquarters, hospitals and other facilities are suitable for
their respective uses and are, in general, adequate for the Company's present
needs.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
  FEDERAL AND STATE INVESTIGATIONS
 
  In March 1997, various facilities of the Company's El Paso, Texas operations
were searched by federal authorities pursuant to search warrants, and the
government removed various records and documents. In February 1998, an
additional warrant was executed and a single computer was seized. The Company
believes it may be a target in this investigation.
 
  In July 1997, various Company affiliated facilities and offices were
searched pursuant to search warrants issued by the United States District
Court in several states. During July, September and November 1997, the Company
was also served with subpoenas requesting records and documents related to
laboratory billing, diagnosis related group ("DRG") coding and home health
operations in various states. In January 1998, the Company received a subpoena
which requested records and documents relating to physician relationships.
 
  Also, in July 1997, the United States District Court for the Middle District
of Florida, in Fort Myers, issued an indictment against three employees of a
subsidiary of the Company. The indictment relates to the alleged false
characterization of interest payments on certain debt resulting in Medicare
and CHAMPUS overpayments since 1986 to Columbia Fawcett Memorial Hospital, a
Port Charlotte, Florida hospital that was acquired by the Company in 1992. The
Company has been served with subpoenas for various records and documents.
 
  The Company is cooperating in these investigations and understands it is a
target in these investigations.
 
  In addition, several hospital facilities affiliated with the Company have
received individual governmental inquiries, both informal and formal,
requesting information related to reimbursement from government programs.
 
  While it is too early to predict the outcome of any of the ongoing
investigations or the initiation of any additional investigations, were the
Company to be found in violation of federal or state laws relating to
Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, the Company could be subject to
substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion from
participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such sanctions could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results
of operations. See NOTE 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
  The Company is the subject of a formal order of investigation by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Company understands
that the investigation includes the anti-fraud, periodic reporting and
internal accounting control provisions of the federal securities laws.
 
  QUI TAM ACTIONS
 
  Several qui tam actions have been brought by private parties ("relators") on
behalf of the United States of America. To the best of the Company's
knowledge, the actions allege, in general, that the Company and certain
subsidiaries and/or affiliated partnerships violated the False Claims Act for
improper claims submitted to the government for reimbursement. The government
has declined to intervene in any qui tam actions filed to date.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  The matter of United States of America, ex rel. Scott Pogue v. American
Healthcorp, Inc., et al. (Civil Action No. 3-94-0515) was filed under seal on
June 23, 1994, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of
Tennessee. On February 6, 1995, the United States filed its Notice of Non-
Intervention and on that same date, the District Court ordered the Complaint
unsealed. The relator contends that sums paid to Medical Directors by the
Diabetes Treatment Centers of America and those who served as Medical
Directors at a hospital or facility affiliated with the Company, were, in
fact, unlawful payments for the referrals of their patients.
 
  A lawsuit captioned United States of America ex rel. James Thompson v.
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, et al, was filed on March 10, 1995 in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus
Christi Division (Civil Action No. C-95-110). The relator claims that the
defendants (the Company and certain subsidiaries and affiliated partnerships)
engaged in a widespread strategy to pay physicians money for referrals and
engaged in other conduct to induce referrals, such as: (i) offering physicians
equity interests in hospitals; (ii) offering loans to physicians; (iii) paying
money under the guise of "consultation fees" to physicians to guarantee their
capital investment; (iv) paying consultation fees, rent or other monies to
physicians; (v) providing free or reduced rate rents for office space; (vi)
providing free or reduced-rate vacations and trips; (viii) providing income
guarantees; and (ix) granting physicians exclusive rights to perform
procedures in particular fields of practice. The lawsuit is premised on
alleged violations of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. (S)3729 et seq. The
complaint seeks damages of three times the amount of all Medicare or Medicaid
claims (involving false claims) presented by the defendants to the federal
government, a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 for
each such Medicare or Medicaid claim, attorneys' fees and costs. Although
expressly permitted to do so, the United States has thus far declined to
intervene in the case and assume prosecution of the claims asserted by the
relator. The defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Complaint
on November 29, 1995, which was granted by the Court on July 22, 1996. On
August 20, 1996, the relator appealed to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Fifth Circuit and, on October 23, 1997, the Fifth Circuit affirmed in
part and vacated and remanded in part the Trial Court's rulings.
 
  On or around December 21, 1995, a matter entitled United States of America,
ex rel. Roy Meidinger v. Lee Memorial Health Systems, Case No. 95-423-FTM-99D,
was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District Court of
Florida, Fort Myers Division. In this matter, the plaintiff filed under seal,
a False Claims Act case against approximately 2,500 health care providers and
insurance companies, including Columbia Southwest Regional Medical Center. On
December 16, 1996, the United States declined to intervene. In June 1997, the
District Court entered an order directing plaintiff to serve the defendants.
In late November and early December 1997, each of the six defendants moved to
dismiss the Complaint. On January 20, 1998, plaintiff filed his opposition to
the defendant's motion to dismiss. The Court has not yet ruled on the
defendant's motions.
 
  The matter of United States of American, ex rel. Sandra Russell; and Sandra
Russell in her own right v. EPIC Healthcare Management Group, and Hearthstone
Home Health, Inc. d/b/a Continue Care Health Services, No. H-95-00151, was
filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas,
Houston Division, in January, 1995. This matter was filed under seal. The
Complaint alleges that the relator was required to submit claims, records
and/or statements for Medicare reimbursement which were false. The government
declined to intervene in May 1996, and the defendant moved to dismiss in May
1997. No ruling has been made on the motion to dismiss.
 
  The Company intends to pursue the defense of the Qui Tam actions vigorously.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE AND CLASS ACTION COMPLAINTS FILED IN THE U.S.
  DISTRICT COURTS
 
  Since April 8, 1997, numerous securities class action and derivative
lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Tennessee against the Company and a number of its current and
former directors, officers and employees.
 
  On August 26, 1997, the Court entered an order consolidating all of the
securities class action claims into a single-captioned case, Morse v.
McWhorter, Case No. 3-97-0370. All of the other individual securities class
action lawsuits were administratively closed by the Court. The consolidated
Morse lawsuit is a purported class action seeking the certification of a class
of persons or entities who acquired the Company's common stock from April 9,
1994 to September 9, 1997. The consolidated lawsuit is brought against the
Company, Richard Scott, David Vandewater, Thomas Frist, Jr., R. Clayton
McWhorter, Carl E. Reichardt, Magdalena Averhoff, M.D., T. Michael Long, and
Donald S. MacNaughton. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the
defendants committed violations of the federal securities laws by materially
inflating the Company's revenues and earnings through a number of practices,
including upcoding, maintaining reserve cost reports, disseminating false and
misleading statements, cost shifting, illegal reimbursements, improper
billing, unbundling, and violating various Medicare laws. The lawsuit seeks
compensatory damages, costs, and expenses. Plaintiffs filed their Motion for
Class Certification on February 11, 1998. The defendants' motions to dismiss
and motion for oral argument have been referred to the Magistrate Judge for
consideration.
 
  On August 26, 1997, the Court entered an order consolidating all of the
derivative law claims into a single-captioned case, McCall v. Scott, No. 3-97-
0838. All of the other derivative lawsuits were administratively closed by the
Court. The consolidated McCall lawsuit is brought against the Company, Thomas
Frist, Jr., Richard L. Scott, David T. Vandewater, R. Clayton McWhorter,
Magdalena Averhoff, M.D., Frank S. Royal, M.D., T. Michael Long, William T.
Young and Donald S. MacNaughton. The lawsuit alleges, among other things,
derivative claims against the individual defendants that they intentionally or
negligently breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by authorizing,
permitting, or failing to prevent the Company from engaging in various schemes
to improperly increase revenue, upcoding, improper cost reporting, improper
referrals, improper acquisition practices, and overbilling. In addition, the
lawsuit asserts a derivative claim against some of the individual defendants
for breaching their fiduciary duties by engaging in insider trading. The
lawsuit seeks restitution, damages, recoupment of fines or penalties paid by
the Company, restitution and pre-judgment interest against the alleged insider
trading defendants, and costs and disbursements. In addition, the lawsuit
seeks orders: (i) prohibiting the Company from paying individual defendants
employment benefits, (ii) terminating all improper business relationships with
individual defendants, and (iii) requiring the Company to implement effective
corporate governance and internal control mechanisms designed to monitor
compliance with federal and state laws and ensure reports to the Board of
Material Violations.
 
  The matter of Landgraff v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on
November 7, 1997, in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, Civil Action No. 97-CV-3381. The suit
seeks certification of a class of all participants in the Columbia/HCA Stock
Bonus Plan, alleging violations of ERISA. The suit alleges the Company
breached its fiduciary duty to plan participants, fraudulently concealed
information from the public and fraudulently inflated the Company's stock
price through billing fraud and illegal kickbacks for physician referrals. On
January 9, 1998, the parties stipulated to transfer venue of the case to the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Defendants
filed a Motion to Dismiss on March 6, 1998.
 
  The Company intends to pursue the defense of these Shareholder Derivative
and Class Action Complaints vigorously.
 
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE ACTIONS FILED IN STATE COURTS
 
  Several derivative actions have been filed in State Court by certain
purported stockholders of the Company against certain of the Company's current
and former officers and directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty, and
failure to take reasonable steps to ensure that the Company did not engage in
illegal practices thereby exposing the Company to significant damages. The
Company intends to pursue the defense of these shareholder derivative actions
vigorously.
 
  Two purported derivative actions entitled Evelyn Barron, et al. v. Magdalena
Averhoff, et al. (Civil Action No. 15822NC) and John Kovalchick v. Magdalena
Averhoff, et al. (Civil Action No. 15829NC) have been filed in the Court of
Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County. The actions
were brought on behalf of the Company by certain purported shareholders of the
Company against certain of the Company's current and former officers and
directors. On approximately August 14, 1997, a similar purported derivative
action entitled State Board of Administration of Florida v. Magdalena
Averhoff, et al. (No. 97-2729) was filed in the Circuit Court in Davidson
County, Tennessee on behalf of the Company by certain purported shareholders
of the Company against certain of the Company's current and former directors
and officers.
 
  The matter of Louisiana State Employees Retirement System v. Averhoff, et al
and Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, another derivative action, was filed
on March 20, 1998, in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Dade
County, Florida, General Jurisdiction Division, Case No. 98-6050 CA04. The
Louisiana State Employees Retirement System is the public pension fund of the
State of Louisiana. The suit alleges breach of fiduciary duties resulting in
damage to the Company's good will, business reputation and the ability to
consummate future mergers and acquisitions.
 
  PATIENT/PAYER ACTIONS
 
  The Company has from time to time received several purported class action
lawsuits which have been filed by patients or payers against the Company
and/or certain of its current and former officers and directors alleging, in
general, improper and fraudulent billing, coding and physician referrals, as
well as other violations of law.
 
  The matter of Boysen v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed
September 8, 1997, in the United States District Court for the Middle District
of Tennessee, Nashville Division, (Civil Action No. 3-97-0936). The lawsuit,
which seeks certification of a national class comprised of all persons or
entities who have paid for medical services provided by the Company, alleges,
among other things, that the Company has engaged in a pattern and practice of
(i) inflating diagnosis and medical treatments of its patients to receive
larger payments from the purported class members; (ii) providing unnecessary
medical care; and (iii) billing for services never rendered. The lawsuit seeks
equitable relief in the form of an accounting, as well as damages, attorneys'
fees and costs of suit. The Company filed its Answer on November 17, 1997.
Plaintiff has filed a Motion for Class Certification, and the Company's
opposition to this motion was filed in March 1998.
 
  The matter of Brown v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on
November 28, 1995, in the Circuit Court of Palm Beach County, Florida, Case
No. 95-9102 AD. This suit alleges that the hospital has charged excessive
amounts for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, laboratory tests, medical
equipment and related medical services such as x-rays. The suit seeks
certification of a nationwide class, and damages for patients who have paid
bills containing allegedly excessive amounts for the allegedly unreasonable
portion of the charges and attorneys' fees. The Company filed a Motion to
Dismiss on December 18, 1995, and an Amended Motion to Dismiss on January 3,
1996. Plaintiff amended the Complaint and the Company filed an Answer and
defenses on June 19, 1996. On October 15, 1997, Harald Jackson moved to
intervene in the lawsuit. The Court denied Jackson's Motion on December 19,
1997. No class has been certified. Discovery is ongoing.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  On October 27, 1997, Colville v. Columbia/Palm Drive Hospital was filed in
the Sonoma County Superior Court, California, Case No. 217646. The suit seeks
certification of a class comprised of uninsured patients treated at the
Company's hospitals and entities in California who have been treated and
charged different fees than any other patient. The suit alleges that the
Company fraudulently overcharged the plaintiffs and that it unlawfully charges
uninsured patients at a higher rate for the same services, compared to
patients with insurance or Medicare. On March 6, 1998, the Company filed a
Demurrer Motion and Motion to Quash. A hearing is set for May 13, 1998.
 
  Doe v. HCA Health Services of Tennessee, Inc. dba Donelson Hospital fka
Summit Medical Center is a class action suit filed on August 17, 1992 in the
First Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee. This suit claims the
Company's charges for hospital services and supplies for medical services (a
hysterectomy in the plaintiff's case) exceeded the reasonable costs of its
goods and services, that the overcharges constitute a breach of contract and
an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of the Tennessee
Consumer Protection Act, and a breach of the duty of good faith and fair
dealing under Tennessee statute and common law. In 1997, this case was
certified as a class action consisting of all past, present and future
patients at Summit Medical Center. Defendant filed a Motion for Summary
Judgment relying upon the favorable decision of another Nashville Circuit
Judge in a factually similar case. In March 1997, the Court denied the Motion
for Summary Judgment and has ordered the parties into mediation.
 
  The matter of Douglas v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation is a class
action filed on March 5, 1998, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois,
County Department, Chancery Division, Case No. 98 02942. This suit alleges
that defendants were involved in fraudulent and deceptive acts including
wrongful billing, unnecessary treatment and wrongful diagnosis of patients
with illnesses that necessitate higher medical fees for financial gain. This
matter was served on March 18, 1998 and no answer has been filed at this time.
 
  Ferguson v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on September 16,
1997, in the Circuit Court for Washington County, Tennessee, Civil Action No.
18679. This lawsuit seeks certification of a national class comprised of all
those who paid or were responsible for payment of any portion of a bill for
medical care or treatment provided by the Company and alleges, among other
things, that the Company engaged in billing fraud by excessively billing
patients for services rendered, billing patients for services not rendered or
not medically necessary, uniformly using improper codes to report patient
diagnosis, and improperly and illegally recruiting doctors to refer patients
to the Company's hospitals. Plaintiff filed a Motion for Class Certification
on September 16, 1997. On December 15, 1997, the Company filed a Motion for
Summary Judgment. On January 28, 1998, plaintiff filed a Motion for Leave to
File a Second Amended Class Action Complaint to Add an Additional Class
Representative.
 
  The matter of Hoop v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on
August 18, 1997, in the District Court of Johnson County, Texas, Civil Action
No. 249-171-97. This suit seeks certification of a class in Texas comprised of
persons who paid for any portion of an improper or fraudulent bill for medical
services rendered by any Texas facility owned or operated by the Company. The
lawsuit alleges the Company perpetrated a fraudulent scheme that consisted of
systematic and routine overbilling through false and inaccurate bills,
including padding, billing for services never provided, and exaggerating the
seriousness of patients' illnesses. The lawsuit alleges the Company
systematically entered into illegal kickback schemes with doctors for patient
referrals. The Company filed its answer on November 7, 1997.
 
  The matter of Jackson v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on
December 23, 1997, in the Circuit Court, Palm Beach County, Florida, Civil
Action No. 97-011419. The suit seeks certification of a national class of
persons or entities that have paid for medical services,
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
alleging the Company systematically and unlawfully inflated prices, concealed
its practice of inflating prices and engaged in and concealed a uniform
practice of overbilling.
 
  The matter of Johnson v. Plantation General Hospital was filed on August 5,
1991, in the Circuit Court for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, State of
Florida, Broward County, Case No. 92-06823 Div. 2. The suit alleges the
hospital charged excessive amounts for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and
laboratory tests. The suit sought certification of a class, a price reduction
on all outstanding bills in the amount of the allegedly excessive portion of
the charges, damages for patients who have paid bills containing allegedly
excessive amounts for the alleged unreasonable portion of the charges and
attorneys' fees. On September 18, 1995, the trial court certified the class
and the Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed. On October 22, 1996, the
hospital filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on Counts II and III on the basis
of the voluntary payment defense. The Court granted the motion on November 19,
1997. Count I is still pending. Trial has been set for June 29, 1998.
 
  The matter of Operating Engineers Local No. 312 Health & Welfare Fund v.
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation was filed on October 6, 1997 in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Civil Action No.
597CV203. The suit alleges four counts of violations of RICO. The alleged RICO
violations are based on allegations that the Company has employed one or more
schemes or artifices to defraud the plaintiff and purported class members
through fraudulent billing for services not performed, fraudulent overcharging
in excess of correct rates and fraudulent concealment and misrepresentation.
On October 22, 1997, the Company filed a Motion to Transfer Venue and to
Dismiss the Lawsuit on Jurisdiction and Venue Grounds because the RICO claims
are deficient. The motion to transfer was denied on January 23, 1998. The
motion to dismiss has not yet been ruled upon.
 
  The Company denies the aforementioned allegations and intends to pursue the
defense of these actions vigorously.
 
  While it is premature to predict the outcome of the qui tam, shareholder
derivative and class action lawsuits, the amounts claimed may be substantial.
It is possible that an adverse resolution, individually or in the aggregate,
could have a materially adverse impact on the Company's liquidity, financial
position and results of operations. See NOTE 15 of the notes to consolidated
financial statements.
 
  The Company believes the ongoing investigations, qui tam, shareholder cases,
class action overcharging cases and related media coverage are having a
negative effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
However, the Company is unable to measure the effect or predict the magnitude
that these matters and the related media coverage could have on the Company's
future results of operations and financial position.
 
  GENERAL LIABILITY CLAIMS
 
  The Company is subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of
business, including claims for personal injuries or for wrongful restriction
of, or interference with, physicians' staff privileges. In certain of these
actions the claimants have asked for punitive damages against the Company,
which are usually not covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, the
ultimate resolution of these pending claims and legal proceedings will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or
financial position.
 
  A class action styled Mary Forsyth, et al v. Humana, Inc., et al, Case No.
CV-S-89-249-DWH, was filed on March 29, 1989, in the United States District
Court for the District of Nevada (the "Forsyth" case). Plaintiffs are two
classes of individuals who paid for, or received coverage under, group
insurance policies sold in the State of Nevada by Humana Insurance. They
allege violations
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
of antitrust laws, ERISA and RICO which arise from the sale of the policies
and from incentives provided under the policies for insureds to use Humana
Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. In 1993, the United States District Court
granted summary judgment dismissing most of plaintiff's claims but granted
plaintiffs judgment on one claim that the client assesses as having a maximum
exposure of under $4 million, plus attorney's fees. Plaintiffs appealed to the
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which, on May 23, 1997,
affirmed the judgment on the ERISA claims; reversed as to the antitrust
claims; and reversed in part as to the RICO claims, but affirmed the District
Court's grant of summary judgment limiting RICO damages to three times the
ERISA damages, with exposure assessed at under $12 million. Plaintiffs claim
approximately $133 million in antitrust damages that is subject to statutory
trebling. Humana has petitioned the Supreme Court for a Writ of Certiorari on
the RICO claims, which is pending. The antitrust claims have been remanded to
the United States District Court in Nevada. Trial of these claims is stayed
pending a decision on the Petition for Writ of Certiorari. Humana has filed a
Motion for Summary Judgment on all remaining antitrust claims raising issues
that were not reached by the District Court. The court vacated the February
trial date and set oral argument for January 30, 1998. The Court has ordered
that a status report be filed on March 23, 1998.
 
  On December 4, 1997, a lawsuit captioned Florida Software Systems, Inc., a
Florida corporation v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Florida (Civil Action No. 97-2866-C.V.-T-17b). The lawsuit alleges
that the Company breached an agreement under which Florida Software Systems,
Inc. was allegedly granted the exclusive right to provide medical claims
management for certain claims made by the Company for payment to any third
party payors in connection with the rendition of medical care or services. The
lawsuit alleges claims for fraud, breach of implied contract, and breach of
contract. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees
and costs of the suit. The Company believes that the allegations in the
Complaint are without merit and intends to pursue the defense of this action
vigorously.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
  No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1997.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
  The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "NYSE") (symbol "COL"). The table below sets forth, for the calendar
quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share reported on the
NYSE Composite Tape for the Company's Common Stock. All prices have been
adjusted to reflect a 3-for-2 stock split in the form of a stock dividend
effective October 15, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    HIGH   LOW
                                                                   ------ ------
   <S>                                                             <C>    <C>
   1997:
     First Quarter................................................ $44.88 $31.25
     Second Quarter...............................................  40.00  30.38
     Third Quarter................................................  40.44  26.63
     Fourth Quarter...............................................  32.13  25.75
   1996:
     First Quarter................................................ $39.08 $33.42
     Second Quarter...............................................  38.17  32.92
     Third Quarter................................................  39.25  31.67
     Fourth Quarter...............................................  41.88  34.50
</TABLE>
 
  At the close of business on March 23, 1998, there were approximately 18,700
holders of record of the Company's Common Stock and one holder of record of
the Company's Nonvoting Common Stock.
 
  The Company currently pays a regular quarterly dividend of $.02 per share.
While it is the present intention of the Company's Board of Directors to
continue paying a quarterly dividend of $.02 per share, the declaration and
payment of future dividends by the Company will depend upon many factors,
including the Company's earnings, financial condition, business needs, capital
and surplus and regulatory considerations.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                   AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997      1996      1995      1994      1993
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues...........................................................  $ 18,819  $ 18,786  $ 17,132  $ 14,543  $ 12,678
Salaries and benefits..............................................     7,631     7,205     6,779     5,963     5,202
Supplies...........................................................     2,722     2,655     2,536     2,144     2,015
Other operating expenses...........................................     4,263     3,689     3,203     2,661     2,286
Provision for doubtful accounts....................................     1,420     1,196       994       853       699
Depreciation and amortization......................................     1,238     1,143       976       804       689
Interest expense...................................................       493       488       458       387       415
Equity in earnings of affiliates...................................       (68)     (173)      (28)       (8)       (9)
Restructuring of operations and investigation related costs........       140        --        --        --        --
Impairment of long-lived assets....................................       442        --        --        --        --
Merger, facility consolidation and other costs.....................        --        --       387       159       151
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                                                       18,281    16,203    15,305    12,963    11,448
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Income from continuing operations before minority interests and
 income taxes......................................................       538     2,583     1,827     1,580     1,230
Minority interests in earnings of consolidated entities............       150       141       113        40        18
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes..............       388     2,442     1,714     1,540     1,212
Provision for income taxes.........................................       206       981       689       611       492
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Income from continuing operations..................................       182     1,461     1,025       929       720
Discontinued operations:
 Income from operations of discontinued businesses, net of income
  taxes............................................................        12        44        39        --        16
 Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued businesses, net of
  income tax benefit...............................................      (443)       --        --        --        --
Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt, net of income tax
 benefits..........................................................        --        --      (103)     (115)      (97)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax benefit..       (56)       --        --        --        --
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
   Net income (loss)...............................................  $   (305) $  1,505  $    961  $    814  $    639
                                                                     ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 Income from continuing operations.................................  $    .28  $   2.17  $   1.54  $   1.46  $   1.18
 Discontinued operations:
  Income from operations of discontinued businesses................       .02       .07       .06        --       .03
  Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued businesses............      (.67)       --        --        --        --
 Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt..................        --        --      (.16)     (.18)     (.16)
 Cumulative effect of accounting change............................      (.09)       --        --        --        --
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
   Net income (loss)...............................................  $   (.46) $   2.24  $   1.44  $   1.28  $   1.05
                                                                     ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share (in thousands)...   657,931   670,774   665,407   634,837   608,345
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 Income from continuing operations.................................  $    .27  $   2.15  $   1.52  $   1.44  $   1.16
 Discontinued operations:
  Income from operations of discontinued businesses................       .02       .07       .06        --       .03
  Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued businesses............      (.67)       --        --        --        --
 Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt..................        --        --      (.15)     (.18)     (.16)
 Cumulative effect of accounting change............................      (.08)       --        --        --        --
                                                                     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
   Net income (loss)...............................................  $   (.46) $   2.22  $   1.43  $   1.26  $   1.03
                                                                     ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands).   663,090   677,886   673,071   643,943   619,554
Cash dividends per common share....................................  $    .07  $    .08  $    .08  $    .08  $    .04
Redemption of preferred stock purchase rights......................  $    .01        --        --        --        --
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
            AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31--(CONTINUED)
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1997       1996       1995       1994       1993
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
FINANCIAL POSITION:
Assets.................. $  22,002  $  21,116  $  19,805  $  16,278  $  12,685
Working capital.........     1,650      1,389      1,409      1,092        835
Net assets of
 discontinued
 operations.............       841        212        142         --         --
Long-term debt,
 including amounts due
 within one year........     9,408      6,982      7,380      5,672      4,682
Minority interests in
 equity of consolidated
 entities...............       836        836        722        278         67
Stockholders' equity....     7,250      8,609      7,129      6,090      4,158
CASH FLOW DATA:
Cash provided by
 continuing operating
 activities............. $   1,483  $   2,589  $   2,264  $   1,747  $   1,585
Cash used in investing
 activities.............    (2,746)    (2,219)    (3,610)    (1,946)      (967)
Cash provided by (used
 in) financing
 activities.............     1,260       (489)     1,510        (81)      (684)
OPERATING DATA:
Number of hospitals at
 end of period..........       309        319        319        311        274
Number of licensed beds
 at end of period (a)...    60,643     61,931     61,347     59,595     53,245
Weighted average
 licensed beds (b)......    61,096     62,708     61,617     57,517     53,247
Average daily census
 (c)....................    26,006     26,538     25,917     23,841     22,973
Occupancy (d)...........        43%        42%        42%        41%        43%
Admissions (e).......... 1,915,100  1,895,400  1,774,800  1,565,500  1,451,000
Average length of stay
 (days) (f).............       5.0        5.1        5.3        5.6        5.8
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Licensed beds are those beds for which a facility has been granted
    approval to operate from the applicable state licensing agency.
(b) Weighted average licensed beds represents the average number of licensed
    beds weighted based on periods owned.
(c) Represents the average number of patients in hospital beds each day.
(d) Represents the percentage of hospital licensed beds occupied by patients.
(e) Represents the total number of patients admitted (in the facility for a
    period in excess of 23 hours) to the Company's hospitals.
(f) Represents the average number of days admitted patients stay in the
    Company's hospitals.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The Selected Financial Data and the accompanying consolidated financial
statements set forth certain information with respect to the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of Columbia/HCA Healthcare
Corporation (the "Company") which should be read in conjunction with the
following discussion and analysis.
 
INVESTIGATIONS AND CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company encountered significant challenges and changes during 1997. The
Company is currently the subject of several federal investigations into its
business practices, as well as governmental investigations by numerous states.
In addition, the Company is named in various legal proceedings. The Company
also experienced changes in numerous management positions. The new management
team has developed and initiated significant changes in business strategy for
the Company during 1997. These factors, along with the unfavorable media
coverage related to the investigations, may have contributed to a slowdown in
the Company's revenue growth and
 
                                     30(a)
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
INVESTIGATIONS AND CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY (CONTINUED)
 
a decline in results of operations. Management is unable to predict if, or
when, the Company can return to its historical revenue growth rates,
historical operating margins or historical net income growth rates.
 
 Investigations
 
  In March 1997, various facilities of the Company's El Paso, Texas operations
were searched by federal authorities pursuant to search warrants and the
government removed various records and documents. In February 1998, an
additional warrant was executed and a single computer was seized. The Company
believes it may be a target in this investigation.
 
  In July 1997, various Company affiliated facilities and offices were
searched pursuant to search warrants issued by the United States District
Court in several states. During July, September and November 1997, the Company
was also served with subpoenas requesting records and documents related to
laboratory billing, diagnosis related group ("DRG") coding and home health
operations in various states. In January 1998, the Company received a subpoena
which requested records and documents relating to physician relationships.
 
  Also, in July 1997, the United States District Court for the Middle District
of Florida, in Fort Myers, issued an indictment against three employees of a
subsidiary of the Company. The indictment relates to the alleged false
characterization of interest payments on certain debt resulting in Medicare
and CHAMPUS overpayments since 1986 to Columbia Fawcett Memorial Hospital, a
Port Charlotte, Florida hospital that was acquired by the Company in 1992. The
Company has been served with subpoenas for various records and documents.
 
  The Company is cooperating in these investigations and understands it is a
target in these investigations.
 
  Management believes the ongoing investigations, litigation and related media
coverage are having a negative effect on the Company's results of operations.
It is too early to predict the outcome or effect that the ongoing
investigations and litigation, the initiation of additional investigations or
litigation if any, and the related media coverage will have on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations in future periods. Were the
Company to be found in violation of federal or state laws relating to
Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, the Company could be subject to
substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion from
participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such sanctions could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results
of operations. See NOTE 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
  The Company is the subject of a formal order of investigation by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Company understands
that the investigation includes the anti-fraud, periodic reporting and
internal accounting control provisions of the federal securities laws.
 
 Changes in Management and Business Strategy
 
   During 1997, the Company experienced a significant change in management and
changed its business strategy. On July 25, 1997, the Company announced the
resignations of Richard L. Scott,
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
INVESTIGATIONS AND CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY (CONTINUED)
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and David T. Vandewater, President and
Chief Operating Officer. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D., Vice Chairman of the
Company's Board of Directors, was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
On August 4, 1997, the Company named Jack O. Bovender, Jr. as President and
Chief Operating Officer.
 
  On August 7, 1997, in an effort to address some areas of concern that may
have led to the investigations by certain government agencies, management
announced several significant steps that are being implemented to redefine the
Company's approach to a number of business practices. Some of the steps
include: elimination of annual cash incentive compensation for the Company's
employees, divestiture of the home health care business, unwinding of
physician interests in hospitals, significant expansion of compliance
programs, increased disclosures in Medicare cost reports, changes in
laboratory billing procedures, increased reviews of Medicare coding and
further guidelines on any transactions with physicians. These changes have
been developed and are being implemented with consideration to laws,
regulations and existing contractual agreements. Management is not currently
able to predict what effect such actions might have on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
 
  On November 17, 1997, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
approved an internal operating reorganization plan. Effective January 1, 1998,
the Company was organized into five principal groups--Eastern, Western,
Atlantic, Pacific and America.
 
  The Board of Directors also authorized the evaluation of various
restructuring alternatives which could include divestitures of certain assets
to third parties and spin-offs of certain other assets to the Company's
stockholders. As part of these alternatives, the Company is considering
restructuring into a smaller, more focused company located in strategic
markets. No restructuring plan has been approved by the Board and there can be
no assurances that a plan will ultimately be approved or implemented. Any
spin-off or other restructuring alternative would require Board of Directors
approval as well as various legal, regulatory and governmental approvals.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's strategy is to be a comprehensive provider of quality health
care services in select markets. The Company maintains and replaces equipment,
renovates and constructs replacement facilities and adds new services to
increase the attractiveness of its hospitals and other facilities to local
physicians and patients. By developing a comprehensive health care network
with a broad range of health care services located throughout a market area,
the Company achieves greater visibility and is better able to attract and
serve physicians and patients. The Company is also able to reduce operating
costs by sharing certain services among several facilities in the same market
and is better positioned to work with health maintenance organizations
("HMOs"), preferred provider organizations ("PPOs") and employers.
 
  The Company generally seeks to operate each of its facilities as part of a
network with other health care facilities that it owns or operates within the
same region. In instances where acquisitions of additional facilities in the
area are not possible or practical, the Company may seek joint ventures or
partnership arrangements with other local facilities.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Background Information
 
  Value Health Merger
 
  On August 6, 1997, the Company completed a merger transaction with Value
Health, Inc. ("Value Health") (the "Value Health Merger"). Value Health is a
provider of specialty managed care benefit programs. The Value Health Merger
has been accounted for by the purchase method and accordingly, the results of
operations of Value Health have been included with those of the Company for
periods subsequent to the acquisition date (see NOTE 8 of the notes to
consolidated financial statements.)
 
  Discontinued Operations
 
  As part of the Company's change in business strategy, the Company
implemented a plan to sell its home health care business and divest three of
the four business units acquired through the Value Health Merger. As a result
of the plan to divest these businesses, the Company's consolidated financial
statements and related notes have been adjusted and restated to reflect the
results of operations and net assets of the home health care and Value Health
businesses to be disposed of as discontinued operations (see NOTE 7 of the
notes to consolidated financial statements.)
 
  Healthtrust Merger
 
  In April 1995, the Company completed a merger transaction with Healthtrust,
Inc.-The Hospital Company ("Healthtrust") (the "Healthtrust Merger"). For
accounting purposes, the Healthtrust Merger was treated as a pooling of
interests. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and
selected financial and operating data included in this discussion and analysis
include the operations of Healthtrust for all periods presented.
 
 Revenue/Volume Trends
 
  In addition to the impact of the ongoing government investigations and
related media coverage, the Company's revenues continue to be affected by the
trend toward certain services being performed more frequently on an outpatient
basis and an increasing proportion of revenue being derived from fixed payment
sources, including Medicare, Medicaid and managed care plans. Admissions
related to Medicare, Medicaid and managed care plan patients during 1997, 1996
and 1995 were 88%, 86% and 82%, respectively, of total admissions.
 
  Insurance companies, government programs (other than Medicare) and employers
purchasing health care services for their employees are negotiating discounted
amounts that they will pay health care providers rather than paying standard
prices. These purchasers then become discounted payers, similar to HMOs and
PPOs, in virtually all markets and make it increasingly difficult for
providers to maintain their historical revenue growth trends. Revenues from
capitation arrangements (prepaid health service agreements) are less than 1%
of consolidated revenues.
 
  The growth in outpatient services is expected to continue in the health care
industry as procedures performed on an inpatient basis are converted to
outpatient procedures through continuing advances in pharmaceutical and
medical technologies. The redirection of certain
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Revenue/Volume Trends (Continued)
 
procedures to an outpatient basis is also influenced by pressures from payers
to direct certain procedures from inpatient care to outpatient care.
Outpatient revenues grew to 37% of net patient revenues in 1997 from 36% in
1996 and 35% in 1995.
 
  The Company expects patient volumes from Medicare and Medicaid to continue
to increase due to the general aging of the population and the expansion of
the state Medicaid programs. The Medicare program currently reimburses the
Company under a prospective payment system ("PPS") for routine and ancillary
operating costs of most Medicare inpatient services. PPS reimburses the
Company primarily based on established rates that are dependent on each
patient's diagnosis, regardless of the provider's cost to treat the patient or
the length of time the patient stays in the hospital. Some inpatient services
and most outpatient services are currently exempt from PPS and are reimbursed
on a cost based system in which reimbursement is based primarily upon the
provider's cost to treat the patient and certain government fee schedules and
blended rates, subject to certain cost limits. Under the Balanced Budget Act
of 1997 (the "BBA-97"), reimbursement for some inpatient and outpatient
services previously reimbursed on a cost based system is being converted to
the PPS method, effective over various periods, beginning June 30, 1998.
Services being converted to the PPS method include skilled nursing facility
services, hospital outpatient services, home health services and inpatient
rehabilitation hospital services. Prior to the commencement to the PPS method,
payment constraints will be applied to home health services and inpatient
rehabilitation, psychiatric and long-term hospital services for Medicare cost
reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997.
 
  The Medicare program's established rates are indexed for inflation annually,
but these increases have historically been less than the actual inflation rate
and the Company's increases to its standard charges. BBA-97 reduces
reimbursements from the various states' Medicaid programs in addition to the
Medicare program. Management believes the reduction in payments could be
significant, but cannot at this time, predict the ultimate effect on the
Company's future results of operations.
 
  Reductions in Medicare reimbursement, increasing percentages of the patient
volume being related to patients participating in managed care plans and
continuing trends toward more services being performed on an outpatient basis
are expected to present an ongoing challenge to the Company. To achieve and
maintain a reasonable operating margin in the future periods, the Company must
increase patient volumes while controlling the costs of providing services.
Management believes that the proper response to this challenge includes the
delivery of a broad range of quality health care services to patients through
comprehensive health care networks with operating decisions being made by the
local management teams and local physicians.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
  The following is a summary of results from continuing operations for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (dollars in millions, except per
share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1997            1996            1995
                                 --------------  --------------  --------------
                                 AMOUNT   RATIO  AMOUNT   RATIO  AMOUNT   RATIO
                                 -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  -----
<S>                              <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>
Revenues.......................  $18,819  100.0  $18,786  100.0  $17,132  100.0
Salaries and benefits..........    7,631   40.6    7,205   38.4    6,779   39.6
Supplies.......................    2,722   14.5    2,655   14.1    2,536   14.8
Other operating expenses.......    4,263   22.6    3,689   19.6    3,203   18.7
Provision for doubtful
 accounts......................    1,420    7.5    1,196    6.4      994    5.8
Depreciation and amortization..    1,238    6.6    1,143    6.1      976    5.6
Interest expense...............      493    2.6      488    2.6      458    2.7
Equity in earnings of
 affiliates....................      (68)  (0.4)    (173)  (0.9)     (28)  (0.2)
Restructuring of operations and
 investigation related costs...      140    0.7       --     --       --     --
Impairment of long-lived
 assets........................      442    2.4       --     --       --     --
Merger and facility
 consolidation costs...........       --     --       --     --      387    2.3
                                 -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  -----
                                  18,281   97.1   16,203   86.3   15,305   89.3
                                 -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  -----
Income from continuing
 operations before minority
 interests and income taxes....      538    2.9    2,583   13.7    1,827   10.7
Minority interests in earnings
 of consolidated entities......      150    0.8      141    0.7      113    0.7
                                 -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  -----
Income from continuing
 operations before income
 taxes.........................      388    2.1    2,442   13.0    1,714   10.0
Provision for income taxes.....      206    1.1      981    5.2      689    4.0
                                 -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  -----
Income from continuing
 operations....................  $   182    1.0  $ 1,461    7.8  $ 1,025    6.0
                                 =======  =====  =======  =====  =======  =====
Basic earnings per share from
 continuing operations.........  $   .28         $  2.17         $  1.54
Diluted earnings per share from
 continuing operations.........  $   .27         $  2.15         $  1.52
% changes from prior year:
 Revenues......................      0.2%            9.7%           17.8%
 Income from continuing
  operations before income
  taxes........................    (84.1)           42.4            11.3
 Income from continuing
  operations...................    (87.5)           42.5            10.4
 Basic earnings per share from
  continuing operations........    (87.1)           40.9             5.5
 Diluted earnings per share
  from continuing operations...    (87.4)           41.4             5.6
 Admissions (a)................      1.0             6.8            13.4
 Equivalent admissions (b).....      2.7             8.8            18.0
 Revenues per equivalent
  admission....................     (2.4)            0.8            (0.1)
Same--facility % changes from
 prior year (c):
 Revenues......................      1.1             6.6            10.2
 Admissions (a)................      1.7             3.8             4.6
 Equivalent admissions (b).....      3.5             5.8             8.6
 Revenues per equivalent
  admission....................     (2.3)            0.7             1.5
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Admissions represent the total number of patients admitted (in the
    facility for a period in excess of 23 hours) to the Company's hospitals.
(b) Equivalent admissions is used by management and certain investors as a
    general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. Equivalent
    admissions are computed by multiplying admissions (inpatient volume) by
    the sum of gross inpatient revenue and gross outpatient revenue and then
    dividing the resulting amount by gross inpatient revenue. The equivalent
    admissions computation "equates" outpatient revenue to the volume measure
    (admissions) used to measure inpatient volume resulting in a general
    measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume.
(c) "Same-facility" information excludes the operations of hospitals and their
    related facilities which were either acquired or divested during the
    current and prior year.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
 
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes declined 84.1% to $388
million in 1997 from $2.4 billion in 1996 and pretax margins decreased to 2.1%
in 1997 from 13.0% in 1996. The decrease in pretax income was primarily
attributable to the impairment charges on long-lived assets, restructuring and
investigation related costs, a decline in revenue growth rates and decreases
in the operating margin. Excluding the asset impairment charges and
restructuring and investigation related costs, income from continuing
operations before income taxes declined 60.3% to $970 million in 1997 from
$2.4 billion in 1996 and pretax margins decreased to 5.2% in 1997 from 13.0%
in 1996. The operating results declines, excluding the significant non-
recurring charges, were attributable to declines in revenue growth rates and
increases in operating expenses as a percent of revenues.
 
  Revenues increased 0.2% to $18.82 billion in 1997 compared to $18.79 billion
in 1996. Inpatient admissions increased 1.0% from a year ago. On a same-
facility basis, revenues increased 1.1%, admissions increased 1.7% and
equivalent admissions (adjusted to reflect combined inpatient and outpatient
volume) increased 3.5% from a year ago. The increase in outpatient activity is
primarily a result of the continuing trend of certain services, previously
being provided in an inpatient setting, being converted to an outpatient
setting (average daily outpatient visits increased 7.1% in 1997 compared to
1996).
 
  The volume growth rates experienced in 1997 were less than the rates
experienced in prior years, which management believes was due, in part, to the
reactions of certain physicians and patients to the negative media coverage
related to the ongoing governmental investigations and increased competition.
 
  The revenue growth rate in 1997 was less than rates experienced in prior
years which management believes was attributable to several factors,
including, divestitures of facilities (there were 10 fewer consolidated
facilities at the end of 1997 compared to 1996), delays experienced in
obtaining Medicare cost report settlements (cost report settlements resulted
in favorable revenue adjustments of $43 million in 1997 compared to $242
million in 1996) and decreases in Medicare rates of reimbursement mandated by
BBA-97 which became effective October 1, 1997 (lowered 1997 revenues by
approximately $50 million). Also contributing to the decline were continued
increases in discounts from the growing number of managed care payers which
required management to increase estimates for discounts from managed care
payers. During 1997, managed care as a percent of total admissions increased
to 35% compared to 32% during 1996. Net revenues per equivalent admission
declined 2.4% to $6,486 in 1997 from $6,648 in 1996.
 
  Operating expenses increased as a percentage of revenues in every expense
category. The increases, as described below, were primarily attributable to
the Company's inability during the third and fourth quarters of 1997 to adjust
expenses on a timely basis in line with the decreases experienced in volume
trends. Management attention to the investigations, reactions by certain
physicians and patients to the negative media coverage and management changes
at several levels and locations throughout the Company contributed to the
Company's inability to implement changes to reduce operating expenses in
response to the volume and revenue growth rate declines.
 
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (Continued)
 
  Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 40.6% in
1997 from 38.4% in 1996. The primary reason for the increase was the decline
in revenues per equivalent admission. In addition, the Company was unable to
adjust staffing on a timely basis corresponding with the declining equivalent
admission growth rate.
 
  Supply costs increased as a percentage of revenues to 14.5% in 1997 from
14.1% in 1996 due to a decline in net revenue per equivalent admission while
the cost of supplies per equivalent admission remained relatively unchanged.
 
  Other operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 22.6% in
1997 from 19.6% in 1996. The increase was due, in part, to an increase in
contract services as a percentage of revenues to 8.9% in 1997 from 7.6% in
1996, which resulted from payments to third parties on a fee basis for both
new services and services previously performed by Company employees. Included
in other operating expenses in 1997 are costs associated with start-up
activities which were previously capitalized and subsequently amortized. The
Company changed its policy on accounting for start-up costs effective January
1, 1997, which resulted in approximately $106 million being recorded as other
operating expenses for 1997, compared to such costs being capitalized and the
related expense recorded as amortization expense during 1996. (See NOTE 11 of
the notes to consolidated financial statements.) Also included in other
operating expenses are professional fees, repairs and maintenance, rents and
leases, utilities, insurance and non-income taxes. There were no significant
changes in any of these expenses as a percentage of revenues.
 
  Provision for doubtful accounts, as a percentage of revenues, increased to
7.5% in 1997 from 6.4% in 1996 due to internal factors such as computer
information system conversions (including patient accounting systems) at
various facilities and external factors such as payer mix shifts to managed
care plans (resulting in increased amounts of patient co-payments and
deductibles) and payer remittance slowdowns. The information system
conversions hampered the business office billing functions and collection
efforts in those facilities as some resources were directed to installing and
converting systems and building new data files, rather than devoting full
effort to billing and collecting receivables. The Company experienced an
increased occurrence of charge audits from certain payers due to the negative
publicity surrounding the government investigations which have resulted in
delays in the collection of receivables. The delays in collections resulted in
an increase in receivables reserved under the Company's bad debt allowance
policy. Management is unable at this time to predict when or if, these delays
in collecting accounts receivable will improve or the effect these delays will
have on the ultimate amounts collected.
 
  Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased as a percentage of revenues to
0.4% in 1997 from 0.9% in 1996 primarily due to decreased profitability at
certain facilities acquired through joint ventures during 1995 and 1996.
Offsetting the decreased profitability were increases in the number of
facilities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As of December
31, 1997, there were 27 hospitals and five freestanding surgery centers
compared to 22 hospitals and four freestanding surgery centers at December 31,
1996.
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased as a percentage of revenues to 6.6%
in 1997 from 6.1% in 1996, primarily due to the slowdown in revenue growth and
increased capital
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (Continued)
 
expenditures related to ancillary services (such as outpatient services) and
information systems. Capital expenditures in these areas generally result in
shorter depreciation and amortization lives for the assets acquired than
typical hospitals acquisitions. Included in the overall increase in
depreciation and amortization was a decrease in amortization during 1997
related to the Company's new policy of expensing start-up costs through
operating expenses rather than capitalizing and expensing through
amortization.
 
  Interest expense increased to $493 million in 1997 compared to $488 million
last year primarily as a result of an increase in the average outstanding debt
during 1997 compared to last year. This was due, in part, to the additional
debt incurred in 1997 related to the Company's $1.0 billion common stock
repurchase program. The interest expense associated with the increase in debt
incurred related to the Value Health Merger has been allocated to
"Discontinued operations" and is therefore not included in interest expense
from continuing operations.
 
  During 1997, the Company recorded $442 million of asset impairment charges.
The charges primarily relate to hospital and surgery center facilities to be
sold or closed ($402 million) and physician practices where projected future
cash flows were less than the carrying value of the related assets ($40
million). See NOTE 6 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
  The Company incurred $140 million of costs during 1997 in connection with
the investigations and changes in management and business strategy. These
costs included $61 million in severance costs, $44 million in professional
fees related to the investigations, $20 million related to certain cancelled
projects and $15 million in other costs.
 
  Minority interests increased slightly as a percentage of revenues to 0.8% in
1997 from 0.7% in 1996.
 
  Income from continuing operations decreased 87.5% to $182 million ($.27 per
diluted share) during 1997 compared to $1.5 billion ($2.15 per diluted share)
in 1996. Excluding the asset write-downs, restructuring and investigation
related costs, income from continuing operations declined 61.3% to $565
million ($.85 per diluted share) in 1997 from $1.5 billion ($2.15 per diluted
share) in 1996.
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
 
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased 42.4% to
$2.4 billion in 1996 from $1.7 billion in 1995 and pretax margins increased to
13.0% in 1996 from 10.0% in 1995. Excluding the effects of merger and facility
consolidation costs charged in 1995, income from continuing operations before
income taxes increased 16.1% to $2.4 billion from $2.1 billion in 1995 and
pretax margins increased to 13.0% in 1996 from 12.3% in 1995. The increase in
pretax income was attributable to growth in revenues and improvements in the
margin.
 
  Revenues increased 9.7% to $18.8 billion in 1996 compared to $17.1 billion
in 1995. Revenues from facilities acquired during 1996 (including 14
hospitals) and increased revenues from facilities acquired during 1995
(including 29 hospitals) totaled $1.5 billion. The revenue increases from
acquisitions were partially offset by $800 million in revenues related to
facilities sold and facilities contributed to joint ventures which are
accounted for under the equity method.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (Continued)
 
  On a same-facility basis, revenues increased 6.6%, admissions increased 3.8%
and equivalent admissions (adjusted to reflect combined inpatient and
outpatient volume) increased 5.8% from a year ago. The increase in outpatient
activity is primarily a result of continued increases in outpatient services.
 
  Salaries and benefits as a percentage of revenues declined to 38.4% in 1996
from 39.6% in 1995. This was due, in part, to improvements in labor
productivity (man hours per equivalent admission declined 7.1%) resulting from
the sharing of "best demonstrated processes" among certain Company facilities.
The outsourcing of certain services (services outsourced at various
facilities, included, among others, laboratory, rehabilitation, dietary and
linen services) also contributed to the improvement in this area while
shifting some salaries and benefits cost to other operating expenses.
 
  Supply costs declined as a percentage of revenues to 14.1% in 1996 from
14.8% in 1995 due to enhanced levels of participation in the Company's
standard purchasing contracts for medical supplies (which provide for
progressive discounts based upon the volume of purchases made by the Company).
 
  The improvement in pretax margin was partially offset by increases in other
operating expenses and the provision for doubtful accounts.
 
  Other operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 19.6% in
1996 from 18.7% in 1995. This was primarily due to contract services expense
which increased to 7.6% from 6.7% of revenues in the prior year. Contributing
to this increase was the outsourcing of certain services which are paid on a
fee basis to third parties for services previously performed by Company
employees. Also included in other operating expenses are professional fees,
repairs and maintenance, rents and leases, utilities, insurance and non-income
taxes. There were no significant changes in any of these expenses as a percent
of revenues.
 
  Provision for doubtful accounts, as a percent of revenues, increased to 6.4%
in 1996 from 5.8% in 1995 due, in part, to computer information system
conversions (including patient accounting systems) at various facilities. The
information systems conversions hampered the business office billing functions
and collection efforts in those facilities as some facility resources were
directed to installing and converting systems and building new data files
rather than devoting their full effort to billing and collecting receivables.
 
  Equity in earnings of affiliates increased as a percentage of revenues to
0.9% in 1996 from 0.2% in 1995 primarily due to more of the Company's
development activities being structured as non-consolidated joint ventures. As
of December 31, 1996, there were 22 non-consolidated hospitals and 4 non-
consolidated surgery centers compared to 19 non-consolidated hospitals and 3
non-consolidated surgery centers at December 31, 1995 (most 1995 joint venture
activity occurred during the fourth quarter).
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased as a percentage of revenues to 6.1%
in 1996 from 5.6% in 1995 primarily due to increased capital expenditures in
outpatient services and information systems areas, all of which generally
result in shorter depreciation and amortization lives for the assets acquired
than typical hospital acquisitions.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (Continued)
 
  Interest expense and minority interests in earnings of consolidated entities
as a percentage of revenues remained relatively flat compared to last year.
 
  During 1995, the Company recorded $387 million of merger and facility
consolidation costs in connection with the Healthtrust Merger. The Company did
not record any such costs in 1996.
 
  Income from continuing operations increased 42.5% to $1.5 billion ($2.15 per
diluted share) during 1996 compared to $1.0 billion ($1.52 per diluted share)
in 1995. Excluding the effects of the merger and facility consolidation costs
in 1995, income from continuing operations increased 15.9% to $1.5 billion
($2.15 per diluted share) in 1996 compared to $1.3 billion ($1.87 per diluted
share) in 1995.
 
 Liquidity
 
  Cash provided by continuing operating activities totaled $1.5 billion in
1997 compared to $2.6 billion in 1996 and $2.3 billion in 1995. The decrease
in 1997 from 1996 and 1995 was primarily due to the $305 million net loss
incurred during 1997. Also contributing to the decline was an increase in
income taxes receivable resulting from estimated tax payments made based upon
more profitable prior quarters (subsequent to year end, the Company applied
for and received a refund for approximately $350 million of excess estimated
payment amounts). The cash flow impact of the approximate $1.8 billion decline
in net income from 1996 to 1997 was partially offset by the significant
noncash charges incurred in 1997 related to asset impairments and discontinued
operations of approximately $730 million.
 
  Cash used in investing activities in 1997 exceeded cash provided by
continuing operating activities by $1.3 billion and was funded by the issuance
of long-term debt, commercial paper and bank borrowings. Included in investing
activities for 1997 is the cash required to acquire Value Health, Inc.
(approximately $1.2 billion). During 1996, cash flows provided by continuing
operating activities exceeded cash used in investing activities by $370
million. The excess funds generated from operations were used to pay down
long-term debt and commercial paper borrowings. Cash flows from investing
activities during 1995 exceeded cash provided by continuing operating
activities by $1.3 billion primarily due to $1.5 billion in acquisitions of
hospitals and health care entities. The acquisitions were funded by the
issuance of long term debt, commercial paper and bank borrowings.
 
  The Company repurchased approximately 29.4 million shares of its common
stock pursuant to its $1.0 billion stock repurchase program announced and
completed in 1997. The repurchase was funded by the issuance of long-term
debt, commercial paper and bank borrowings.
 
  Working capital totaled $1.7 billion at December 31, 1997 and $1.4 billion
at December 31, 1996. Management believes that cash flows from operations,
amounts available under the Company's bank revolving credit facilities and
proceeds from expected asset sales will be sufficient to meet expected
liquidity needs during 1998.
 
  Investments of the Company's professional liability insurance subsidiary to
maintain statutory equity and pay claims totaled $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Liquidity (Continued)
 
  As discussed previously, the Company announced the cessation of sales of
interests in hospitals to physicians and its intention to repurchase existing
physician interests in the Company's hospitals. As of December 31, 1997, the
Company had repurchased approximately $73 million of physician interests and
intends to repurchase the remaining physician interests of approximately $130
million during 1998 or 1999.
 
  The Company has various agreements with joint venture partners whereby the
partners have an option to sell or "put" their interests in the joint venture
back to the Company within specific periods at fixed prices or prices based on
certain formulas. The combined put price under all such agreements was
approximately $1.0 billion at December 31, 1997. The Company cannot predict
if, or when, their joint venture partners will exercise such options (no put
options have been exercised through December 31, 1997). During March 1998, the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") issued guidance regarding the tax
consequences of joint ventures between for-profit and not-for-profit
hospitals. The Company has not determined the impact of the tax ruling on its
existing joint ventures and is consulting with its joint venture partners and
tax advisers to develop an appropriate course of action. The tax ruling could
require the restructing of certain joint ventures with not-for-profits or
influence the exercise of the put agreements by certain joint venture
partners.
 
  The Company has announced agreements to sell Value Behavioral Health and
Value Rx (businesses recently acquired through the Value Health Merger), for
$230 million and $445 million in cash, respectively. The sales of both
businesses are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 1998 and
the net proceeds will be used to repay bank borrowings (see NOTE 21 of the
notes to consolidated financial statements).
 
  The settlement of the government investigations and the various lawsuits and
legal proceedings that have been asserted could result in substantial
liabilities to the Company. The ultimate liabilities cannot be reasonably
estimated, as to the timing or amounts, at this time; however, it is possible
that results of operations, financial position and liquidity could be
materially, adversely affected upon the resolution of certain of these
contingencies.
 
 Capital Resources
 
  Excluding acquisitions, capital expenditures were $1.4 billion in both 1997
and 1996 and $1.5 billion in 1995. Planned capital expenditures (including
construction projects) in 1998 are expected to approximate $1.4 billion.
Management believes that its capital expenditure program is adequate to
expand, improve and equip its existing health care facilities.
 
  The Company expended $411 million (excluding the Value Health Merger, see
NOTE 8 of the notes to consolidated financial statements), $748 million and
$1.5 billion for acquisitions during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
continued decline in acquisitions from prior years can be partially attributed
to increased regulatory review procedures in certain states that have extended
the timing between the initiation and consummation of certain transactions.
The government investigations and changes in management and business strategy
have resulted in declines in the Company's acquisition plans compared to prior
years. The Company's investments in and advances to affiliates (generally 50%
interests in joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method)
also declined to $29 million and $61 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
compared to $609 million in 1995.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
 Capital Resources (Continued)
 
  The Company expects to finance all capital expenditures with internally
generated and borrowed funds. Available sources of capital include public or
private debt, unused bank revolving credit facilities and equity. At December
31, 1997, there were projects under construction which had an estimated
additional cost to complete and equip over the next few years of approximately
$1.3 billion.
 
  The Company's bank revolving credit facilities (the "Credit Facilities") are
comprised of a $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit agreement expiring
February 2002 and a $3.0 billion 364-day revolving credit agreement expiring
June 1998. Borrowings under the 364-day revolving credit agreement do not
mature until one year subsequent to the end of the 364-day period. As of
February 28, 1998, Columbia had approximately $650 million of credit available
under the Credit Facilities.
 
  The Company's Credit Facilities contain customary covenants which include
(i) limitations on additional debt, (ii) limitations on sales of assets,
mergers and changes of ownership, (iii) limitations on repurchases of the
Company's common stock, (iv) maintenance of certain interest coverage ratios
and (v) attaining certain minimum levels of consolidated earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Credit Facilities also
provide for the mandatory prepayment of loans thereunder, and a corresponding
reduction of commitments in the case of certain asset sales and certain debt
or equity issuances. The Company is currently in compliance with all such
covenants.
 
  During 1997, the Company's senior debt credit ratings were downgraded from
A2 to Baa2 and from A- to BBB by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") and
Standard and Poor's ("S&P"), respectively. The Company's commercial paper
ratings were downgraded from P-1 to P-3 and from A-2 to A-3 by Moody's and
S&P, respectively. The decline in the Company's commercial paper ratings has
significantly limited access to this financing source. As such, during the
third quarter of 1997, the Company began replacing amounts outstanding under
its commercial paper programs with borrowings under its Credit Facilities. In
February 1998, Moody's further downgraded the Company's senior debt credit
rating to Ba2 and its commercial paper rating to NP (not prime).
 
 
  As part of the Company's new business strategy discussed earlier, the
Company announced it is evaluating various restructuring alternatives which
could include divestitures of certain assets to third parties and spin-offs of
certain assets to the Company's shareholders. These restructuring alternatives
could have the effect of materially changing the capital structure of the
Company. At this time, management has not determined the composition of the
future capital structure of the Company.
 
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 COMPUTER ISSUES
 
  The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. The Company's
computer programs, certain building infrastructure components (including,
elevators, alarm systems and certain HVAC systems) and certain computer aided
medical equipment that have time-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in system
failures or miscalculations causing disruption of operations or medical
equipment malfunctions that could affect patient diagnosis and treatment.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 COMPUTER ISSUES (CONTINUED)
 
  The Company has completed the assessment phase of its Year 2000 project and
determined that it will be required to evaluate, test and modify (when needed)
approximately 8,000 internally developed software programs and approximately
350,000 pieces of equipment. The Company presently believes that with
modifications to existing software and conversions to new software, the Year
2000 Issue will not pose material operational problems for its computer
systems. However, if such modifications and conversions are not made, or are
not completed timely, the Year 2000 Issue could have a material impact on the
operations of the Company.
 
  The Company has initiated formal communications with its significant
suppliers and large customers to determine the extent to which the Company's
interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure to remediate
their own Year 2000 Issues. However, there can be no guarantee that the
systems of other companies on which the Company's systems rely will be timely
converted and would not have an adverse effect on the Company's systems.
 
  The Company will utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram
or replace and test software and medical equipment for Year 2000
modifications. The Company anticipates that the various components of the Year
2000 project procedures will continue throughout 1998 and 1999. The Year 2000
project is currently estimated to have a minimum total cost of $60 million
related to the review and modification of the Company's computer and software
systems. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the costs to be
incurred for the review and modification of the medical equipment and
infrastructure elements at this time. The majority of the costs related to the
Year 2000 project will be expensed as incurred and are expected to be funded
through operating cash flows. The Company has incurred approximately $15
million of costs related to the assessment of, and preliminary efforts on its
Year 2000 project.
 
  The costs of the project and estimated completion dates for the Year 2000
modifications are based on management's best estimates, which were derived
utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued
availability of certain resources, third party modification plans and other
factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated.
Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are
not limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area,
the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes and all medical
equipment.
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
 
  Various federal, state and local laws have been enacted that, in certain
cases, limit the Company's ability to increase prices. Revenues for acute care
hospital services rendered to Medicare patients are established under the
federal government's prospective payment system. Total Medicare revenues
approximated 34% in 1997, 35% in 1996 and 36% in 1995.
 
  Management believes that hospital industry operating margins have been, and
may continue to be, under significant pressure because of deterioration in
inpatient volumes, changes in payer mix, and growth in operating expenses in
excess of the increase in prospective payments under the Medicare program.
Management expects that the average rate of increase in Medicare prospective
payments will range from no increase to a 0.6% increase in 1998. In addition,
as a result of increasing regulatory and competitive pressures, the Company's
ability to maintain operating margins through price increases to non-Medicare
patients is limited.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
HEALTH CARE REFORM
 
  In recent years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been
introduced or proposed to Congress and in some state legislatures that would
significantly affect health care systems in the Company's markets. The cost of
certain proposals would be funded in significant part by reduction in payments
by government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, to health care
providers (similar to the reductions incurred as part of BBA-97 as previously
discussed). While the Company is unable to predict which, if any, proposals
for health care reform will be adopted, there can be no assurance that
proposals adverse to the business of the Company will not be adopted.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
  The Company is contesting income taxes and related interest proposed by the
IRS for prior years aggregating approximately $271 million as of December 31,
1997. Management believes that final resolution of these disputes will not
have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of
operations or liquidity of the Company. (See NOTE 10 of the notes to
consolidated financial statements for a description of the pending IRS
disputes).
 
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  Subsequent to year end, the Company announced agreements to sell Value
Behavioral Health and Value Rx (two of the three Value Health units to be
divested) for $230 million and $445 million in cash, respectively. The
proceeds from the sales (expected to be completed in the second quarter of
1998) are expected to be used to repay bank borrowings.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K including,
without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates",
"expects", and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking"
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company or industry results to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the
following: (i) the outcome of the known and unknown governmental
investigations and litigation involving the Company's business practices; (ii)
the recently enacted changes in the Medicare and Medicaid programs affecting
reimbursement to health care providers and insurers; (iii) legislative
proposals for health care reform; (iv) the ability to enter into managed care
provider arrangements on acceptable terms; (v) liability and other claims
asserted against the Company; (vi) changes in business strategy or development
plans; (vii) the departure of key executive officers from the Company; and
(viii) the availability and terms of capital to fund the expansion of the
Company's business, including the acquisition of additional facilities. Given
these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any
obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of
any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to
reflect future events or developments.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
  Information with respect to this Item is contained in the Company's
consolidated financial statements indicated in the Index on Page F-1 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
  The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading
"Election of Directors" in the definitive proxy materials of the Company to be
filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, except for
the information regarding executive officers of the Company, which is
contained in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The
information required by this Item contained in such definitive proxy materials
is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
  The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading
"Executive Compensation" in the definitive proxy materials of the Company to
be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
  The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading
"Principal Stockholders" in the definitive proxy materials of the Company to
be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
  The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the
definitive proxy materials of the Company to be filed in connection with its
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein
by reference.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
  (a) Documents filed as part of the report:
 
 1.   Financial Statements
 
              The accompanying index to financial statements on page F-1 of
              this Annual Report on Form 10-K is provided in response to this
              item.
 
 2.   List of Financial Statement Schedules
              All schedules are omitted because the required information is
              not present, not present in material amounts or presented within
              the financial statements.
 3.   List of Exhibits
   3.1        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as
              Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
              February 11, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference).
   3.2(a)     By-laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's
              Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated August 31, 1993, and
              incorporated herein by reference).
   3.2(b)     Amendment to By-laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1(b) to
              the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11,
              1994, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.1        Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock, par value $.01
              per share, of the Company (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
              Form SE to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
              1993, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.2        Columbia Hospital Corporation 9% Subordinated Mandatory Convert-
              ible Note Due June 30, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
              Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              December 31, 1990, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.3        Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and The 1818
              Fund, L.P. dated March 18, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the
              Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              December 31, 1990, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.4        Securities Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and The
              1818 Fund, L.P. dated as of March 18, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.6
              to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended December 31, 1990, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.5        Warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
              share, of the Company (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's
              Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
              31, 1990, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.6        Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 16, 1989, by and
              among HCA- Hospital Corporation of America and the persons
              listed on the signature pages thereto (filed as Exhibit (g)(24)
              to Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13E-3 filed by HCA-Hospital
              Corporation of America, Hospital Corporation of America and The
              HCA Profit Sharing Plan on March 22, 1989, and incorporated
              herein by reference).
   4.7        Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of February 10,
              1994, between HCA-Hospital Corporation of America and the Com-
              pany relating to the Regis-
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
              tration Rights Agreement, as amended (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to
              the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.8        Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated February 10, 1994
              between the Company and Mid-America Bank of Louisville and Trust
              Company (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Annual Report on
              Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and in-
              corporated herein by reference).
   4.9(a)     $1 Billion Credit Agreement dated as of February 10, 1994 (the
              "364 Day Agreement"), among the Company, the Several Banks and
              Other Financial Institutions, and Chemical Bank as Agent and as
              CAF Loan Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Annual Re-
              port on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993,
              and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.9(b)     Agreement and Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of
              September 26, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Regis-
              tration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-56803), and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).
   4.9(c)     Agreement and Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of
              February 28, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 4.9(c) to the Company's An-
              nual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
              1995).
   4.9(d)     Agreement and Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of
              February 26, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 4.9(d) to the Company's An-
              nual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
              1996, and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.9(e)     Agreement and Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of
              June 17, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company's Quarterly
              Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
   4.9(f)     First Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of February 3,
              1998 (which agreement is filed herewith).
   4.9(g)     Second Amendment to the 364 Day Agreement dated as of March 26,
              1998 (which agreement is filed herewith).
   4.10(a)    $2 Billion Credit Agreement dated as of February 10, 1994 (the
              "Credit Facility"), among the Company, the Several Banks and
              Other Financial Institutions, and Chemical Bank as Agent and as
              CAF Loan Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993,
              and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.10(b)    Agreement and Amendment to the Credit Facility dated as of Sep-
              tember 26, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Regis-
              tration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-56803), and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).
   4.10(c)    Agreement and Amendment to the Credit Facility dated as of Feb-
              ruary 28, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 4.10(c) to the Company's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
              1995).
   4.10(d)    Agreement and Amendment to the Credit Facility dated as of Feb-
              ruary 26, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 4.10(d) to the Company's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996,
              and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.10(e)    Agreement and Amendment to the Credit Facility dated as of June
              17, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company's Quarterly Re-
              port on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
   4.10(f)    Second Amendment to the Credit Facility, dated as of February 3,
              1998 (which agreement is filed herewith).
   4.10(g)    Third Amendment to the Credit Facility, dated as of March 26,
              1998 (which agreement is filed herewith).
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
   4.11       Indenture dated as of December 15, 1993 between the Company and
              The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit
              4.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
              year ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by refer-
              ence).
  10.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, COL Acquisition
              Corporation and Healthtrust, Inc.--The Hospital Company dated as
              of October 4, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the Company's Regis-
              tration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-56803), and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).
  10.2        Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, CHOS Acquisition
              Corporation and HCA-Hospital Corporation of America dated as of
              October 2, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the Company's Registra-
              tion Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-50735), and incorporated
              herein by reference).
  10.3        Agreement and Plan of Merger between Galen Health Care, Inc. and
              the Company dated as of June 10, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the
              Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-
              49773), and incorporated herein by reference).
  10.4        Agreement and Plan of Merger among Hospital Corporation of Amer-
              ica, HCA- Hospital Corporation of America and TF Acquisition,
              Inc. dated November 21, 1988 plus a list identifying the con-
              tents of all omitted exhibits to the Agreement and Plan of
              Merger plus an agreement of Hospital Corporation of America to
              furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission
              upon request a copy of all omitted exhibits (filed as Exhibit 2
              to Hospital Corporation of America's Current Report on Form 8-K
              dated November 21, 1988, and incorporated herein by reference).
  10.5        Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of Feb-
              ruary 7, 1989, among Hospital Corporation of America, HCA-Hospi-
              tal Corporation of America and TF Acquisition, Inc. (filed as
              Exhibit 2(b) to Hospital Corporation of America's Annual Report
              on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988, and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).
  10.6        Columbia Hospital Corporation Stock Option Plan (filed as Ex-
              hibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended December 31, 1990, and incorporated herein by
              reference).*
  10.7        Columbia Hospital Corporation 1992 Stock and Incentive Plan
              (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Registration Statement
              on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-48886), and incorporated herein by ref-
              erence).*
  10.8        Columbia Hospital Corporation Outside Directors Nonqualified
              Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 28.1 to the Company's Regis-
              tration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-55272), and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).*
  10.9        HCA-Hospital Corporation of America 1989 Nonqualified Stock Op-
              tion Plan, as amended through December 16, 1991 (filed as Ex-
              hibit 10(g) to HCA-Hospital Corporation of America's Registra-
              tion Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-44906), and incorporated
              herein by reference).*
  10.10       Form of Stock Option Agreement under the HCA-Hospital Corpora-
              tion of America 1989 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (filed as
              Exhibit 10(j) to HCA-Hospital Corporation of America's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989, and
              incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.11       HCA-Hospital Corporation of America Nonqualified Initial Option
              Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Registration State-
              ment on Form S-3 (File No. 33-52379), and incorporated herein by
              reference).*
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  10.12       Termination Agreement between the Company and Carl F. Pollard
              dated December 16, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's
              Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
              31, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.13       Form of Indemnity Agreement with certain officers and directors
              (filed as Exhibit 10(kk) to Galen Health Care, Inc.'s Registra-
              tion Statement on Form 10, as amended, and incorporated herein
              by reference).
  10.14       Form of Severance Pay Agreement between Galen Health Care, Inc.
              and certain executives (filed as Exhibit 10(jj) to Galen Health
              Care, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended, and
              incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.15       Form of Severance Agreement between HCA-Hospital Corporation of
              America and certain executives dated as of November 1, 1993
              (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).*
  10.16       Assumption Agreement among the Company, CHOS Acquisition Corpo-
              ration and HCA-Hospital Corporation of America dated as of Feb-
              ruary 10, 1994, relating to the Severance Agreements (filed as
              Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein
              by reference).*
  10.17       Form of Severance Pay Agreement between the Company and certain
              executives dated as of June 10, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to
              the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.18       Form of Galen Health Care, Inc. 1993 Adjustment Plan (filed as
              Exhibit 4.15 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8
              (File No. 33-50147), and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.19       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 1997 Annual Incentive Plan
              (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).*
  10.20       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Directors' Retirement Policy
              (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and incorpo-
              rated herein by reference).*
  10.21       HCA-Hospital Corporation of America 1992 Stock Compensation Plan
              (filed as Exhibit 10(t) to HCA-Hospital Corporation of America's
              Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-44906), and in-
              corporated herein by reference).*
  10.22       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 1995 Management Stock Pur-
              chase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Re-
              port on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995,
              and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.23       Employment Agreement, dated November 15, 1993 by and between
              Medical Care America, Inc. and Donald E. Steen (filed as Exhibit
              10.23 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
              year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by refer-
              ence).*
  10.24       Employment Agreement, dated April 24, 1995 by and between the
              Company and R. Clayton McWhorter (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the
              Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.25       Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Com-
              pany, CVH Acquisition Corporation and Value Health, Inc. dated
              as of April 14, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the Company's Cur-
              rent Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 1997, and incorporated
              herein by reference).
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  10.26       Separation Agreement between the Company and Richard L. Scott
              datedJuly 25, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's
              Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
              30, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.27       Separation Agreement between the Company and David T. Vandewater
              dated July 25, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's
              Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
              30, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference).*
  10.28       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 1997 Director's Plan as re-
              vised May 15, 1997 and November 13, 1997 (which plan is filed
              herewith).*
  10.29       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Outside Directors Stock and
              Incentive Compensation Plan (which plan is filed herewith).*
  10.30       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Amended and Restated 1995
              Management Stock Purchase Plan (which plan is filed herewith).*
  10.31       Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Performance Equity Incentive
              Plan (which plan is filed herewith).*
  10.32       Separation Agreement between the Company and Don Steen dated Oc-
              tober 17, 1997 (which agreement is filed herewith).*
  10.33       Separation Agreement between the Company and Dan Moen dated Sep-
              tember 12, 1997, as amended (which agreement is filed here-
              with).*
  12          Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  18          Letter re Change in Accounting Principle.
  21          List of Subsidiaries.
  23          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  27.1        Financial Data Schedule for 1997 year-end information.
  27.2        Restated Financial Data Schedules for periods ended September
              30, 1997, June 30, 1997 and March 31, 1997 and year ended Decem-
              ber 31, 1996.
  27.3        Restated Financial Data Schedules for periods ended September
              30, 1996, June 30, 1996 and March 31, 1996 and year ended Decem-
              ber 31, 1995.
- --------
* Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K.
 
  On November 17, 1997, the Company announced that its Board of Directors
approved an internal operating reorganization plan and authorized the
evaluation of various restructuring alternatives.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated: March 30, 1998
 
                                          COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
                                              /s/ Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D.
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                THOMAS F. FRIST, JR., M.D.
                                               CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                          OFFICER
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the regis-
trant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
 
   /s/ Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D.      Chairman of the          March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------   Board and Chief
     THOMAS F. FRIST, JR., M.D.         Executive Officer
 
       /s/ Kenneth C. Donahey          Senior Vice              March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------   President and
         KENNETH C. DONAHEY             Controller
                                        (Principal
                                        Financial
                                        and Accounting Officer)
 
    /s/ Magdalena Averhoff, M.D.       Director                 March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 
      MAGDALENA AVERHOFF, M.D.
  /s/ Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA     Director                 March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
    SISTER JUDITH ANN KARAM, CSA
 
         /s/ T. Michael Long           Director                 March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
           T. MICHAEL LONG
 
                                       Director
- -------------------------------------
        DONALD S. MACNAUGHTON
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
              SIGNATURE                         TITLE                DATE
 
      /s/ R. Clayton McWhorter                Director          March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
        R. CLAYTON MCWHORTER
 
        /s/ Carl E. Reichardt                 Director          March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
          CARL E. REICHARDT
 
      /s/ Frank S. Royal, M.D.                Director          March 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------
        FRANK S. ROYAL, M.D.
 
                                              Director
- -------------------------------------
          WILLIAM T. YOUNG
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Report of Independent Auditors............................................  F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements:
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
   1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................  F-3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1997 and 1996.................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
   December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.......................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
   1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  F-7
  Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)................ F-28
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
  As explained in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective
January 1, 1997, the Company changed its method of accounting for start-up
costs.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Nashville, Tennessee
February 12, 1998, except for
Note 21, as to which the date is
February 20, 1998
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997     1996     1995
                                                     -------  -------  -------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
Revenues............................................ $18,819  $18,786  $17,132
Salaries and benefits ..............................   7,631    7,205    6,779
Supplies............................................   2,722    2,655    2,536
Other operating expenses............................   4,263    3,689    3,203
Provision for doubtful accounts.....................   1,420    1,196      994
Depreciation and amortization.......................   1,238    1,143      976
Interest expense....................................     493      488      458
Equity in earnings of affiliates....................     (68)    (173)     (28)
Restructuring of operations and investigation
 related costs......................................     140        -        -
Impairment of long-lived assets.....................     442        -        -
Merger and facility consolidation costs.............       -        -      387
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                      18,281   16,203   15,305
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Income from continuing operations before minority
 interests and income taxes.........................     538    2,583    1,827
Minority interests in earnings of consolidated
 entities...........................................     150      141      113
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Income from continuing operations before income
 taxes..............................................     388    2,442    1,714
Provision for income taxes..........................     206      981      689
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Income from continuing operations...................     182    1,461    1,025
Discontinued operations:
  Income from operations of discontinued businesses,
   net of income taxes of $18 in 1997, $29 in 1996
   and $26 in 1995..................................      12       44       39
  Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued
   businesses, net of income tax benefit of $124....    (443)       -        -
Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt,
 net of income tax benefit of $67...................       -        -     (103)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of
 income tax benefit
 of $36 ............................................     (56)       -        -
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net income (loss)............................. $  (305) $ 1,505  $   961
                                                     =======  =======  =======
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
  Income from continuing operations................. $   .28  $  2.17  $  1.54
  Discontinued operations:
    Income from operations of discontinued
     businesses.....................................     .02      .07      .06
    Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued
     businesses.....................................    (.67)       -        -
  Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt..       -        -     (.16)
  Cumulative effect of accounting change............    (.09)       -        -
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net income (loss)............................. $  (.46) $  2.24  $  1.44
                                                     =======  =======  =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
  Income from continuing operations................. $   .27  $  2.15  $  1.52
  Discontinued operations:
    Income from operations of discontinued
     businesses.....................................     .02      .07      .06
    Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued
     businesses.....................................    (.67)       -        -
  Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of debt..       -        -     (.15)
  Cumulative effect of accounting change............    (.08)       -        -
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net income (loss)............................. $  (.46) $  2.22  $  1.43
                                                     =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                   statements
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997     1996
                                                              -------  -------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
                           ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................. $   110  $   113
  Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts
   of $1,661--1997 and $1,380--1996..........................   2,522    2,842
  Inventories................................................     452      438
  Income taxes receivable....................................     532        -
  Other......................................................     807      806
                                                              -------  -------
                                                                4,423    4,199
Property and equipment, at cost:
  Land.......................................................     967      970
  Buildings..................................................   7,257    7,390
  Equipment..................................................   7,461    6,725
  Construction in progress (estimated cost to complete and
   equip after December 31, 1997--$1,263)....................     569      602
                                                              -------  -------
  Accumulated depreciation...................................  16,254   15,687
                                                               (6,024)  (5,314)
                                                              -------  -------
                                                               10,230   10,373
Investments of insurance subsidiary..........................   1,422    1,119
Investments in and advances to affiliates....................   1,329    1,293
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $510--
 1997 and $511--1996.........................................   3,521    3,582
Net assets of discontinued operations........................     841      212
Other........................................................     236      338
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              $22,002  $21,116
                                                              =======  =======
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable........................................... $   929  $   790
  Accrued salaries...........................................     475      430
  Other accrued expenses.....................................   1,237    1,292
  Income taxes payable ......................................       -       97
  Long-term debt due within one year.........................     132      201
                                                              -------  -------
                                                                2,773    2,810
Long-term debt...............................................   9,276    6,781
Professional liability risks, deferred taxes and other
 liabilities.................................................   1,867    2,080
Minority interests in equity of consolidated entities........     836      836
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock $.01 par; authorized 1,600,000,000 voting
   shares and 50,000,000 nonvoting shares; outstanding
   620,452,200 voting shares and 21,000,000 nonvoting
   shares--1997 and 650,499,400 voting shares and 21,000,000
   nonvoting shares--1996 ...................................       6        7
  Capital in excess of par value.............................   3,480    4,519
  Other......................................................      13       14
  Accumulated other comprehensive income.....................      92       52
  Retained earnings..........................................   3,659    4,017
                                                              -------  -------
                                                                7,250    8,609
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              $22,002  $21,116
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                   statements
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         COMMON STOCK                     ACCUMULATED
                         -------------- CAPITAL IN           OTHER
                         SHARES    PAR  EXCESS OF        COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED
                          (000)   VALUE PAR VALUE  OTHER    INCOME     EARNINGS TOTAL
                         -------  ----- ---------- ----- ------------- -------- ------
<S>                      <C>      <C>   <C>        <C>   <C>           <C>      <C>
Balances, December 31,
 1994................... 662,934   $ 7    $4,402    $27       ($4)      $1,658  $6,090
 Comprehensive income:
 Net income.............                                                   961     961
 Other comprehensive
  income, net of tax
  (See NOTE 19):
  Net unrealized gains
   on investment
   securities...........                                       31                   31
  Foreign currency
   translation
   adjustments..........                                        7                    7
                                                              ---       ------  ------
                                                               38          --       38
                                                              ---       ------  ------
   Total comprehensive
    income..............                                       38          961     999
 Cash dividends.........                                                   (53)    (53)
 Stock options
  exercised, net........   5,187             100     (7)                            93
 Other..................     607              (6)     6                            --
                         -------   ---    ------    ---       ---       ------  ------
Balances, December 31,
 1995................... 668,728     7     4,496     26        34        2,566   7,129
 Comprehensive income:
 Net income.............                                                 1,505   1,505
 Other comprehensive
  income (loss), net of
  tax (See NOTE 19):
  Net unrealized gains
   on investment
   securities...........                                       24                   24
  Foreign currency
   translation
   adjustments..........                                       (6)                  (6)
                                                              ---       ------  ------
                                                               18          --       18
                                                              ---       ------  ------
   Total comprehensive
    income..............                                       18        1,505   1,523
 Cash dividends.........                                                   (54)    (54)
 Stock options
  exercised, net........   3,859              81     (5)                            76
 Other..................  (1,088)            (58)    (7)                           (65)
                         -------   ---    ------    ---       ---       ------  ------
Balances, December 31,
 1996................... 671,499     7     4,519     14        52        4,017   8,609
 Comprehensive loss:
 Net loss...............                                                  (305)   (305)
 Other comprehensive
  income, net of tax
  (See NOTE 19):
  Net unrealized gains
   on investment
   securities...........                                       38                   38
  Foreign currency
   translation
   adjustments..........                                        2                    2
                                                              ---       ------  ------
                                                               40          --       40
                                                              ---       ------  ------
   Total comprehensive
    loss................                                       40         (305)   (265)
 Cash dividends.........                                                   (53)    (53)
 Stock repurchases...... (37,895)   (1)   (1,272)                               (1,273)
 Stock options
  exercised, net........   4,108             100     (4)                            96
 Other employee benefit
  plan issuances........   3,740             108                                   108
 Other..................                      25      3                             28
                         -------   ---    ------    ---       ---       ------  ------
Balances, December 31,
 1997................... 641,452   $ 6    $3,480    $13       $92       $3,659  $7,250
                         =======   ===    ======    ===       ===       ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                   statements
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997     1996     1995
                                                     -------  -------  -------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
Cash flows from continuing operating activities:
 Net income (loss)..................................   ($305) $ 1,505  $   961
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
  cash provided by continuing operating activities:
    Provision for doubtful accounts.................   1,420    1,196      994
    Depreciation and amortization...................   1,238    1,143      976
    Deferred income taxes...........................    (163)      32       15
    Write-down of long-lived assets.................     442        -      282
    Loss (income) from discontinued operations......     431      (44)     (39)
    Extraordinary charges on extinguishments of
     debt...........................................       -        -      103
    Cumulative effect of accounting change..........      56        -        -
    Increase (decrease) in cash from operating
     assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable...........................  (1,167)  (1,360)  (1,068)
      Inventories and other assets..................      25      (14)    (157)
      Income taxes..................................    (619)     237      (80)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses.........     121     (145)     157
    Other...........................................       4       39      120
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net cash provided by continuing operating
       activities...................................   1,483    2,589    2,264
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchase of property and equipment.................  (1,422)  (1,391)  (1,513)
 Acquisition of hospitals and health care entities..    (411)    (748)  (1,478)
 Investments in and advances to affiliates..........     (29)     (61)    (609)
 Disposition of property and equipment..............     212      166      334
 Change in other investments........................     (45)    (158)    (283)
 Investment in net assets of discontinued
  operations, net...................................  (1,060)     (26)    (103)
 Other..............................................       9       (1)      42
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net cash used in investing activities.........  (2,746)  (2,219)  (3,610)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Issuance of long-term debt.........................     249      459    2,257
 Net change in commercial paper and bank
  borrowings........................................   2,453     (579)   1,230
 Repayment of long-term debt........................    (318)    (303)  (1,969)
 Repurchases of common stock, net...................  (1,082)     (20)      42
 Payment of cash dividends and redemption of
  preferred stock purchase rights...................     (53)     (54)     (50)
 Other..............................................      11        8        -
                                                     -------  -------  -------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing
       activities...................................   1,260     (489)   1,510
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Change in cash and cash equivalents.................      (3)    (119)     164
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period....     113      232       68
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.......... $   110  $   113  $   232
                                                     =======  =======  =======
Interest payments................................... $   471  $   499  $   479
Income tax payments, net of refunds................. $ 1,168  $   709  $   748
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                   statements
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1--ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Reporting Entity
 
  Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, together with its affiliated
subsidiaries, (the "Company") is a Delaware corporation that operates
hospitals and related health care entities. At December 31, 1997, the Company
owned and operated 309 hospitals, 140 freestanding surgery centers and
provided extensive outpatient and ancillary services, including home health
(the Company plans to divest its home health business. See NOTE 7). The
Company is also a partner in several 50/50 joint ventures that own and operate
27 hospitals and 5 freestanding surgery centers which are accounted for using
the equity method. The Company's facilities are located in 35 states, England,
Switzerland and Spain.
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  The consolidated financial statements include all affiliated subsidiaries
and entities controlled by the Company. Significant intercompany transactions
have been eliminated. Investments in entities which the Company does not
control, but in which it has a substantial ownership interest and can exercise
significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method.
 
  During August 1997, the Company completed a merger transaction with Value
Health, Inc. ("Value Health") (the "Value Health Merger"). The Value Health
Merger and various other acquisitions and joint venture transactions have been
accounted for under the purchase method. Accordingly, the accounts of these
entities have been consolidated with those of the Company for periods
subsequent to the acquisition of controlling interest. See NOTE 8 for a
description of the specific terms of the Value Health Merger.
 
  During April 1995, the Company completed a merger transaction with
Healthtrust, Inc.--The Hospital Company ("Healthtrust") (the "Healthtrust
Merger"). The Healthtrust Merger has been accounted for by the pooling of
interests method. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include
the operations of Healthtrust for all periods presented. See NOTE 8 for a
description of the specific terms of the Healthtrust Merger.
 
 Revenues
 
  The Company's health care facilities have entered into agreements with
third-party payers, including government programs and managed care health
plans, under which the facilities are paid based upon established charges, the
cost of providing services, predetermined rates per diagnosis, fixed per diem
rates or discounts from established charges.
 
  Revenues are recorded at estimated amounts due from patients and third-party
payers for the health care services provided. Settlements under reimbursement
agreements with third-party payers are estimated and recorded in the period
the related services are rendered and are adjusted in future periods as final
settlements are determined. The adjustments to estimated
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
settlements resulted in increases to revenues of $43 million, $242 million and
$145 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Management believes that
adequate provisions have been made for adjustments that may result from final
determination of amounts earned under these programs.
 
  The Company provides care without charge to patients who are financially
unable to pay for the health care services they receive. Because the Company
does not pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care,
they are not reported in revenues.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity
of three months or less when purchased. Carrying values of cash and cash
equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these
instruments.
 
 Accounts Receivable
 
  The Company receives payment for services rendered from federal and state
agencies (under the Medicare, Medicaid and CHAMPUS programs), managed care
health plans, commercial insurance companies, employers and patients. During
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately 34% and 35%,
respectively, of the Company's revenues related to patients participating in
the Medicare program. The Company recognizes that revenues and receivables
from government agencies are significant to the Company's operations, but the
Company does not believe that there are significant credit risks associated
with these government agencies. The Company does not believe that there are
any other significant concentrations of revenues from any particular payer
that would subject the Company to any significant credit risks in the
collection of its accounts receivable.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
 
 Long-lived Assets
 
  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Depreciation expense, computed using the straight-line method, was $1,082
million in 1997, $985 million in 1996 and $857 million in 1995. Buildings and
improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging generally
from 10 to 40 years. Estimated useful lives of equipment vary generally from 3
to 10 years.
 
  INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Intangible assets consist primarily of costs in excess of the fair value of
identifiable net assets of acquired entities and are amortized using the
straight-line method generally over periods ranging from 30 to 40 years for
hospital acquisitions and periods ranging from 5 to 20 years for physician
practice, home health and clinic acquisitions. Noncompete agreements and debt
issuance costs are amortized based upon the terms of the respective contracts
or loans.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
  When events, circumstances and operating results indicate that the carrying
values of certain long-lived assets and the related identifiable intangible
assets might be impaired, the Company prepares projections of the undiscounted
future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their
eventual disposition. If the projections indicate that the recorded amounts
are not expected to be recoverable, such amounts are reduced to estimated fair
value.
 
 Professional Liability Insurance Claims
 
  A substantial portion of the Company's professional liability risks is
insured through a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of the Company which is
funded annually. Provisions for loss for professional liability risks are
based upon actuarially determined estimates.
 
  Allowances for professional liability risks were $1.3 billion and $1.2
billion at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. To the extent that
subsequent claims information varies from management's estimates, any
adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in current operating results.
 
 Investments of Insurance Subsidiary
 
  Investments of the Company's wholly-owned insurance subsidiary are
predominantly classified as "available for sale" per the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS 115"), (see NOTE 13).
 
  During 1997, a portion of the insurance subsidiary's investments
(approximately $57 million of equity securities at December 31, 1997) were
classified as trading securities. Trading securities are bought and held
principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. Trading
securities are recorded at fair value and unrealized gains and losses are
included in results of operations.
 
 Minority Interests in Consolidated Entities
 
  The consolidated financial statements include all assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses of less than 100% owned entities controlled by the
Company. Accordingly, management has recorded minority interests in the
earnings and equity of such entities.
 
  The Company is a party to several partnership agreements which generally
include provisions for the redemption of minority interests using specified
valuation techniques.
 
 Earnings Per Share
 
  In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" ("SFAS 128"). SFAS 128 replaced the calculation of
primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings
per share. Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share
excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities.
Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the previously reported fully
diluted earnings per share. Earnings per share amounts for all periods have
been presented, and restated where appropriate, to conform to the Statement
128 requirements.
 
 Stock Based Compensation
 
  The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), and related interpretations in
accounting for its employee stock benefit plans. Accordingly, no compensation
cost has been recognized for the Company's employee stock benefit plans.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
 Comprehensive Income
 
  In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130"). SFAS 130 establishes
standards for the reporting and disclosure of comprehensive income and its
components in the financial statements. The Company has elected to report
comprehensive income and its components in the consolidated statements of
stockholders' equity.
 
 Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
 
  In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 131 establishes
standards for the way that public business enterprises report information
about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that
those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in
interim financial reports. It also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major
customers. SFAS 131 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, and therefore, the Company will adopt the
new requirements retroactively in 1998. Management has not completed its
review of SFAS 131 and the identification of the reportable operating segments
has not been determined.
 
 Reclassifications
 
  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
presentation.
 
NOTE 2--INVESTIGATIONS
 
  In March 1997, various facilities of the Company's El Paso, Texas operations
were searched by federal authorities pursuant to search warrants and the
government removed various records and documents. In February 1998, an
additional warrant was executed and a single computer was seized. The Company
believes it may be a target in this investigation.
 
  In July 1997, various Company affiliated facilities and offices were
searched pursuant to search warrants issued by the United States District
Court in several states. During July, September and November 1997, the Company
was also served with subpoenas requesting records and documents related to
laboratory billing, diagnosis related group ("DRG") coding and home health
operations in various states. In January 1998, the Company received a subpoena
which requested records and documents relating to physician relationships.
 
  Also, in July 1997, the United States District Court for the Middle District
of Florida, in Fort Myers, issued an indictment against three employees of a
subsidiary of the Company. The indictment relates to the alleged false
characterization of interest payments on certain debt resulting in Medicare
and CHAMPUS overpayments since 1986 to Columbia Fawcett Memorial Hospital, a
Port Charlotte, Florida hospital that was acquired by the Company in 1992. The
Company has been served with subpoenas for various records and documents.
 
  The Company is cooperating in these investigations and understands it is a
target in these investigations
 
  The Company is the subject of a formal order of investigation by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Company understands
that the investigation includes the
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2--INVESTIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
anti-fraud, periodic reporting and internal accounting control provisions of
the federal securities laws.
 
  Management believes the ongoing investigations and related media coverage
are having a negative effect on the Company's results of operations. It is too
early to predict the outcome or effect that the ongoing investigations or the
initiation of additional investigations if any and the related media coverage
will have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations in
future periods. Were the Company to be found in violation of federal or state
laws relating to Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, the Company could be
subject to substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and
exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such
sanctions could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position and results of operations. (See NOTE 15.)
 
NOTE 3--CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
 Change in Management
 
  During 1997, the Company experienced a significant change in management and
changed its business strategy. On July 25, 1997, the Company announced the
resignations of Richard L. Scott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and
David T. Vandewater, President and Chief Operating Officer. Thomas F. Frist,
Jr., M.D., Vice Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, was named
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. On August 4, 1997, the Company named
Jack O. Bovender, Jr. as President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
  On August 7, 1997, in an effort to address some areas of concern that may
have led to the investigations by certain government agencies, management
announced several significant steps that are being implemented to redefine the
Company's approach to a number of business practices. Some of the steps
include: elimination of annual cash incentive compensation for the Company's
employees, divestiture of the home health care business, the unwinding of
physician interests in hospitals, significant expansion of compliance
programs, increased disclosures in Medicare cost reports, changes in
laboratory billing procedures, increased reviews of Medicare coding and
further guidelines on any transactions with physicians. These changes have
been developed and are being implemented with consideration to laws,
regulations and existing contractual agreements. Management is not currently
able to predict what effect such actions might have on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
 
  On November 17, 1997, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
approved an internal operating reorganization plan. Effective January 1, 1998,
the Company was organized into five principal groups--Eastern, Western,
Atlantic, Pacific and America.
 
  The Board of Directors also authorized the evaluation of various
restructuring alternatives which could include divestitures of certain assets
to third parties and spin-offs of certain other assets to the Company's
stockholders. As part of these alternatives, the Company is considering
restructuring into a smaller, more focused company located in strategic
markets. No restructuring plan has been approved by the Board of Directors and
there can be no assurances that a plan will ultimately be approved or
implemented. Any spin-off or other restructuring alternative would require
Board of Directors approval as well as various legal, regulatory and
governmental approvals.
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 3--CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY (CONTINUED)
 
 Business Strategy
 
  The Company's strategy is to be a comprehensive provider of quality health
care services in select markets. The Company maintains and replaces equipment,
renovates and constructs
replacement facilities and adds new services to increase the attractiveness of
its hospitals and other facilities to local physicians and patients. By
developing a comprehensive health care network with a broad range of health
care services located throughout a market area, the Company achieves greater
visibility and is better able to attract and serve physicians and patients.
The Company is also able to reduce operating costs by sharing certain services
among several facilities in the same market and is better positioned to work
with health maintenance organizations ("HMOs"), preferred provider
organizations ("PPOs") and employers.
 
  The Company generally seeks to operate each of its facilities as part of a
network with other health care facilities that it owns or operates within the
same region. In instances where acquisitions of additional facilities in the
area are not possible or practical, the Company may seek joint ventures or
partnership arrangements with other local facilities.
 
NOTE 4--RESTRUCTURING OF OPERATIONS AND INVESTIGATION RELATED COSTS
 
  During the third and fourth quarters of 1997, the Company recorded the
following pretax charges in connection with the restructuring of operations
(and the related changes in management and business strategy) and the
investigation related costs as discussed in NOTES 2 and 3 (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                   <C>
     Severance costs...................................................... $ 61
     Professional fees related to investigations..........................   44
     Cancelled projects...................................................   20
     Other................................................................   15
                                                                           ----
     Total................................................................ $140
                                                                           ====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5--MERGER AND FACILITY CONSOLIDATION COSTS
 
  In the second quarter of 1995, the Company recorded the following pretax
charges in connection with the Healthtrust Merger (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                   <C>
     Severance costs...................................................... $ 46
     Investment advisory and professional fees............................   14
     Costs of information systems consolidations..........................   19
     Other................................................................   26
                                                                           ----
                                                                            105
     Write-down of assets in connection with consolidation of duplicative
      facilities and facility replacements................................  282
                                                                           ----
     Total................................................................ $387
                                                                           ====
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6--IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed of" ("SFAS 121"), during the first quarter of 1996. SFAS 121
addresses accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived
assets to be disposed of, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill
related to those assets, and provides guidance for recognizing and measuring
impairment losses. The statement requires that the carrying amount of impaired
assets be reduced to fair value. SFAS 121 is not materially different from the
Company's prior policy related to regular periodic reviews of long-lived
assets for possible impairment.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1997, in connection with the changes in
management and business strategy (see NOTE 3), the Company decided to close or
sell twenty hospital facilities and fifteen surgery centers (primarily optical
surgery centers) that were identified as not compatible with the Company's
operating plans. The carrying value of these facilities was reduced to fair
value, based on estimates of selling values, for a total non-cash charge of
$402 million. The Company expects to complete the majority of these sales or
closures during 1998.
 
  The Company recorded, during the fourth quarter of 1997, an impairment loss
of approximately $40 million related to the write-off of intangibles and other
long-lived assets of certain physician practices where the recorded asset
values were not deemed to be fully recoverable based upon the operating
results trend and projected future cash flows. These assets are now recorded
at estimated fair value.
 
  The 1997 charges did not have a significant impact on the Company's 1997
cash flows and are not expected to significantly impact cash flows for future
periods. As a result of the write-downs, depreciation and amortization expense
related to these assets will decrease in future periods. In the aggregate, the
net effect of the change in depreciation and amortization expense is not
expected to have a material effect on operating results for future periods.
 
NOTE 7--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  As part of the Company's change in business strategy (as described in NOTE
3), the Company has implemented plans to sell its home health care businesses
and its pharmacy and behavioral health businesses (including three of the four
business units acquired in the Value Health Merger, as discussed in NOTE 8).
As a result of the plans to divest these businesses, the Company's
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
consolidated financial statements and related notes have been adjusted and
restated to reflect theresults of operations and net assets of the home health
care, pharmacy and behavioral health businesses to be disposed of as
discontinued operations.
 
  Revenues of the businesses to be disposed of were approximately $2.0
billion, $1.1 billion and $563 million for the three years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Results of operations for these businesses,
including interest expense associated with the debt incurred to complete the
Value Health Merger, are included in "Income from operations of discontinued
businesses" in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
  The Company anticipates that sales of these businesses will be completed
during 1998 (see NOTE 21). Management estimates the Company will incur
combined after-tax losses on disposals of the home health care business and
the pharmacy and behavioral health care businesses of approximately $443
million. Accordingly, the estimated loss was recorded in the fourth quarter of
1997 and is reflected in the "Discontinued operations" section of the
consolidated statements of operations.
 
NOTE 8--MERGERS
 
 Value Health Merger
 
  The Value Health Merger was completed on August 6, 1997. Value Health is a
provider of specialty managed care benefit programs. In connection with the
Value Health Merger, Value Health stockholders received $20.50 in cash for
each Value Health common share. The total purchase price, including
transaction costs and the assumption of $165 million of Value Health debt, was
approximately $1.4 billion.
 
  The Value Health Merger has been accounted for by the purchase method and
accordingly, the results of operations of Value Health have been included with
those of the Company for periods subsequent to the acquisition date. The
excess of the aggregate purchase price over the estimated fair value of net
assets acquired, net of write-downs to expected net realizable value recorded
as part of the estimated loss discussed in NOTE 7, was approximately $470
million and is being amortized over a 30 year period.
 
  On August 28, 1997, the Company announced plans to divest three of the four
business units acquired in the Value Health Merger. The Value Health
businesses to be divested include the managed behavioral health care unit, the
information technology unit (which develops disease management programs) and
the pharmacy benefit management unit. The results of operations and net assets
of these entities are included in discontinued operations (see NOTE 7).
 
 Healthtrust Merger
 
  The Healthtrust Merger was consummated during April 1995. Healthtrust was
one of the largest providers of health care services in the United States and,
at the merger date, owned and operated 117 acute care hospitals. In connection
with the Healthtrust merger, all the outstanding shares of Healthtrust common
stock were converted on a tax-free basis into approximately 120,617,700 shares
of the Company's voting common stock.
 
  The Healthtrust Merger has been accounted for as a pooling of interests, and
accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the operations of
Healthtrust for all periods presented.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 9--OTHER BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
  During the past three years, the Company has acquired various hospitals and
related health care entities (or controlling interests in such entities), all
of which have been accounted for by the purchase method. The aggregate
purchase price of these transactions has been allocated to the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of
acquired entities for periods subsequent to the respective acquisition dates.
 
  The following is a summary of hospitals and other health care entity
acquisitions consummated during the last three years under the purchase method
of accounting (excluding the Value Health Merger) (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997   1996    1995
                                                           ----  ------  ------
     <S>                                                   <C>   <C>     <C>
     Number of hospitals..................................    5      14      29
     Number of licensed beds..............................  974   2,652   5,647
     Purchase price information:
       Hospitals:
         Fair value of assets acquired.................... $162  $  737  $1,812
         Liabilities assumed..............................  (39)   (103)   (148)
                                                           ----  ------  ------
           Net assets acquired............................  123     634   1,664
         Contributions from minority partners.............  (24)   (133)   (331)
                                                           ----  ------  ------
                                                             99     501   1,333
       Other health care entities.........................  312     247     145
                                                           ----  ------  ------
           Net cash paid.................................. $411  $  748  $1,478
                                                           ====  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of identifiable net
assets of acquired entities aggregated $221 million in 1997, $291 million in
1996 and $574 million in 1995.
 
  The pro forma effect of these acquisitions on the Company's results of
operations for the periods prior to the respective consummation dates was not
significant.
 
NOTE 10--INCOME TAXES
 
  Provision for income taxes consists of the following (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997  1996 1995
                                                                 ----  ---- ----
     <S>                                                         <C>   <C>  <C>
     Current:
       Federal.................................................. $313  $804 $572
       State....................................................   56   145  102
     Deferred:
       Federal.................................................. (134)   27   12
       State....................................................  (29)    5    3
                                                                 ----  ---- ----
                                                                 $206  $981 $689
                                                                 ====  ==== ====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
  A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax
rate follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997  1996  1995
                                                               ----  ----  ----
     <S>                                                       <C>   <C>   <C>
     Federal statutory rate................................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
     State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit....  4.6   4.0   4.0
     Non-deductible intangible assets......................... 12.7   1.3   1.7
     Other items, net.........................................  0.6  (0.2) (0.5)
                                                               ----  ----  ----
     Effective income tax rate................................ 52.9% 40.1% 40.2%
                                                               ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  A summary of the items comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities at
December 31 follows (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997               1996
                                         ------------------ ------------------
                                         ASSETS LIABILITIES ASSETS LIABILITIES
                                         ------ ----------- ------ -----------
     <S>                                 <C>    <C>         <C>    <C>
     Depreciation and fixed asset basis
      differences....................... $  --     $648      $--     $  793
     Professional liability risks.......    395     --        369       --
     Doubtful accounts..................    360     --        158       --
     Compensation.......................    104     --         98       --
     Other..............................    170     260       202       262
                                         ------    ----      ----    ------
                                         $1,029    $908      $827    $1,055
                                         ======    ====      ====    ======
</TABLE>
 
  Deferred income taxes of $423 million and $415 million at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively, are included in other current assets. Noncurrent
deferred income tax liabilities totaled $302 million and $643 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
  At December 31, 1997, federal and state net operating loss carryforwards
(expiring in years 1998 through 2003) available to offset future taxable
income approximated $96 million and $580 million, respectively. Utilization of
net operating loss carryforwards in any one year may be limited and, in
certain cases, result in a reduction of intangible assets. Net deferred tax
assets related to such carryforwards are not significant.
 
 IRS Disputes Resolved During 1997
 
  In October 1997, the United States Tax Court (the "Tax Court") ruled in
favor of HCA-Hospital Corporation of America ("HCA") with respect to its claim
that insurance premiums paid to its wholly-owned insurance subsidiary
("Parthenon") from 1981 through 1988 were deductible. Through December 31,
1997, the Company was seeking a refund of income tax and interest totaling
$207 million.
 
  In December 1997, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
filed a stipulated settlement with the Tax Court regarding the IRS proposed
disallowance of certain stock option compensation which HCA deducted in
calculating its 1992 taxable income. As a result of the settlement, the
Company owed additional tax and interest of $71 million through December 31,
1997. Had the entire deduction been disallowed, the Company would have owed
additional tax and interest of $276 million.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 10--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
  Neither the Parthenon decision nor the stock option compensation settlement
had a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
 
 Pending IRS Disputes
 
  The Company is currently contesting before the Tax Court and the United
States Court of Federal Claims certain claimed deficiencies and adjustments
proposed by the IRS in conjunction with its examination of the Company's 1994
federal income tax return, Columbia Healthcare Corporation's ("CHC") 1993 and
1994 federal income tax returns, HCA's 1981 through 1993 federal income tax
returns and Healthtrust's 1990 through 1992 federal income tax returns. The
disputed items include: the disallowance of certain acquisition-related costs,
executive compensation, system conversion costs and insurance premiums which
were deducted in calculating taxable income in 1993 and 1994; and the methods
of accounting used by certain subsidiaries for calculating taxable income
related to vendor rebates and governmental receivables in 1993 and 1994. The
IRS is claiming an additional $271 million in income taxes and interest
through December 31, 1997.
 
  The Tax Court opinions received in 1996 and 1997 involving the use of the
cash method of accounting by certain of HCA's subsidiaries for the years 1981
through 1986, the timing of the recognition of certain deferred income by HCA
and the valuation of Healthtrust preferred stock and stock purchase warrants
HCA received in connection with its sale of certain subsidiaries to
Healthtrust in 1987, the formula which HCA utilized for calculating the tax
reserve for doubtful accounts and the eligibility of certain receivables for
the reserve method, and the deductibility of insurance premiums paid to
Parthenon may be appealed by the IRS or the Company to the United States Court
of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. Any decisions regarding appeal of these rulings are
expected to be made during 1998.
 
  Management believes that adequate provisions have been recorded to satisfy
final resolution of the disputed issues. Management believes that the Company,
CHC, HCA and Healthtrust properly reported taxable income and paid taxes in
accordance with applicable laws and agreements established with the IRS during
previous examinations and that final resolution of these disputes will not
have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial
position of the Company.
 
NOTE 11--ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
  In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company changed its method of accounting
for start-up costs. The change involved expensing these costs as incurred,
rather than capitalizing and subsequently amortizing such costs. The Company
believes the new method is preferable due to the changes in the Company's
business strategy and reviews of emerging accounting guidance on accounting
for similar (i.e., start-up, software system training and process
reengineering) costs.
 
  The change in accounting principle resulted in the write-off of the costs
capitalized as of January 1, 1997. The cumulative effect of the write-off,
which totals $56 million (net of tax benefit), has been expensed and reflected
in the 1997 statement of operations. Had the new method been used in the past,
the pro forma effect on prior years would have primarily affected 1996 (such
costs incurred for periods prior to 1996 are considered immaterial to
operations for those periods). The pro forma effect on 1997 and 1996 follows
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts):
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 11--ACCOUNTING CHANGE (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997               1996
                                           ------------------ ------------------
                                              AS                 AS
                                           REPORTED PRO FORMA REPORTED PRO FORMA
                                           -------- --------- -------- ---------
   <S>                                     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
   Income from continuing operations......  $ 182     $ 182    $1,461   $1,405
     Earnings per share--basic............  $ .28     $ .28    $ 2.17   $ 2.08
     Earnings per share--diluted..........  $ .27     $ .27    $ 2.15   $ 2.07
   Net income (loss)......................  $(305)    $(249)   $1,505   $1,449
     Earnings (loss) per share--basic.....  $(.46)    $(.37)   $ 2.24   $ 2.15
     Earnings (loss) per share--diluted...  $(.46)    $(.38)   $ 2.22   $ 2.14
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 12--EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
per share from continuing operations (dollars in millions, except per share
amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997    1996    1995
                                                        ------- ------- -------
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Numerator (a):
     Income from continuing operations................. $   182 $ 1,461 $ 1,025
                                                        ======= ======= =======
   Denominator:
     Share reconciliation (in thousands):
       Shares used for basic earnings per share........ 657,931 670,774 665,407
       Effect of dilutive securities:
         Stock options.................................   4,407   6,214   7,122
         Warrants and other............................     752     898     542
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Shares used for dilutive earnings per share....... 663,090 677,886 673,071
                                                        ======= ======= =======
   Earnings per share:
     Basic earnings per share from continuing
      operations....................................... $   .28 $  2.17 $  1.54
                                                        ======= ======= =======
     Diluted earnings per share from continuing
      operations....................................... $   .27 $  2.15 $  1.52
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  (a) Amount is used for both basic and diluted earnings per share
computations since there is no earnings effect related to the dilutive
securities.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 13--INVESTMENTS OF INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY
 
  A summary of the insurance subsidiary's available for sale investments at
December 31 follows (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                             UNREALIZED
                                                              AMOUNTS
                                                  AMORTIZED ------------  FAIR
                                                    COST    GAINS LOSSES VALUE
                                                  --------- ----- ------ ------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>   <C>    <C>
Fixed maturities:
  United States Government.......................  $   17   $  -   $  -  $   17
  States and municipalities......................     657     24      -     681
  Mortgage-backed securities.....................     107      2      -     109
  Corporate and other............................     128      3     (1)    130
  Money market funds.............................      63      -      -      63
  Redeemable preferred stocks....................      64      -      -      64
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                    1,036     29     (1)  1,064
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
Equity securities:
  Perpetual preferred stocks.....................      36      1     (1)     36
  Common stocks..................................     303    130    (18)    415
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                      339    131    (19)    451
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                   $1,375   $160   $(20)  1,515
                                                   ======   ====   ====
  Amounts classified as current assets...........                           (93)
                                                                         ------
  Investment carrying value......................                        $1,422
                                                                         ======
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                             UNREALIZED
                                                              AMOUNTS
                                                  AMORTIZED ------------  FAIR
                                                    COST    GAINS LOSSES VALUE
                                                  --------- ----- ------ ------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>   <C>    <C>
Fixed maturities:
  United States Government.......................  $   28   $  -   $  -  $   28
  States and municipalities......................     462     11     (1)    472
  Mortgage-backed securities.....................     131      1     (1)    131
  Corporate and other............................     126      2      -     128
  Money market funds.............................      86      -      -      86
  Redeemable preferred stocks....................      24      -      -      24
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                      857     14     (2)    869
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
Equity securities:
  Perpetual preferred stocks.....................      10      -      -      10
  Common stocks..................................     308     83    (11)    380
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                      318     83    (11)    390
                                                   ------   ----   ----  ------
                                                   $1,175   $ 97   $(13)  1,259
                                                   ======   ====   ====
  Amounts classified as current assets...........                          (140)
                                                                         ------
  Investment carrying value......................                        $1,119
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of investment securities is generally based on quoted market
prices.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 13--INVESTMENTS OF INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY (CONTINUED)
 
  Scheduled maturities of investments in debt securities at December 31, 1997
were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMORTIZED  FAIR
                                                                 COST    VALUE
                                                               --------- ------
     <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
       Due in one year or less................................  $  139   $  139
       Due after one year through five years..................     228      232
       Due after five years through ten years.................     323      336
       Due after ten years....................................     239      248
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                   929      955
       Mortgage-backed securities.............................     107      109
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                $1,036   $1,064
                                                                ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
  The average expected maturity of the investments in debt securities listed
above approximated 4.5 years at December 31, 1997. Expected and scheduled
maturities may differ because the issuers of certain securities may have the
right to call, prepay or otherwise redeem such obligations without penalty.
 
  The tax equivalent yield on investments (including common stocks) averaged
12% for 1997, 7% for 1996 and 9% for 1995. Tax equivalent yield is the rate
earned on invested assets, excluding unrealized gains and losses, adjusted for
the benefit of such investment income not being subject to taxation.
 
  Sales of securities for the years ended December 31 are summarized below
(dollars in millions). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific
identification method.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997 1996 1995
                                                                  ---- ---- ----
     <S>                                                          <C>  <C>  <C>
     Fixed maturities:
       Cash proceeds............................................. $364 $287 $427
       Gross realized gains......................................    3    3    3
       Gross realized losses.....................................    1    3    1
     Equity securities:
       Cash proceeds............................................. $249 $135 $149
       Gross realized gains......................................   76   27   33
       Gross realized losses.....................................   10   13    8
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 14--LONG TERM DEBT
 
 Capitalization
 
  A summary of long-term debt at December 31 follows (including related
interest rates for 1997) (dollars in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1997   1996
                                                                   ------ ------
<S>                                                                <C>    <C>
Senior collateralized debt, 3.5% to 18.0% (rates generally fixed)
 payable in periodic installments through 2034...................  $  247 $  207
Senior debt, 6.0% to 13.3% (rates generally fixed) payable in
 periodic installments through 2095..............................   4,283  4,219
Commercial paper (rates generally floating)......................       -  2,302
Bank credit agreements (floating rates averaging 6.2%)...........   4,755      -
Bank line of credit .............................................       -    130
Subordinated debt, 6.8% to 8.5% (rates generally fixed) payable
 in periodic installments through 2015...........................     123    124
                                                                   ------ ------
Total debt, average life of nine years (rates averaging 7.0%)....   9,408  6,982
Less amounts due within one year.................................     132    201
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   $9,276 $6,781
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 Credit Facilities
 
  The Company's revolving credit facilities (the "Credit Facilities") are
comprised of a $2.0 billion, five-year revolving credit agreement expiring
February 2002 and a $3.0 billion, 364-day revolving credit agreement expiring
June 1998. Borrowings under the 364-day revolving credit agreement do not
mature until one year subsequent to the end of the 364-day period. As of
December 31, 1997, the Company had $1.755 billion and $3.0 billion outstanding
under the five-year and 364-day revolving credit agreements, respectively.
 
  Subsequent to December 31, 1997, the Company amended its Credit Facilities.
As of February 1998, interest is payable generally at either LIBOR plus .45%
to 1.75% (depending on the Company's credit ratings), the prime lending rate
or a competitive bid rate. The Credit Facilities contain customary covenants
which include (i) limitations on additional debt, (ii) limitations on sales of
assets, mergers and changes of ownership, (iii) limitations on repurchases of
the Company's common stock, (iv) maintenance of certain interest coverage
ratios and (v) attaining certain minimum levels of consolidated earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Credit Facilities
also provide for the mandatory prepayment of loans thereunder and a
corresponding reduction of commitments in the case of certain asset sales and
certain debt or equity issuances.
 
 Significant Financing Activities
 
  1997
 
  During 1997, the Company's senior debt credit ratings were downgraded from
A2 to Baa2 and from A- to BBB by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") and
Standard and Poor's ("S&P"), respectively. The Company's commercial paper
ratings were downgraded from P-1 to P-3 and from A-2 to A-3 by Moody's and
S&P, respectively. The decline in the Company's commercial paper ratings has
significantly limited access to this financing source. As such, during the
third quarter of 1997, the Company began replacing amounts outstanding under
its commercial paper programs with borrowings under its Credit Facilities. In
February 1998, Moody's further downgraded the Company's senior debt credit
rating to Ba2 and its commercial paper rating to NP (not prime).
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14--LONG TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
 
  In June 1997, the Company issued $200 million of 7.00% notes due 2007.
 
  1996
 
  During 1996, the Company issued $100 million of 6.875% notes due 2001; $200
million of 7.25% notes due 2008 and $100 million of 7.75% debentures due 2036.
 
  1995
 
  In connection with the Healthtrust Merger, the Company completed exchange
offers for substantially all of Healthtrust's $1.0 billion subordinated notes
and debentures. The Company defeased the remaining $44 million of unexchanged
subordinated notes and debentures.
 
  Also during 1995, the Company issued $150 million of 6.63% notes due 2002;
$100 million of 6.73% notes due 2003; $125 million of 6.87% notes due 2003;
$150 million of 8.7% notes due 2010; $150 million of 9.0% notes due 2014; $150
million of 7.19% debentures due 2015; $125 million of 7.58% debentures due
2025; $150 million of 7.05% debentures due 2027 and $200 million of 7.5%
debentures due 2095.
 
 General Information
 
  Maturities of long-term debt in years 1999 through 2002 (excluding
borrowings under the Credit Facilities) are $228 million, $420 million, $229
million and $271 million, respectively.
 
  During 1995, the Company reduced interest costs and eliminated certain
restrictive covenants by refinancing or prepaying high interest rate debt,
primarily through the use of existing cash and cash equivalents and issuance
of long-term debt, commercial paper and equity. Amounts refinanced or prepaid
totaled $1.8 billion in 1995. After tax losses from refinancing activities
aggregated $103 million.
 
  The estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $9.5 billion
and $7.3 billion at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, compared to
carrying amounts aggregating $9.4 billion and $7.0 billion, respectively. The
estimate of fair value is based upon the quoted market prices for the same or
similar issues of long-term debt with the same maturities.
 
NOTE 15--CONTINGENCIES
 
 Significant Legal Proceedings
 
  Various lawsuits, claims and legal proceedings (see NOTE 2 for a description
of the ongoing government investigations) have been or may be instituted or
asserted against the Company, including those relating to shareholder
derivative and class action complaints; purported class action lawsuits filed
by patients and payers alleging, in general, improper and fraudulent billing,
coding and physician referrals, as well as other violations of law; certain
qui tam or "whistleblower" actions alleging, in general, unlawful claims for
reimbursement or unlawful payments to physicians for the referral of patients
and other litigation matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial,
the ultimate liability cannot be determined or reasonably estimated at this
time due to the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is
possible that results of operations, financial position and liquidity in a
particular period could be materially, adversely affected upon the resolution
of certain of these contingencies.
 
 General Liability Claims
 
  The Company is subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of
business, including claims for personal injuries or wrongful restriction of,
or interference with, physicians'
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 15--CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
 
staff privileges. In certain of these actions the claimants have asked for
punitive damages against the Company, which are usually not covered by
insurance. It is management's opinion that the ultimate resolution of these
pending claims and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
NOTE 16--CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK REPURCHASES
 
 Capital Stock
 
  The terms and conditions associated with each class of the Company's common
stock are substantially identical except for voting rights. All nonvoting
common stockholders may convert their shares on a one-for-one basis into
voting common stock, subject to certain limitations. In addition, certain
voting common stockholders may convert their shares on a one-for-one basis
into nonvoting common stock.
 
  On May 15, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the
redemption of all outstanding preferred stock purchase rights. The redemption
price of $.01 per share was paid on September 1, 1997 and was distributed to
stockholders along with the quarterly dividend.
 
 Stock Repurchase Program
 
  The Company announced in April 1997 that the Company's Board of Directors
authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of the Company's common stock.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had completed the repurchase program by
acquiring approximately 29.4 million shares. Repurchased shares are available
for reissuance for general corporate purposes.
 
 Other Stock Repurchases
 
  The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares to be
used for stock issuances related to the Company's employee stock benefit
plans. During 1997, the Company repurchased approximately 8.5 million shares
(at a cost of approximately $273 million) to fund employee stock benefit plan
issuances.
 
NOTE 17--STOCK BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 1992 Stock and Incentive Plan (the
"1992 Plan") is the primary plan under which options to purchase common stock
may be granted to officers, employees, and directors. In May 1996, the
stockholders approved an amendment to the 1992 Plan which increased the number
of options authorized to 60,000,000 of which 18,371,000 are available for
grant at December 31, 1997. Under the 1992 Plan, options are generally granted
at no less than market price on the date of grant. Options are exercisable in
whole or in part beginning two to five years after the grant and ending ten
years after the grant.
 
  In October 1997, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors modified and amended the 1992 Plan agreements to provide for
immediate and 100% vesting upon a "change of control" of the Company as
defined in the 1992 Plan agreement amendment. The amendment is applicable for
all options available for grant as well as all options previously issued under
the 1992 Plan.
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 17--STOCK BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
  In the past, Columbia has had various other plans under which options to
purchase common stock have been granted to officers, employees and directors.
Generally, options have been granted at no less than the market price on the
date of grant. Exercise provisions vary, but most options are exercisable in
whole or in part beginning two to four years after the grant and ending four
to fifteen years after grant.
 
  Information regarding these option plans for 1997, 1996 and 1995 is
summarized below (share amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        STOCK    OPTION PRICE   WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                       OPTIONS     PER SHARE     EXERCISE PRICE
                                       -------  --------------- ----------------
<S>                                    <C>      <C>             <C>
Balances, December 31, 1994........... 24,848   $0.01 to $38.11      $15.29
  Granted.............................  9,401    26.51 to 32.50       27.39
  Exercised........................... (5,484)    0.01 to 31.36       10.81
  Cancelled........................... (2,381)    0.14 to 38.11       22.86
                                       ------
Balances, December 31, 1995........... 26,384     0.14 to 38.11       19.87
  Granted............................. 10,446    26.58 to 38.92       37.13
  Exercised........................... (4,329)    0.14 to 35.25       13.27
  Cancelled........................... (3,034)    0.40 to 38.11       26.87
                                       ------
Balances, December 31, 1996........... 29,467     0.14 to 38.92       26.23
  Granted............................. 23,111    26.42 to 43.50       33.68
  Conversion of Value Health Stock
   Options............................  3,189     7.11 to 62.72       32.93
  Exercised........................... (4,138)    0.14 to 37.67       16.72
  Cancelled........................... (6,614)    0.40 to 55.61       33.70
                                       ------
Balances, December 31, 1997........... 45,015     0.14 to 62.72       30.18
                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997    1996    1995
                                                        ------- ------- -------
<S>                                                     <C>     <C>     <C>
Weighted average fair value for options granted during
 the year.............................................. $ 11.98 $ 13.47 $  9.91
Options exercisable....................................   8,892   7,552   8,280
Options available for grant............................  18,436  35,613  13,413
</TABLE>
 
  The following table summarizes information regarding the options outstanding
at December 31, 1997 (share amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 OPTIONS OUTSTANDING        OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                           -------------------------------- --------------------
                                        WEIGHTED
                                         AVERAGE   WEIGHTED             WEIGHTED
                             NUMBER     REMAINING  AVERAGE    NUMBER    AVERAGE
         RANGE OF          OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE
     EXERCISE PRICES       AT 12/31/97    LIFE      PRICE   AT 12/31/97  PRICE
     ---------------       ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
<S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
$ 3.26 to $38.11..........      235       1 year    $15.30       235     $15.30
 12.60 to  35.25..........      178      3 years     17.90       176      17.80
  7.73 to  42.37..........    2,370      5 years     13.04     2,370      13.04
  0.14 to  60.51..........    5,109      6 years     19.52     3,209      15.89
  7.11 to  62.72..........    5,903      7 years     28.70     1,505      30.11
 25.92 to  47.67..........    9,502      8 years     36.00       984      30.81
 28.13 to  43.50..........   21,452     10 years     33.01       147      37.82
  0.14 to  12.86..........      266     13 years      6.77       266       6.77
                             ------                            -----
                             45,015                            8,892
                             ======                            =====
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 17--STOCK BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
  The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") which provides to
substantially all employees an opportunity to purchase shares of its common
stock at a discount through payroll deductions over six month intervals.
Shares of common stock reserved for the Company's employee stock purchase plan
were 7,239,000 at December 31, 1997.
 
  The Company applies APB 25 in accounting for its employee stock option and
stock purchase plans, and accordingly, compensation cost is not recognized in
the financial statements. As required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), the
Company has determined the pro forma net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per
share as if compensation cost for the Company's employee stock option and
stock purchase plans had been determined based upon their fair value at the
grant date. These pro forma amounts are as follows (dollars in millions,
except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997    1996  1995
                                                            -----  ------ -----
     <S>                                                    <C>    <C>    <C>
     Net income (loss):
       As reported: ....................................... $(305) $1,505 $ 961
       Pro forma: .........................................  (344)  1,471   937
     Basic earnings (loss) per share:
       As reported: ....................................... $(.46) $ 2.24 $1.44
       Pro forma: .........................................  (.52)   2.19  1.41
     Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
       As reported: ....................................... $(.46) $ 2.22 $1.43
       Pro forma: .........................................  (.52)   2.17  1.39
</TABLE>
 
  The pro forma impact only takes into account employee stock options granted
since January 1, 1995 and is likely to increase in future years as additional
options are granted and amortized ratably over the vesting period.
 
  For SFAS 123 purposes, the weighted average fair values of the Company's
stock options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $11.98, $13.47 and $9.91,
respectively. The fair values were estimated using the Black-Scholes option
valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997  1996  1995
                                                               ----  ----  ----
     <S>                                                       <C>   <C>   <C>
     Risk-free interest rate.................................. 5.61% 5.81% 5.74%
     Expected volatility...................................... .239  .239  .239
     Expected life, in years..................................    6     6     6
     Expected dividend yield..................................  .23%  .19%  .19%
</TABLE>
 
  The pro forma compensation costs related to the shares of common stock
issued under the ESPP were $14 million, $19 million and $18 million for the
years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. These pro forma costs were estimated
based on the difference between the price paid and the fair market value of
the stock on the last day of the subscription period.
 
NOTE 18--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The Company maintains noncontributory defined contribution retirement plans
covering substantially all employees. Benefits are determined as a percentage
of a participant's earned
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 18--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
income and are vested over specified periods of employee service. Retirement
plan expense was $194 million for 1997, $164 million for 1996 and $104 million
for 1995. Amounts approximately equal to retirement plan expenses are funded
annually.
 
  The Company maintains various contributory benefit plans which are available
to employees who meet certain minimum requirements. Certain of the plans
require that the Company match amounts ranging from 25% to 100% of a
participant's contribution up to certain maximum levels. The cost of these
plans totaled $19 million for 1997, $18 million for 1996 and $24 million for
1995. The Company's contributions are funded periodically during the year.
 
NOTE 19--OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
  The following table sets forth the components of other comprehensive income
along with the respective tax provision (benefit) and the reclassification
adjustments needed to exclude the portion of other comprehensive income
already included in net income (loss), (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  TAX    AFTER-
                                                        PRETAX PROVISION  TAX
                                                        AMOUNT (BENEFIT) AMOUNT
                                                        ------ --------- ------
<S>                                                     <C>    <C>       <C>
1997
  Unrealized gains on securities:
    Unrealized holding gains arising during the period.  $147     $51     $96
    Less: reclassification adjustments for gains
     realized in net income............................   (91)    (33)    (58)
                                                         ----     ---     ---
    Net unrealized gains...............................    56      18      38
  Foreign currency translation adjustments:
    Unrealized translation adjustments arising during
     the period........................................    16       6      10
    Less: reclassification adjustments for gain
     realized in net income............................   (13)     (5)     (8)
                                                         ----     ---     ---
    Net unrealized translation adjustments.............     3       1       2
                                                         ----     ---     ---
      Other comprehensive income.......................  $ 59     $19     $40
                                                         ====     ===     ===
1996
  Unrealized gains on securities:
    Unrealized holding gains arising during the period.  $ 53     $20     $33
    Less: reclassification adjustments for gains
     realized in net income............................   (14)     (5)     (9)
                                                         ----     ---     ---
    Net unrealized gains...............................    39      15      24
  Foreign currency translation adjustments.............   (10)     (4)     (6)
                                                         ----     ---     ---
      Other comprehensive income.......................  $ 29     $11     $18
                                                         ====     ===     ===
1995
  Unrealized gains on securities:
    Unrealized holding gains arising during the period.  $ 77     $30     $47
    Less: reclassification adjustments for gains
     realized in net income............................   (27)    (11)    (16)
                                                         ----     ---     ---
    Net unrealized gains...............................    50      19      31
  Foreign currency translation adjustments.............    12       5       7
                                                         ----     ---     ---
      Other comprehensive income.......................  $ 62     $24     $38
                                                         ====     ===     ===
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
NOTE 20--ACCRUED EXPENSES AND ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
 
  A summary of other accrued expenses at December 31 follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1997   1996
                                                                  ------ ------
     <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
     Workers compensation........................................ $  105 $  114
     Taxes other than income.....................................    209    193
     Professional liability risks................................    200    240
     Employee benefit plans......................................    234    206
     Interest....................................................    194    213
     Other.......................................................    295    326
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $1,237 $1,292
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  A summary of activity in the Company's allowances for doubtful accounts
follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ADDITIONS    ACCOUNTS
                                 BALANCES AT CHARGED TO WRITTEN-OFF,  BALANCE
                                  BEGINNING  COSTS AND     NET OF     AT END
                                  OF PERIOD   EXPENSES   RECOVERIES  OF PERIOD
                                 ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------
   <S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
     Allowances for doubtful
      accounts:
       Year-ended December 31,
        1995....................   $1,054      $  994     $  (883)    $1,165
       Year-ended December 31,
        1996....................    1,165       1,196        (981)     1,380
       Year-ended December 31,
        1997....................    1,380       1,420      (1,139)     1,661
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 21--SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
 Proposed Sales
 
  Subsequent to year end, the Company announced agreements to sell Value
Behavioral Health ("VBH") and Value Rx for $230 million and $445 million in
cash, respectively. VBH is a provider of managed behavioral health care
services and Value Rx is a pharmacy benefit management company. VBH and Value
Rx represent two of the four businesses acquired through the Value Health
Merger (see NOTE 8). The sales of both businesses are anticipated to be
completed during the second quarter of 1998, subject to regulatory approval,
and are not expected to have a material effect on results of operations. The
proceeds from the sales are expected to be used to repay bank borrowings.
 
                                     F-27
<PAGE>
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                 QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 FIRST   SECOND THIRD  FOURTH
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
<S>                                              <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Revenues........................................ $4,988  $4,845 $4,612 $ 4,374
Net income (loss):
 Income (loss) from continuing operations (a)... $  455  $  385 $   91 $  (749)
 Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  (b)...........................................     24      27      6    (488)
 Cumulative effect of accounting change (c) ....    (56)      -      -       -
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income (loss)............................ $  423  $  412 $   97 $(1,237)
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Basic earnings (loss) per share (d):
 Income (loss) from continuing operations....... $  .67  $  .58 $  .15 $ (1.16)
 Income (loss) from discontinued operations.....    .04     .04    .01    (.76)
 Cumulative effect of accounting change ........   (.08)      -      -       -
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income (loss)............................ $  .63  $  .62 $  .16 $ (1.92)
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (d):
 Income (loss) from continuing operations....... $  .66  $  .58 $  .15 $ (1.16)
 Income (loss) from discontinued operations.....    .04     .04    .01    (.76)
 Cumulative effect of accounting change ........   (.08)      -      -       -
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income (loss)............................ $  .62  $  .62 $  .16 $ (1.92)
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Cash dividends.................................. $  .02  $  .02 $  .01 $   .02
Redemption of preferred stock purchase rights...      -       -    .01       -
Market prices (e):
 High........................................... $44.88  $40.00 $40.44 $ 32.13
 Low............................................  31.25   30.38  26.63   25.75
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 FIRST   SECOND THIRD  FOURTH
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
<S>                                              <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Revenues........................................ $4,693  $4,671 $4,605 $ 4,817
Net income:
 Income from continuing operations.............. $  403  $  361 $  299 $   398
 Income from discontinued operations............     13       3     12      16
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income................................... $  416  $  364 $  311 $   414
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Basic earnings per share (d):
 Income from continuing operations.............. $  .60  $  .54 $  .45 $   .58
 Income from discontinued operations............    .02       -    .02     .03
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income................................... $  .62  $  .54 $  .47 $   .61
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Diluted earnings per share (d):
 Income from continuing operations.............. $  .59  $  .54 $  .44 $   .58
 Income from discontinued operations............    .02       -    .02     .03
                                                 ------  ------ ------ -------
   Net income................................... $  .61  $  .54 $  .46 $   .61
                                                 ======  ====== ====== =======
Cash dividends.................................. $  .02  $  .02 $  .02 $   .02
Market prices (e):
 High........................................... $39.08  $38.17 $39.25 $ 41.88
 Low............................................  33.42   32.92  31.67   34.50
</TABLE>
- -------
(a) Fourth quarter results include $290 million ($.45 per basic and diluted
    share) of after-tax charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets
    (see NOTE 6 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $55
    million ($.08 per basic and diluted share) of after-tax costs related to
    restructuring and investigations (see NOTE 4 of the notes to consolidated
    financial statements).
(b) Fourth quarter results include $443 million ($.69 per basic and diluted
    share) of after-tax charges related to the estimated loss on disposal of
    discontinued businesses (see NOTE 7 of the notes to consolidated financial
    statements).
(c) The first quarter of 1997 has been restated to reflect the effect of
    adopting a change in accounting principle related to start-up costs (see
    NOTE 11 of the notes to consolidated financial statements). The effect of
    the accounting change was not material to the results of operations for
    the other 1997 quarters or the 1996 quarters.
(d) The 1996 and the first three quarters of 1997 earnings per share amounts
    have been restated to comply with the Statement of Financial Accounting
    Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share."
(e) Represents high and low sales prices of the Company's common stock, which
    is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol COL).
 
                                     F-28

<PAGE>
 
                                EXHIBIT 4.9(f)
<PAGE>
 
                                FIRST AMENDMENT

  FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of February 3, 1998 (this "First Amendment") to the
Agreement and Amendment dated as of June 17, 1997 (as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time, the "June 1997 364-Day Agreement and
Amendment") among COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), the several banks and other financial institutions from time to
time parties hereto (the "Banks"), BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST & SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION,  THE BANK OF NEW YORK, CITIBANK, N.A., DEUTSCHE BANK AG, FLEET
NATIONAL BANK, THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED,
ATLANTA AGENCY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC., UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH AND
WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as Co-Agents (collectively, the "Co-Agents"),
THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, THE SUMITOMO BANK LIMITED, SUNTRUST BANK,
NASHVILLE, N.A., WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Lead Managers (collectively, the
"Lead Managers") and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation,
as agent for the Banks hereunder (in such capacity, the "Agent") and as CAF Loan
agent (in such capacity, the "CAF Loan Agent").


                             W I T N E S S E T H :
                             -------------------- 


  WHEREAS, for the convenience of the parties to the agreement and amendment
dated as of February 28, 1996 (the "February 1996 Agreement and Amendment"),
among the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions from time
to time parties thereto and Chase, as agent for the Banks hereunder and as CAF
Loan Agent, a composite conformed copy (the "364-Day Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement") of the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 1994 as
incorporated by reference into and amended by the September 1994 Agreement and
Amendment, the February 1995 Agreement and Amendment and the February 1996
Agreement and Amendment was prepared and delivered to such parties;

  WHEREAS, the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions and
Chase, as agent for the Banks hereunder and as CAF Loan Agent, were parties to
the Agreement and Amendment, dated as of February 26, 1997 (the "February 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment") which adopted and incorporated by reference
all of the terms and provisions of the 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided for in the February 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the February 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment was replaced by the
June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment adopts and incorporates
by reference all of the terms and provisions of the 364-Day Composite Conformed
Credit Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided for in the June 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend certain provisions of the June 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment on the terms set forth herein;

  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

  1.  Definitions.  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the June
<PAGE>
 
1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment shall be used as so defined.
      
         2.  Amendments to the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment.

        (a)  Section 3 of the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is
hereby amended as follows:

             (i) by deleting the defined terms "Applicable Margin",
     "Consolidated Earnings Before Interest and Taxes" and "Consolidated
     Tangible Net Worth" in their entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the
     following defined terms in proper alphabetical order:

        "`Applicable Margin': (a) for the period up to the First Amendment
     Effective Date (i) with respect to Alternate Base Rate Loans, 0% per annum
     and (ii) with respect to Eurodollar Loans, 0.20%; and (b) for the period
     after and including the First Amendment Effective Date (i) with respect to
     Alternate Base Rate Loans, 0% per annum and (ii) with respect to Eurodollar
     Loans, 0.3125%.";

        "`Consolidated Earnings Before Interest and Taxes': for any period for
     which the amount thereof is to be determined, Consolidated Net Income for
     such period plus (i) all amounts deducted in computing such Consolidated
     Net Income in respect of interest expense on Indebtedness and income taxes
     and (ii) non-cash non-recurring charges (including charges as a result of
     changes in method of accounting) and adjustments for impairment of long-
     lived assets in accordance with original pronouncement number 121 of the
     Financial Accounting Standards Board incurred or made as of or for the
     fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1997 not
     exceeding in the aggregate $1,200,000,000 on a pre-tax basis, all
     determined in accordance with GAAP."; and

        "`Consolidated Tangible Net Worth': Consolidated Assets of the Company
     and its Subsidiaries, plus non-cash non-recurring charges (including
     charges as a result of changes in method of accounting) and adjustments for
     impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with original pronouncement
     number 121 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board incurred or made as
     of or for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1997 and December 31,
     1997 not exceeding in the aggregate $1,200,000,000 on a pre-tax basis, less
     the following:

          (a)  the amount, if any, at which any treasury stock appears on the
        assets side of the balance sheet;

          (b)  an amount equal to goodwill;

          (c)  any write up in book value of assets resulting from any
        revaluation made after December 31, 1992 in the case of the Company and
        its Subsidiaries (excluding Galen and its Subsidiaries) and HCA and its
        Subsidiaries and August 31, 1993 in the case of Galen and its
        Subsidiaries;

          (d)  an amount equal to all amounts which appear or should appear as a
        credit on the balance sheet of the Company in respect of any class or
        series of preferred stock of the Company; and

          (e)  all liabilities which in accordance with GAAP should be reflected
        as liabilities on such consolidated balance sheet, but in any event
        including all Indebtedness.".


<PAGE>
 
            (ii) by inserting in such section the following new defined term in
     proper alphabetical order:

         "`First Amendment Effective Date': the Effective Date as defined in the
     First Amendment, dated as of February 3, 1998, to this Agreement."

        (b) Section 5 of the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by deleting such section in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof the following new Section 5:

        "SECTION 5. Facility Fee. For purposes of this Agreement, subsection
  2.3(a) of the 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and
  incorporated by reference into this Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
  such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the
  following:

        (a) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Bank
  a facility fee (i) in respect of the period from and including the first day
  of the Commitment Period up to the First Amendment Effective Date, at the rate
  of 0.050% per annum, and (ii) in respect of the period from and including the
  First Amendment Effective Date to the Termination Date, at the rate of 0.1875%
  per annum, in each case computed on the average daily amount of the Commitment
  of such Bank during the period for which payment is made, payable quarterly on
  the last day of each March, June, September and December and on any earlier
  date on which the Commitments shall terminate as provided herein and the
  Revolving Credit Loans shall have been repaid in full, commencing on the first
  of such dates to occur after the date hereof.'".

        (c) Schedule V to the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is
hereby amended by deleting Schedule V in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof Schedule V attached hereto as Schedule V.

        3. Effective Date; Conditions Precedent. This First Amendment will
become effective on February 3, 1998 (the "Effective Date") subject to the
compliance by the Company with its agreements herein contained and to the
satisfaction on or before the Effective Date of the further condition that the
Agent shall have received copies of this First Amendment, executed and delivered
by a duly authorized officer of the Company, with a counterpart for each Bank,
and executed and delivered by the Required Lenders.

        4. Legal Obligation. The Company represents and warrants to each Bank
that this First Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to the
effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyances, reorganization,
moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

        5. Continuing Effect; Application. Except as expressly amended hereby,
the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment shall continue to be and shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. The parties hereto
agree that the amendments contained herein to the June 1997 364-Day Agreement
and Amendment shall be applicable in determining compliance with the covenants
contained in subsections 5.6 and 5.7 of the 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into, and as amended by, the
June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment, for any date on or after December 31,
1997 and for the period ended December 31, 1997.

        6. Expenses. The Company agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent for all of

<PAGE>
 
its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
development, preparation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or
modification to, this First Amendment and any other documents prepared in
connection herewith, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Agent.

         7. GOVERNING LAW. THIS FIRST AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS FIRST AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         8. Counterparts. This First Amendment may be executed by one or more of
the parties to this First Amendment on any number of separate counterparts and
all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and
the same instrument. A set of the copies of this First Amendment signed by all
the parties shall be lodged with the Company and the Agent.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of
the day and year first above written.



                         COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION



                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Agent, as CAF
                         Loan Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         ARAB BANK PLC, GRAND CAYMAN BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANCA MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA SpA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANK ONE TEXAS, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS -Houston Agency, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BARNETT BANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         CITIBANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         COMERICA BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         CORESTATES BANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         CRESTAR BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY, as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS
                         BRANCH(ES), as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                         as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING CORPORATION, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE MITSUI TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED, NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         NATIONAL CITY BANK OF KENTUCKY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         NATIONSBANK, N.A. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE NORINCHUKIN BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lead
                         Manager and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,  as a Lead Manager and as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., as a Lead Manager and
                         as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE TOKAI BANK, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE TOYO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         UNION PLANTERS BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, N.A.


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lead Manager and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -----------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


 

<PAGE>
 
                                EXHIBIT 4.9(g)
<PAGE>
 
                                 SECOND AMENDMENT



  SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of March 26, 1998 (this "Second Amendment"), to the
Agreement and Amendment dated as of June 17, 1997 (as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time, the "June 1997 364-Day Agreement and
Amendment") among COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), the several banks and other financial institutions from time to
time parties hereto (the "Banks"), BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST & SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION,  THE BANK OF NEW YORK, CITIBANK, N.A., DEUTSCHE BANK AG, FLEET
NATIONAL BANK, THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED,
ATLANTA AGENCY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
PNC BANK, N.A., UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH AND WACHOVIA BANK OF
GEORGIA, N.A., as Co-Agents (collectively, the "Co-Agents"), THE SAKURA BANK,
LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, THE SUMITOMO BANK LIMITED, SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A.,
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Lead Managers (collectively, the "Lead Managers") and
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation, as Agent for the Banks
hereunder (in such capacity, the "Agent") and as CAF Loan Agent (in such
capacity, the "CAF Loan Agent").


                                   W I T N E S S E T H :
                                   -------------------- 


  WHEREAS, for the convenience of the parties to the agreement and amendment
dated as of February 28, 1996 (the "February 1996 Agreement and Amendment"),
among the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions from time
to time parties thereto and Chase, as agent for the Banks hereunder and as CAF
Loan Agent, a composite conformed copy (the "364-Day Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement") of the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 1994 as
incorporated by reference into and amended by the September 1994 Agreement and
Amendment, the February 1995 Agreement and Amendment and the February 1996
Agreement and Amendment was prepared and delivered to such parties;

  WHEREAS, the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions and
Chase, as agent for the Banks hereunder and as CAF Loan Agent, were parties to
the Agreement and Amendment, dated as of February 26, 1997 (the "February 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment") which adopted and incorporated by reference
all of the terms and provisions of the 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided for in the February 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the February 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment was replaced by the
June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment adopts and incorporates
by reference all of the terms and provisions of the 364-Day Composite Conformed
Credit Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided for in the June 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend certain provisions of the June 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment on the terms set forth herein;

  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>
 
  1.  DEFINITIONS.  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the June
1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment shall be used as so defined.


  2.  AMENDMENTS TO THE JUNE 1997 364-DAY AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT.

  (a) Section 3 of the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended as follows:

      (i) by deleting the defined term "Applicable Margin" in its entirety and
substituting in lieu thereof, effective as of February 6, 1998, the following:


        "`Applicable Margin': for each Type of Revolving Credit Loan during a
  Level I Period, Level II Period, Level III Period or Level IV Period, the rate
  per annum set forth under the relevant column heading in Schedule VI.
  Increases or decreases in the Applicable Margin shall become effective on the
  first day of the Level I Period, Level II Period, Level III Period or Level IV
  Period, as the case may be, to which such Applicable Margin relates.";


      (ii) by inserting in such section the following new defined terms in
proper alphabetical order:


        "`CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND
  AMORTIZATION': for any period for which the amount thereof is to be
  determined, Consolidated net revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries for
  such period minus consolidated operating expenses plus or minus equity in
  earnings of affiliates of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding Value
  Health and home health operations included in discontinued operations) for
  such period (which consolidated operating expenses shall, in any event,
  include and be limited to salaries and benefits, supplies, other operating
  expenses and provision for doubtful accounts), all determined in accordance
  with GAAP and consistent with the Company's reportings on Forms 10Q and 10K."


        "`FEBRUARY 1997 FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT': the $2,000,000,000
  Agreement and Amendment, dated as of February 26, 1997, among the Company, the
  several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties
  thereto, the co-agents and lead managers named therein and The Chase Manhattan
  Bank, as Agent and as CAF Loan Agent therein, as the same may be amended,
  supplemented or otherwise modified or replaced or extended from time to
  time.";


        "`LEVEL I PERIOD': any period during which the lower of the publicly
  announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current senior unsecured,
  non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the Company that has been
  publicly issued are BBB - or better or Baa3 or better, respectively.";


        "`LEVEL II PERIOD': any period during which the lower of the publicly
  announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current senior unsecured,
  non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the Company that has been
  publicly issued are BB+ or Ba1, respectively.";


        "`LEVEL III PERIOD': any period during which the lower of the publicly
  announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current senior unsecured,
  non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the Company that has been
  publicly issued are BB or Ba2, respectively.";


        "`LEVEL IV PERIOD': any period during which either of the publicly
  announced ratings by S&P or Moody's of the then current senior unsecured, non-
  credit enhanced,
<PAGE>
 
  long-term Indebtedness of the Company that has been publicly issued is equal
  to or below BB- or unrated or equal to or below Ba3 or unrated, as the case
  may be."


        "`MANDATORY PREPAYMENT EVENT':  any of the following events:
        (a) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Net Cash
    Proceeds from any sale or other disposition by it of any business, hospital
    or other assets, including any capital stock or other ownership interests in
    any Subsidiary or any intercompany obligations (other than as a result of
    any casualty where such Net Cash Proceeds are to be used to replace or
    rebuild the related assets);


        (b) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Net Cash
    Proceeds from the issuance to Persons other than the Company and its
    Subsidiaries of any capital stock or other ownership interests of the
    Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and


        (c) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Net Cash
    Proceeds from the incurrence from, or the issuance or sale to, persons other
    than the Company and is Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness of the Company or
    such Subsidiary, as the case may be with a scheduled maturity date of the
    incurrence thereof which is, or which is extendable at the option of the
    Company or such Subsidiary to be, one year or more from such date of
    incurrence;


In each case for (a), (b) and (c), excluding (i) any such event in which the Net
Cash Proceeds so received (together with the Net Cash Proceeds received from any
related series of events) are less than $10,000,000 and (ii) any such event to
the extent that the Net Cash Proceeds from such event, together with the Net
Cash Proceeds from all other events referred to in this definition from the
Effective Date (excluding, in each case, any such event excluded by clause (i)
above), is $500,000,000 or less.";


        "`Net Cash Proceeds' means, with respect to any sale or disposition by
  the Company of assets, cash payments received by the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries from such sale or disposition net of bona fide direct costs of
  sale including, without limitation, (i) income taxes reasonably estimated to
  be actually payable as a result of such sale or disposition within one year of
  the date of receipt of such cash payments, (ii) transfer, sales, use and other
  taxes payable in connection with such sale or disposition, (iii) payment of
  the outstanding principal amount of, premium or penalty, if any, and interest
  on any Indebtedness (other than the Revolving Credit Loans) that is secured by
  a Lien on the stock or assets in question or that is required to be repaid
  under the terms thereof as a result of such sale or disposition, and (iv)
  broker's commissions and reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, accountants
  and other professional advisors in connection with such sale or disposition.".

 
        (b) Section 5 of the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by deleting such section in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof the following new Section 5:


        "SECTION 5. FACILITY FEE AND UTILIZATION FEE. Subsection 2.3 of the 364-
  Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by
  reference into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby
  amended by deleting such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu
  thereof, effective as of February 6, 1998, the following:


                `2.3 FACILITY FEE AND UTILIZATION FEE. (a) The Company agrees to
  pay to the Agent for the account of each Bank a facility fee in respect of the
  period from
<PAGE>
 
  and including the Effective Date to the later of the Termination Date or the
  date on which the Revolving Credit Loans are repaid in full, computed at the
  rate per annum set forth in the table below on the average daily amount of the
  Commitment of such Bank (or, if the Commitment of such Bank has expired or
  been terminated, the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of such Bank) during
  each portion of the period for which payment is made that is a separate Level
  I Period, Level II Period, Level III Period or Level IV Period, payable
  quarterly on the last day of each March, June, September and December and on
  any date on which the Commitments shall terminate as provided herein and the
  Revolving Credit Loans shall have been repaid in full, commencing on the first
  of such dates to occur after the date hereof:



                    Type of Period            Facility Fee
                    --------------            ------------

                   Level I Period                    .3000%
                   Level II Period                   .3500%
                   Level III Period                  .4000%
                   Level IV Period                   .5000%


        (b) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Bank
  a utilization fee computed at the rate of 0.2500% per annum on the aggregate
  principal amount of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans for each day that
  the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans plus the
  outstanding principal amount of all revolving credit loans under the February
  1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment shall exceed $3,750,000,000 in
  aggregate amount, payable quarterly on the last day of each March, June,
  September and December commencing on March 31, 1998 and on any date on which
  the Commitments shall terminate as provided herein and the Revolving Credit
  Loans shall have been repaid in full.


        (c) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent the other fees in the
  amounts, and on the date, agreed to by the Company and the Agent in the fee
  letter, dated October 20, 1993, between the Agent and the Company.'".


  (c)  The June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by adding
the following new paragraphs after Section 6 reading as follows:


        "SECTION 6A. MANDATORY PREPAYMENT AND MANDATORY REDUCTIONS OF
  COMMITMENTS. The 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and
  incorporated by reference into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment
  is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections immediately
  following subsection 2.17 therein as follows:


                `2.18 MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS AND MANDATORY REDUCTIONS OF
          COMMITMENTS. At any time the Commitments under this Agreement (or, if
          the Commitments have expired or been terminated, the outstanding
          Revolving Credit Loans) plus the commitments under the February 1997
          Five-Year Agreement and Amendment exceed $2,000,000,000 in aggregate
          amount, the Revolving Credit Loans shall be prepaid and the
          Commitments shall be reduced no later than the second Business Day
          following the date of receipt by the Company or any of its
          Subsidiaries of the Net Cash Proceeds from any Mandatory Prepayment
          Event by the amount of such Net Cash Proceeds.


          (d) The June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by
adding the following new paragraphs after Section 9 reading as follows:
<PAGE>
 
        "SECTION 9A. COMPANY OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. Subsection 4.3 of the 364-
  Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by
  reference into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby
  amended by (a) adding to the first clause thereof, immediately following the
  reference to "Section 3", the following:


                "as qualified by the disclosures in the Company's Quarterly
          Reports on Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended June 30, 1997 and
          September 30, 1997 and in the Company's Reports on Form 8-K dated
          February 6, 1998, February 13, 1998 and March __, 1998, in each case
          as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and previously
          distributed to the Banks)",


  and (b) adding to the third clause thereof, at the end thereof immediately
  following the   phrase "those enumerated above", the following:


        "(all subject to the disclosures referred to above)".


        "SECTION 9B. INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. Subsection 5.7 of the 364-Day
  Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference
  into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by
  deleting such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the
  following:


             `5.7 Interest Coverage Ratio. On the last day of each fiscal
        quarter of the Company other than the fiscal quarters ending March 31,
        1998, June 30, 1998 and September 30, 1998, the Consolidated Earnings
        Before Interest and Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the
        four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company then ending will be an
        amount which equals or exceeds 200% of the Consolidated Interest Expense
        of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the same four consecutive fiscal
        quarters.'


        SECTION 9C. DISTRIBUTIONS. Subsection 5.8 of the 364-Day Composite
Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into this
June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by deleting such
subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:


                `5.8 DISTRIBUTIONS. The Company will not make any Distribution
        except that, so long as no Event of Default exists or would exist after
        giving effect thereto, the Company may make a Distribution; provided
        however, that at any time the Commitments under this Agreement plus the
        commitments under the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment
        (or, if such commitments have expired or been terminated, the
        outstanding loans thereunder) shall equal or exceed $2,000,000,000 in
        aggregate amount, the Company will not purchase, repurchase, redeem or
        otherwise acquire (including any "synthetic" acquisitions through equity
        derivatives) any shares of any class of capital stock of the Company
        directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or otherwise.'


        SECTION 9D. MAXIMUM CONSOLIDATED TOTAL DEBT. The 364-Day Composite
Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into this
June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by adding the
following new subsection immediately following subsection 5.13 therein as
follows:


                `5.14 Maximum Consolidated Total Debt. The Company and its
        Subsidiaries will not at any time, to and including September 30, 1998,
        have outstanding Consolidated Total Debt in an amount in excess of
        $10,000,000,000.'
<PAGE>
 
        SECTION 9E. MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES,
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. The 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement
as adopted and incorporated by reference into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement
and Amendment is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection
immediately following subsection 5.14 therein as follows:


                `5.15 MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES,
        DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. The Consolidated Earnings Before
        Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization of the Company and its
        Subsidiaries will be, for each period specified below, an amount which
        equals or exceeds the amount set forth opposite such period:



          Period                              Amount
          ------                              ------
        
          One fiscal quarter ending
           March 31, 1998                 $750,000,000
        
        
          Two fiscal quarters ending
           June 30, 1998                $1,500,000,000
        
          Three fiscal quarters
           ending September 30, 1998    $2,250,000,000
        
        
        SECTION 9F. LIMITATION ON OPTIONAL PAYMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF DEBT
  INSTRUMENTS. The 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and
  incorporated by reference into this June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment
  is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection immediately following
  subsection 5.15 therein as follows:


                `5.16 Limitation on Optional Payments and Modifications of Debt
        Instruments. At any time the Commitments under this Agreement plus the
        commitments under the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment
        (or, if such commitments have expired or been terminated, the
        outstanding loans thereunder) exceed $2,000,000,000 in aggregate amount,
        the Company will not make, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
        to make, any optional payment or prepayment on or redemption, defeasance
        or purchase of any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement or under the
        February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment), or amend, modify or
        change, or consent or agree to any amendment, modification or change to
        any of the terms relating to the payment or prepayment or principal of
        or interest on, any such Indebtedness, other than any amendment,
        modification or change which would extend the maturity or reduce the
        amount of any payment of principal thereof or which would reduce the
        rate or extend the date for payment of interest there or which would not
        be adverse to the Banks.'".


        (e) The June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by
adding Schedule VI attached hereto, effective on February 6, 1998, as Schedule
VI thereto.


        3. Effective Date; Conditions Precedent. This Second Amendment will
become effective on March 26, 1998 (the "Effective Date") subject to the
compliance by the Company with its agreements herein contained and to the
satisfaction on or before the Effective Date of the following further
conditions:


        (a) Loan Documents. The Agent shall have received copies of this Second
Amendment, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company,
with a
<PAGE>
 
counterpart for each Bank, and executed and delivered by the Required Lenders.


        (b) COMPANY OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. The representations and warranties
contained in Section 3 of the 364-Day Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as
adopted and incorporated by reference into, and as amended by, the June 1997
364-Day Agreement and Amendment (as qualified by the disclosures in the
Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended June 30,
1997 and September 30, 1997 and in the Company's Reports on Form 8-K dated
February 6, 1998, February 13, 1998 and March __, 1998, in each case as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and previously distributed to the
Banks) shall be true and correct on the Effective Date with the same force and
effect as though made on and as of such date; on and as of the Effective Date
and after giving effect to this Second Amendment, no Default shall have occurred
(except a Default which shall have been waived in writing or which shall have
been cured); and the Agent shall have received a certificate containing a
representation to these effects dated the Effective Date and signed by a
Responsible Officer.


        (c) AMENDMENT FEE. Each Bank which executes and delivers this Second
Amendment to the Agent by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 23, 1998 shall
receive an amendment fee equal to .125% of its Commitment.


        4. PAYMENT CATCH-UP. The Company hereby agrees that, to the extent that
it has made prior to the Effective Dates, any payments on account of interest on
a Revolving Credit Loans or an account of the facility fee in respect of any
period (or portion of any period) falling on or after February 6, 1998, it will
make a payment to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks no later than March 31,
1998 equal to the difference between the payments made and the payments due
after giving effect to the Second Amendment.


        5. LEGAL OBLIGATION. The Company represents and warrants to each Bank
that this Second Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation
of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyances, reorganization,
moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.


        6. CONTINUING EFFECT; APPLICATION. Except as expressly amended hereby,
the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment shall continue to be and shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.


        7. EXPENSES. The Company agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent for all of
its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
development, preparation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or
modification to, this Second Amendment and any other documents prepared in
connection herewith, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Agent.


        8. GOVERNING LAW. THIS SECOND AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS SECOND AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


        9. COUNTERPARTS. This Second Amendment may be executed by one or more of
the parties to this Second Amendment on any number of separate counterparts and
all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and
the same instrument. A set of the copies of this Second Amendment signed by all
the parties shall be lodged with the Company and the Agent.
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of
the day and year first above written.



                         COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Agent, as CAF
                         Loan Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         ARAB BANK PLC, GRAND CAYMAN BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANCA MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA SpA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         BANK ONE TEXAS, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS -Houston Agency, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         BARNETT BANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         CITIBANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         COMERICA BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         CORESTATES BANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         CRESTAR BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY, as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS
                         BRANCH(ES), as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                         as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING CORPORATION, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE MITSUI TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED, NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         NATIONAL CITY BANK OF KENTUCKY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         NATIONSBANK, N.A. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE NORINCHUKIN BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         PNC BANK, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lead
                         Manager and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,  as a Lead Manager and as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., as a Lead Manager and
                         as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         THE TOKAI BANK, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE TOYO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         UNION PLANTERS BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, N.A.


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lead Manager and as a Bank



                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

 
<PAGE>
 
                                                            SCHEDULE VI
                                                            -----------



                                 Applicable Margins
                                 ------------------




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
===============================================================================
                       REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                          ALTERNATE BASE
CATEGORY                    RATE LOANS                    EURODOLLAR LOANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                    <C>                                <C>
LEVEL I PERIOD          .0000%                                  .4500%
LEVEL II PERIOD         .0000%                                  .6500%
LEVEL III PERIOD        .0000%                                  .8500%
LEVEL IV PERIOD         .5000%                                 1.5000%
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                               EXHIBIT 4.10(f)
<PAGE>
 
                               SECOND AMENDMENT



  SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of February 3, 1998 (this "Second Amendment") to
the Agreement and Amendment dated as of February 26, 1997, as amended by the
First Amendment, dated as of June 17, 1997 (as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time, the "February 1997 Five-Year
Agreement and Amendment") among COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), the several banks and other financial institutions
from time to time parties hereto (the "Banks"), BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST &
SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,  THE BANK OF NEW YORK, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, FLEET NATIONAL
BANK, THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA
AGENCY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, NATIONSBANK, N.A., PNC BANK,
KENTUCKY, INC., TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC., UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW
YORK BRANCH AND WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as Co-Agents (collectively, the
"Co-Agents"), THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, THE SUMITOMO BANK LIMITED,
SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Lead Managers
(collectively, the "Lead Managers") and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York
banking corporation as agent for the Banks hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Agent") and as CAF Loan agent (in such capacity, the "CAF Loan Agent").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :
                             -------------------- 

  WHEREAS, for the convenience of the parties to the agreement and amendment
dated as of February 28, 1996 (the "February 1996 Agreement and Amendment"),
among the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions from time
to time parties thereto and Chase, as agent for the Banks hereunder and as CAF
Loan Agent, a composite conformed copy (the "Five-Year Composite Conformed
Credit Agreement") of the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 1994 as
incorporated by reference into and amended by the September 1994 Agreement and
Amendment, the February 1995 Agreement and Amendment and the February 1996
Agreement and Amendment was prepared and delivered to such parties;

  WHEREAS, the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment adopts and
incorporates by reference all of the terms and provisions of the Five-Year
Composite Conformed Credit Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided
for in the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment;

  WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend certain provisions of the February
1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment on the terms set forth herein;

  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:


  1.  Definitions.  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment shall be used as so defined.

  2.  Amendments to the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment.

 (a)  Section 3 of the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by deleting the defined terms "Consolidated Earnings Before Interest and
Taxes" and "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" in their entirety and substituting
in lieu thereof the following new defined terms in proper alphabetical order:
<PAGE>
 
       "Consolidated Earnings Before Interest and Taxes": for any period for
     which the amount thereof is to be determined, Consolidated Net Income for
     such period plus (i) all amounts deducted in computing such Consolidated
     Net Income in respect of interest expense on Indebtedness and income taxes
     and (ii) non-cash non-recurring charges (including charges as a result
     of changes in method of accounting) and adjustments for impairment of
     long-lived assets in accordance with original pronouncement number 121 of
     the Financial Accounting Standards Board incurred or made as of or for the
     fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1997 not
     exceeding in the aggregate $1,200,000,000 on a pre-tax basis, all
     determined in accordance with GAAP."; and

       "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth": Consolidated Assets of the Company and
     its Subsidiaries, plus non-cash non-recurring charges (including charges as
     a result of changes in method of accounting) and adjustments for impairment
     of long-lived assets in accordance with original pronouncement number 121
     of the Financial Accounting Standards Board incurred or made as of or for
     the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1997 not
     exceeding in the aggregate $1,200,000,000 on a pre-tax basis, less the
     following:



           (a) the amount, if any, at which any treasury stock appears on the
       assets side of the balance sheet;

           (b)  an amount equal to goodwill;

           (c)  any write up in book value of assets resulting from any
       revaluation made after December 31, 1992 in the case of the Company and
       its Subsidiaries (excluding Galen and its Subsidiaries) and HCA and its
       Subsidiaries and August 31, 1993 in the case of Galen and its
       Subsidiaries;

           (d)  an amount equal to all amounts which appear or should appear as
       a credit on the balance sheet of the Company in respect of any class or
       series of preferred stock of the Company; and

           (e)  all liabilities which in accordance with GAAP should be
       reflected as liabilities on such consolidated balance sheet, but in any
       event including all Indebtedness.".


  (b)  Schedule VI to the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is
hereby amended by deleting Schedule VI in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof Schedule VI attached hereto as Schedule VI.

  3.  Effective Date; Conditions Precedent.  This Second Amendment will become
effective on February 3, 1998 (the "Effective Date") subject to the compliance
by the Company with its agreements herein contained and to the satisfaction on
or before the Effective Date of the further condition that the Agent shall have
received copies of this Second Amendment, executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of the Company, with a counterpart for each Bank, and
executed and delivered by the Required Lenders.

  4.  Legal Obligation.  The Company represents and warrants to each Bank that
this Second Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to the
effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyances, reorganization,
moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
<PAGE>
 
  5.  Continuing Effect; Application.  Except as expressly amended hereby, the
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment shall continue to be and shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.  The parties
hereto agree that the amendments contained herein to the February 1997 Five-Year
Agreement and Amendment shall be applicable in determining compliance with the
covenants contained in subsections 5.6 and 5.7 of the Five-Year Composite
Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into the
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment, as amended, for any date on or
after December 31, 1997 and for the period ended December 31, 1997.

  6.  Expenses.  The Company agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent for all of its
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
development, preparation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or
modification to, this Second Amendment and any other documents prepared in
connection herewith, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Agent.

  7.  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS SECOND AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF
THE PARTIES UNDER THIS SECOND AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
<PAGE>
 
  8.  Counterparts.  This Second Amendment may be executed by one or more of the
parties to this Second Amendment on any number of separate counterparts and all
of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the
same instrument.  A set of the copies of this Second Amendment signed by all the
parties shall be lodged with the Company and the Agent.
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of
the day and year first above written.



                         COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Agent, as CAF
                         Loan Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:




                         ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         ARAB BANK PLC, GRAND CAYMAN BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         BANCA MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA SpA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         BANCA NAZIONALE del LAVORO, SpA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         BANK ONE TEXAS, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         BANK OF YOKOHAMA, as a Bank
<PAGE>
 
                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS -Houston Agency, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         BARNETT BANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         CITIBANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         COMERICA BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         CORESTATES BANK, N.A., as a Bank



                         By: 
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         CRESTAR BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY, as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         DEN DANSKE BANK AKTIESELSKAB, as a Bank
                         CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH c/o New York Branch



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS
                         BRANCH, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK, as a Bank
<PAGE>
 
                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                         as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING CORPORATION, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE MITSUI TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED, NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         NATIONAL CITY BANK OF KENTUCKY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         NATIONSBANK, N.A. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE NORINCHUKIN BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lead
                         Manager and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,  as a Lead Manager and as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:

                         Title:



                         SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., as a Lead Manager and
                         as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE TOKAI BANK, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         THE TOYO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         UNION PLANTERS BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, N.A.


                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lead Manager and as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         YASUDA TRUST AND BANKING, as a Bank



                         By:
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                         Name:
                         Title:

<PAGE>
 
                                EXHIBIT 4.10(g)
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               1

                                THIRD AMENDMENT


          THIRD AMENDMENT, dated as of March 26, 1998 (this "THIRD AMENDMENT"),
to the Agreement and Amendment dated as of February 26, 1997, as amended by the
First Amendment, dated as of June 17, 1997 and the Second Amendment, dated as of
February 3, 1998 (as the same may be amended, supplemented or modified from time
to time, the "FEBRUARY 1997 FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT") among
COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), the
several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties hereto
(the "BANKS"), BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST & SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,  THE BANK
OF NEW YORK, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, FLEET NATIONAL BANK, THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, THE
INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK, NATIONSBANK, N.A., PNC BANK, N.A., TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC.,
UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH AND WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.,
as Co-Agents (collectively, the "CO-AGENTS"), THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK
BRANCH, THE SUMITOMO BANK LIMITED, SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., WELLS FARGO
BANK, N.A., as Lead Managers (collectively, the "LEAD MANAGERS") and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation as Agent for the Banks hereunder
(in such capacity, the "AGENT") and as CAF Loan Agent (in such capacity, the
"CAF LOAN AGENT").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :
                             -------------------- 

          WHEREAS, for the convenience of the parties to the agreement and
amendment dated as of February 28, 1996 (the "FEBRUARY 1996 AGREEMENT AND
AMENDMENT"), among the Company, the several banks and other financial
institutions from time to time parties thereto and Chase, as agent for the Banks
hereunder and as CAF Loan Agent, a composite conformed copy (the "FIVE-YEAR
COMPOSITE CONFORMED CREDIT AGREEMENT") of the Credit Agreement, dated as of
February 10, 1994 as incorporated by reference into and amended by the September
1994 Agreement and Amendment, the February 1995 Agreement and Amendment and the
February 1996 Agreement and Amendment was prepared and delivered to such
parties;

          WHEREAS, the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment adopts
and incorporates by reference all of the terms and provisions of the Five-Year
Composite Conformed Credit Agreement, subject to the amendment thereto provided
for in the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment;

          WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend certain provisions of the
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment on the terms set forth herein;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.   DEFINITIONS.  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment shall be used as so defined.

     2.   AMENDMENTS TO THE FEBRUARY 1997 FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               2


          (a) Section 3 of the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment
is hereby amended as follows:

          (i) by deleting the defined terms "Applicable Margin", "Level I
     Period", "Level II Period", "Level III Period", "Level IV Period", "Level V
     Period" and "Level VI Period" in their entirety and substituting in lieu
     thereof, effective as of February 6, 1998, the following new defined terms
     in proper alphabetical order:

               "`APPLICABLE MARGIN':  for each Type of Revolving Credit Loan
          during a Level I Period, Level II Period, Level III Period or Level IV
          Period, the rate per annum set forth under the relevant column heading
          in Schedule V.  Increases or decreases in the Applicable Margin shall
          become effective on the first day of the Level I Period, Level II
          Period, Level III Period or Level IV Period, as the case may be, to
          which such Applicable Margin relates.";

          "`LEVEL I PERIOD':  any period during which the lower of the publicly
announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current senior unsecured, non-
credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the Company that has been publicly
issued are BBB - or better or Baa3 or better, respectively.";

               "`LEVEL II PERIOD':  any period during which the lower of the
          publicly announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current
          senior unsecured, non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the
          Company that has been publicly issued are BB+ or Ba1, respectively.";

               "`LEVEL III PERIOD':  any period during which the lower of the
          publicly announced ratings by S&P and Moody's of the then current
          senior unsecured, non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the
          Company that has been publicly issued are BB or Ba2, respectively.";

               "`LEVEL IV PERIOD':  any period during which either of the
          publicly announced ratings by S&P or Moody's of the then current
          senior unsecured, non-credit enhanced, long-term Indebtedness of the
          Company that has been publicly issued is equal to or below BB- or
          unrated or equal to or below Ba3 or unrated, as the case may be."

          (ii) by inserting in such section the following new defined terms in
     proper alphabetical order:

               "`CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND
          AMORTIZATION':  for any period for which the amount thereof is to be
          determined, consolidated net revenues for such period minus
          consolidated operating expenses plus or minus equity in earnings of
          affiliates of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding Value Health
          and home health operations included in discontinued operations) for
          such period (which consolidated operating expenses shall, in any
          event, include and be limited to  salaries, and benefits, supplies,
          other operating expenses and provision for doubtful accounts), all
          determined in accordance with GAAP and consistent with the Company's
          reportings on Forms 10Q and 10K.";

               "`JUNE 1997 364-DAY AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT':  the $3,000,000,000
          Agreement and Amendment, dated as of June 17, 1997, among the Company,
          the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time
          parties thereto, the co-agents and lead managers named therein and The
          Chase Manhattan Bank, as
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               3

          Agent and as CAF Loan Agent therein, as the same has been and may be
          amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or replaced or extended
          from time to time.";

               "`MANDATORY PREPAYMENT EVENT':  any of the following events:
          (a) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Net  Cash
Proceeds from any sale or other disposition by it of any business, hospital or
other assets, including any capital stock or other ownership interests in any
Subsidiary or any intercompany obligations (other than as a result of any
casualty where such Net Cash Proceeds are to be used to replace or rebuild the
related assets);

                    (b) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of
               Net Cash Proceeds from the issuance to Persons other than the
               Company and its Subsidiaries of any capital stock or other
               ownership interests of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the
               case may be; and

                    (c) the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of
               Net cash Proceeds from the incurrence from, or the issuance or
               sale to, persons other than the Company and its Subsidiaries of
               any Indebtedness of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case
               may be with a scheduled maturity date on the date of incurrence
               thereof which is, or which is extendable at the option of the
               Company or such Subsidiary to be, one year or more from such date
               of incurrence;

          In each case for (a), (b) and (c), excluding (i) any such event in
          which the Net Cash Proceeds so received (together with the Net Cash
          Proceeds received from any related series of events) are less than
          $10,000,000 and (ii) any such event to the extent that the Net Cash
          Proceeds from such event, together with the Net Cash Proceeds from all
          other events referred to in this definition from the Effective Date
          (excluding, in each case, any such event excluded by clause (i)
          above), is $500,000,000 or less.";

               "`NET CASH PROCEEDS' means, with respect to any sale or
          disposition by the Company of assets, cash payments received by the
          Company or any of its Subsidiaries from such sale or disposition net
          of bona fide direct costs of sale including, without limitation, (i)
          income taxes reasonably estimated to be actually payable as a result
          of such sale or disposition within one year of the date of receipt of
          such cash payments, (ii) transfer, sales, use and other taxes payable
          in connection with such sale or disposition, (iii) payment of the
          outstanding principal amount of, premium or penalty, if any, and
          interest on any Indebtedness (other than the revolving credit loans
          under the June 1997 364-Day Amendment and Agreement) that is secured
          by a Lien on the stock or assets in question and that is required to
          be repaid under the terms thereof as a result of such sale or
          disposition, and (iv) broker's commissions and reasonable fees and
          expenses of counsel, accountants and other professional advisors in
          connection with such sale or disposition.".

          (b) Section 4 of the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment
is hereby amended by deleting such section in its entirety and substituting in
lieu thereof the following:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               4

          "SECTION 4.  FACILITY FEE AND UTILIZATION FEE.  Subsection 2.3 of the
Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by
reference into this February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by deleting such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof, including February 6, 1998, the following:

          `2.3  FACILITY FEE AND UTILIZATION FEE.  (a) The Company agrees to pay
     to the Agent for the account of each Bank a facility fee in respect of the
     period from and including the Effective Date to the later of the
     Termination Date or the date on which the Revolving Credit Loans are repaid
     in full, computed at the rate per annum set forth in the table below on the
     average daily amount of the Commitment of such Bank (or, if the Commitment
     of such Bank has expired or been terminated, the outstanding Revolving
     Credit Loans of such Bank) during each portion of the period for which
     payment is made that is a separate Level I Period, Level II Period, Level
     III Period or Level IV Period, payable quarterly on the last day of each
     March, June, September and December and on any date on which the
     Commitments shall terminate as provided herein and the Revolving Credit
     Loans shall have been repaid in full, commencing on the first of such dates
     to occur after the date hereof:

          Type of Period          Facility Fee
          --------------          ------------

          Level I Period            .3000%
          Level II Period           .3500%
          Level III Period          .4000%
          Level IV Period           .5000%

          (b) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each
     Bank a utilization fee computed at the rate of 0.2500% per annum, on the
     aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans for
     each day that the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit
     Loans plus the outstanding principal amount of all revolving credit loans
     under the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment shall exceed
     $3,750,000,000 in aggregate amount, payable quarterly on the last day of
     each March, June, September and December, commencing on March 31, 1998 and
     on any date on which the Commitments shall terminate as provided herein and
     the Revolving Credit Loans shall have been repaid in full.

          (c) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent the other fees in the
     amounts, and on the date, agreed to by the Company and the Agent in the fee
     letter, dated October 20, 1993, between the Agent and the Company.'".

          (c)  The February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by adding the following new paragraph after Section 5 reading as
follows:

          "SECTION 5A.  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT AND MANDATORY REDUCTIONS OF
COMMITMENTS.  The Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and
incorporated by reference into this February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and
Amendment is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections immediately
following subsection 2.17 therein as follows:

          `2.18  MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS AND MANDATORY REDUCTIONS OF COMMITMENTS.
     At any time the Commitments under this Agreement plus the commitments under
     the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment (or, if such commitments have
     expired or been terminated, the outstanding loans thereunder) exceed
     $2,000,000,000 in aggregate
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               5


     amount, the revolving credit loans under the 364-Day Agreement and
     Amendment pursuant to subsection 2.19, shall be prepaid and the commitments
     thereunder shall be reduced no later than the second Business Day following
     the date of receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Net
     Cash Proceeds from any Mandatory Prepayment Event by the amount of such Net
     Cash Proceeds.

          (d)  The February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by adding the following new paragraphs after Section 8A reading as
follows:

          "SECTION 8B.  COMPANY'S OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE.  Subsection 4.3 of the
Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by
reference into this February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by (a) adding to the first clause thereof, immediately following the
reference to "Section 3", the following:

     "(as qualified by the disclosures in the Company's Quarterly Reports on
     Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended June 30, 1997 and September 30,
     1997 and in the Company's Reports on Form 8-K dated February 6, 1998,
     February 13, 1998 and March ___, 1998, in each case as filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission and previously distributed to the
     Banks)",


     and (b) adding to the clause thereof, at the end thereof immediately
     following the phrase "those enumerated above", the following:

          "(all subject to the disclosures referred to above)".

          "SECTION 8C.  INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO.  Subsection 5.7 of the Five-
Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by
reference into this February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby
amended by deleting such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu
thereof the following:

          `5.7  INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO.  On the last day of each fiscal quarter
     of the Company other than the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 1998, June
     30, 1998 and September 30, 1998, the Consolidated Earnings Before Interest
     and Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the four consecutive
     fiscal quarters of the Company then ending will be an amount which equals
     or exceeds 200% of the Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries for the same four consecutive fiscal quarters.'

          SECTION 8D.  DISTRIBUTIONS.  Subsection 5.8 of the Five-Year Composite
Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into this
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment as hereby amended by deleting
such subsection in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

          `5.8  DISTRIBUTIONS.  The Company will not make any Distribution
     except that, so long as no Event of Default exists or would exist after
     giving effect thereto, the Company may make a Distribution; provided
     however, that at any time the Commitments under this Agreement plus the
     commitments under the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment (or, if
     such commitments have expired or been terminated, the outstanding loans
     thereunder) shall equal or exceed $2,000,000,000 in aggregate amount, the
     Company will not purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
     (including any "synthetic" acquisitions through equity derivatives) any
     shares of any class of capital stock of the Company directly or indirectly
     through a Subsidiary or otherwise.'
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               6


          SECTION 8E.  MAXIMUM CONSOLIDATED TOTAL DEBT.  The Five-Year Composite
Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into this
February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by adding the
following new subsection immediately following subsection 5.13 therein as
follows:

          `5.14  MAXIMUM CONSOLIDATED TOTAL DEBT.  The Company and its
     Subsidiaries will not at any time to and including September 30, 1998 have
     outstanding Consolidated Total Debt in an amount in excess of
     $10,000,000,000'.

          SECTION 8F.  MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES,
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  The Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit
Agreement as adopted and incorporated by reference into this February 1997 Five-
Year Agreement and Amendment is hereby amended by adding the following new
subsection immediately following subsection 5.14 therein as follows:

          `5.15  MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES,
     DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  The Consolidated Earnings Before Interest,
     Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization of the Company and its Subsidiaries
     will be, for each period specified below, an amount which equals or exceeds
     the amount set forth opposite such period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
               Period                        Amount
           --------------               ---------------
<S>                                     <C>
 
         One fiscal quarter ending
           March 31, 1998               $  750,000,000
 
         Two fiscal quarters ending
           June 30, 1998                $1,500,000,000
 
         Three fiscal quarters
           ending September 30, 1998    $ 2,250,000.00
 
</TABLE>

          SECTION 8G.  LIMITATION ON OPTIONAL PAYMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF DEBT
INSTRUMENTS.  The Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as adopted and
incorporated by reference into this February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and
Amendment is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection immediately
following subsection 5.15 therein as follows:

          `5.16  LIMITATION ON OPTIONAL PAYMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF DEBT
     INSTRUMENTS.  At any time the Commitments under this Agreement plus the
     commitments under the June 1997 364-Day Agreement and Amendment (or, if
     such commitments have expired or been terminated, the outstanding loans
     thereunder) exceed $2,000,000,000 in aggregate amount, the Company will not
     make, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to make, any optional
     payment or prepayment on or redemption, defeasance or purchase of any
     Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than
     Indebtedness under this Agreement or under the June 1997 364-Day Agreement
     and Amendment), or amend, modify or change, or consent or agree to any
     amendment, modification or change to any of the terms relating to the
     payment or prepayment or principal of or interest on, any such
     Indebtedness, other than any amendment, modification or change which would
     extend the maturity or reduce the amount of any payment of principal
     thereof or which would reduce the rate or extend the date for payment of
     interest there or which would not be adverse to the Banks.'".
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               7


          (e) Schedule V to the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment
is hereby amended by deleting Schedule V in its entirety and substituting in
lieu thereof, effective as of February 6, 1998, Schedule V attached hereto as
Schedule V.

          3.   EFFECTIVE DATE; CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.  This Third Amendment will
become effective on March 26, 1998 (the "Effective Date") subject to the
compliance by the Company with its agreements herein contained and to the
satisfaction on or before the Effective Date of the following further
conditions:

          (a) LOAN DOCUMENTS.  The Agent shall have received copies of this
Third Amendment, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the
Company, with a counterpart for each Bank, and executed and delivered by the
Required Lenders.

          (b) COMPANY OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE.  The representations and warranties
contained in Section 3 of the Five-Year Composite Conformed Credit Agreement as
adopted and incorporated by reference into, and as amended by, the February 1997
Five-Year Agreement and Amendment (as qualified by the disclosures in the
Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended June 30,
1997 and September 30, 1997 and the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February
6, 1998, February 13, 1998 and March ___, 1998, in each case as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and previously distributed to the Banks)
shall be true and correct on the Effective Date with the same force and effect
as though made on and as of such date; on and as of the Effective Date and after
giving effect to this Third Amendment, no Default shall have occurred (except a
Default which shall have been waived in writing or which shall have been cured);
and the Agent shall have received a certificate containing a representation to
these effects dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer.

          (c)  AMENDMENT FEE.  Each Bank which executes and delivers to the
Agent this Third Amendment by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 23, 1998
shall receive an amendment fee equal to .125% of its Commitment.

          4.   PAYMENT CATCH-UP.  The Company hereby agrees that, to the extent
that it has made prior to the Effective Dates any payments on account of
interest on the Revolving Credit Loans or on account of the facility fee in
respect of any period (or portion of any period) falling on or after February 6,
1998, it will make a payment to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks no later
than March 31, 1998 equal to the difference between the payments made and the
payments due after giving effect to the Third Amendment.

          5.   LEGAL OBLIGATION.  The Company represents and warrants to each
Bank that this Third Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyances,
reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting
creditors' rights generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing.

          6.   CONTINUING EFFECT; APPLICATION.  Except as expressly amended
hereby, the February 1997 Five-Year Agreement and Amendment shall continue to be
and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

          7.   EXPENSES.  The Company agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent for
all of its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the development, preparation and execution of, and any amendment,
supplement or modification to, this Third Amendment and any other documents
prepared in connection herewith, and the consummation of
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               8


the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including, without limitation,
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agent.

          8.   GOVERNING LAW.  THIS THIRD AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS THIRD AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

          9.   COUNTERPARTS.  This Third Amendment may be executed by one or
more of the parties to this Third Amendment on any number of separate
counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument.  A set of the copies of this Third
Amendment signed by all the parties shall be lodged with the Company and the
Agent.
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Third
Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized
officers as of the day and year first above written.


                         COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Agent, as CAF
                         Loan Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                          By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         ARAB BANK PLC, GRAND CAYMAN BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         BANCA MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA SpA, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANCA NAZIONALE del LAVORO, SpA, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANK ONE TEXAS, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANK OF YOKOHAMA, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS -Houston Agency, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         BARNETT BANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         CITIBANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         COMERICA BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         CORESTATES BANK, N.A., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         CRESTAR BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY, as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         DEN DANSKE BANK AKTIESELSKAB, as a Bank
                         CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH c/o New York Branch


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS
                         BRANCH, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                         as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE FUJI BANK LIMITED, as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED, ATLANTA AGENCY,
                         as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING CORPORATION, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE MITSUI TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED, NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         NATIONAL CITY BANK OF KENTUCKY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         NATIONSBANK, N.A. as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE NORINCHUKIN BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         PNC BANK, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SAKURA BANK, LTD. NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lead
                         Manager and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,  as a Lead Manager and as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., NEW YORK
                         BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A., as a Lead Manager and
                         as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE TOKAI BANK, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         THE TOYO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD., as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Co-
                         Agent and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                         UNION PLANTERS BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, N.A.


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as a Co-Agent and as a
                         Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lead Manager and as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         YASUDA TRUST AND BANKING, as a Bank


                         By:
                            -------------------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE V
                                                                      ----------

                              Applicable Margins
                              ------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================
                              REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  ALTERNATE BASE
         CATEGORY                   RATE LOANS                EURODOLLAR LOANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                               <C>                          <C>
     LEVEL I PERIOD                   .0000%                       .4500%
     LEVEL II PERIOD                  .0000%                       .6500%
     LEVEL III PERIOD                 .0000%                       .8500%
     LEVEL IV PERIOD                  .5000%                      1.5000%
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT 10.28
<PAGE>
 
       COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION PLAN
                (AS REVISED MAY 15, 1997 AND NOVEMBER 13, 1997)



DIRECTORS' FEES/COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------

 .       Effective May 15, 1997, directors who are not officers of Columbia/HCA
        Healthcare Corporation (the "Company") are paid an annual retainer fee
        of $40,000 in shares of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation common
        stock, $.01 par value ("Columbia Common Stock") under the Directors'
        Compensation Plan. The shares are issued on a yearly basis to coincide
        with the election of directors at the Company's Annual Meeting. The
        number of Columbia shares granted to directors under the plan will be
        computated at the annual retainer fee of $40,000, divided by the fair
        market value of a share of Columbia Common Stock on the first business
        day subsequent to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company. The
        fair market value shall be determined as the hi/lo average of the stock
        as reported by the NYSE at closing on the applicable date the Columbia
        Common Stock is granted.


COLUMBIA OUTSIDE DIRECTORS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
- ---------------------------------------------------------

 .       Each non-employee director who joins the Columbia Board receives an
        option to acquire shares of Columbia Common Stock under the Columbia
        Hospital Corporation Outside Directors Nonqualified Stock Option Plan
        (copy attached) (exercisable at the shares' fair market value on the
        date of grant of the option) having an aggregate exercise price equal to
        two times the non-employee directors' annual retainer fee then in
        effect, but in no event more than 3,000 shares. Following each
        succeeding Annual Meeting of Stockholders and to coincide with the
        election of directors, each non-employee director who continues in
        office will receive an option to acquire shares of Columbia Common Stock
        (exercisable at the shares' fair market value on the date of grant of
        the option) having an aggregate exercise price equal to the non-employee
        directors= annual retainer fee then in effect, but in no event more than
        2,000 shares. The options may generally be exercised from the date of
        the grant up to 90 days following resignation from the board, expire
        five years from the date of grant, and may be paid by (i) cash; (ii)
        Columbia Common Stock that has been held for a minimum of six months; or
        (iii) a combination thereof.


OTHER FEES
- ----------

 .       Attendance fees of $1,200 per meeting are paid to non-employee directors
        for all scheduled meetings of the Board.

 .       Non-employee directors are paid a committee meeting fee of $800 per
        meeting if such meeting is not held in conjunction with a regularly
        scheduled Board meeting. The Board of Directors has Audit, Compensation
        and Executive Committees.

 .       The Chairperson of the Executive Committee (provided the Chairperson is
        a non-employee director) receives an additional $7,500 annual fee and
        all other non-employee Executive Committee directors receive an
        additional $5,000 annual fee.

 .       All other non-employee Committee Chairpersons receive $1,000 per
        committee meeting attended.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, INC. - MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

 .       Effective for 1997 and subsequent years, the Company will match gifts
        from each Director to organizations and programs exempt from taxation
        (pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), including
        civic, cultural, educational and health and human services institutions,
        on a dollar-for-dollar basis, from a minimum of $500 per gift, up to an
        aggregate maximum of $15,000 annually. The Matching Gift Program will be
        administered by the Columbia/HCA Healthcare Foundation, Inc. To qualify
        for a matching gift, contributions must be personal gifts from the
        Director's own funds (including personal or family foundations and gifts
        made jointly with spouses), paid in cash or securities. Pledges do not
        qualify for matches. Directors who have retired from service on the
        Board may participate in this program through the end of the first year
        following the year in which retirement was effective. The Company
        reserves the right to determine whether gifts to organizations are
        within certain guidelines for qualification for matching.

MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS (APPLIES ONLY TO FORMER GALEN DIRECTORS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

 .       The Company matches, on an annual basis, up to $20,000 in charitable
        contributions made by each non-employee director who had been a director
        of Galen Health Care, Inc. ("Galen").


DENTAL AND MEDICAL PLANS (APPLIES ONLY TO FORMER GALEN DIRECTORS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

 .       Each non-employee director who had been a director of Galen is eligible
        to participate in the self-funded dental and medical plans at the same
        contribution paid by a regular full-time employee.

                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.29


                  COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION OUTSIDE
                DIRECTORS STOCK AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

1.   PURPOSES; CONSTRUCTION.

     This Plan shall be known as the "Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
     Outside Directors Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan" and is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Plan."  The purposes of the Plan are to encourage
     ownership of stock in the Company by Outside Directors, through the
     granting of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and
     restricted stock unit awards, to provide an incentive to the directors to
     continue to serve the Company and to aid the Company in attracting
     qualified director candidates in the future.  Options granted under the
     Plan will not be incentive stock options within the meaning of section 422
     of the Code.

     The provisions of the Plan are intended to satisfy any applicable
     requirements of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and shall be interpreted
     in a manner consistent with any such requirements thereof, as now or
     hereafter construed, interpreted and applied by regulation, rulings and
     cases.

     The terms of the Plan shall be as set forth below, effective May 17, 1998.

2.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

     2.1  General Authority.

     The Plan shall be administered by the Board.  The Board shall have plenary
     authority in its discretion, but subject to the express provisions of the
     Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise all the powers and authorities
     either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable
     in the administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, to
     interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
     relating to the Plan, to determine the details and provisions of the
     Agreements and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
     advisable for the administration of the Plan.  The Board's determinations
     on the foregoing matters shall be final and conclusive.  No member of the
     Board shall be liable for any action taken or determination made in good
     faith with respect to the Plan or any grant hereunder.

3.   DEFINITIONS.

     As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the
     meanings indicated:

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     (a)  "Agreement" shall mean an agreement entered into between the Company
          and a Participant in connection with a grant under the Plan.

     (b)  "Board " shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

     (c)  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
          time to time.

     (d)  "Common Stock" shall mean the voting shares of common stock of the
          Company, with a par value of $.01 per share.

     (e)  "Company" shall mean Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, a Delaware
          corporation, or any successor corporation.

     (f)  "Disability" shall mean a Participant's total and permanent inability
          to perform his or her duties with the Company or any Subsidiary by
          reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment,
          within the meaning of Code section 22(e)(3).

     (g)  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
          amended from time to time and as now or hereafter construed,
          interpreted and applied by regulations, rulings and cases.

     (h)  "Fair Market Value" per Share, Restricted Share or Restricted Share
          Unit shall mean the mean of the high and low prices of a Share on the
          relevant date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, or such
          value as otherwise determined using procedures established by the
          Board.

     (i)  "Option" means a stock option granted under the Plan.

     (j)  "Option Price" shall mean the price at which each Share subject to an
          Option may be purchased, determined in accordance with Section 5.2
          hereof.

     (k)  "Outside Director" shall mean any member of the Board who is not also
          an employee of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof).

     (l)  "Participant" shall mean any Outside Director who has received an
          Option or other award hereunder that has not yet terminated.

     (m)  "Restricted Period" shall have the meaning given in Section 6.2(a)
          hereof.

     (n)  "Restricted Share" or "Restricted Shares" shall mean Shares purchased
          hereunder subject to restrictions.

     (o)  "Restricted Share Unit" or "Restricted Share Units" shall have the
          meaning given in Section 7 hereof.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     (p)  "Rule 16b-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time,
          promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 16
          of the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule.

     (q)  "Shares" shall mean shares of Common Stock of the Company.

     (r)  "Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

4.   STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

     4.1     Number of Shares.

     The maximum number of Shares which may be issued pursuant to Options and
     other awards under the Plan shall be 500,000 Shares, which number shall be
     subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9 hereof.  Such Shares may be
     either authorized but unissued Shares, or Shares that shall have been or
     may be reacquired by the Company.

     4.2     Reuse of Shares.

     If an Option or a Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit award under the
     Plan is canceled, terminates, expires unexercised or is exchanged for a
     different award without the issuance of Shares, the covered Shares shall,
     to the extent of such termination or non-use, again be available for awards
     thereafter granted during the term of the Plan.

5.   OPTIONS.

     5.1     Grant of Options.

     Each person who is an Outside Director immediately following the 1998
     Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company shall be granted an Option,
     as of the first business day subsequent to such 1998 Annual Meeting, to
     acquire Shares having an aggregate Option Price equal to twelve and one-
     half (12.5) times such Outside Director's annual retainer fee then in
     effect.  Each such Option shall become exercisable in five cumulative
     installments, each of which shall relate to 20% of the Shares covered by
     the Option, on the date of grant and the four next succeeding anniversary
     dates thereof.

     Each person who shall become an Outside Director thereafter, but prior to
     the close of the Board of Directors' term ending in 2003, shall be granted
     an Option, as of the first business day after the commencement of his
     service as an Outside Director, to acquire Shares having an aggregate
     Option Price equal to such Outside Director's annual retainer fee then in
     effect multiplied by two and one-half (2.5) times the number of Board of
     Directors' terms (including as one term

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     the partial term for which the person is elected, if he becomes an Outside
     Director in mid-term) remaining in the period ending with the Annual
     Meeting of Shareholders of the Company in the year 2003.  Each such Option
     shall become exercisable in cumulative installments, each of which shall
     relate to a pro-rata portion of the Shares covered by the Option, on the
     date of grant and respective succeeding dates of the Annual Meetings of the
     Company's Shareholders, ending with such Annual Meeting for the year 2003.

     5.2     Option Price.

     The Option Price of each Share subject to an Option shall be 100 percent of
     the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

     5.3     Term.

     The term of any Option issued pursuant to the Plan shall be ten years from
     the date of grant and may extend beyond the date of termination of the
     Plan.

     5.4     Option Exercise.

     An Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time, with respect to
     whole Shares only, within the period permitted thereunder for the exercise
     thereof, and shall be exercised by written notice of intent to exercise the
     Option with respect to a specified number of Shares, delivered to the
     Company at its principal office, and payment in full to the Company at said
     office of the amount of the Option Price for the number of Shares with
     respect to which the Option is then being exercised.  Payment of the Option
     Price shall be made (i) in cash or cash equivalents, (ii) in whole Shares
     valued at the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the date of exercise (or
     next succeeding trading date, if the date of exercise is not a trading
     date) or (iii) by a combination of such cash (or cash equivalents) and such
     Stock.  Subject to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, the Company shall
     issue a stock certificate for the Shares purchased by exercise of an
     Option, in the name of the optionee (or other person exercising the Option
     in accordance with the provisions of the Plan), as soon as practicable
     after due exercise and payment of the aggregate Option Price for such
     Shares.

     5.5     Limited Transferability of Option.

     All Options shall be nontransferable except (i) upon the optionee's death,
     by the optionee's will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) on a
     case-by-case basis, as may be approved by the Board in its discretion, in
     accordance with the terms provided below.  Each Agreement shall provide
     that the optionee may, during his or her lifetime and subject to the prior
     approval of the Board at the time of proposed transfer, transfer all or
     part of the Option to a Permitted Transferee (as defined below), provided
     that such transfer is made by the optionee for estate and tax planning
     purposes or donative purposes and no consideration (other than

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     nominal consideration) is received by the optionee therefor.  The transfer
     of an Option shall be subject to such other terms and conditions as the
     Board may in its discretion impose from time to time, including (without
     limitation) a condition that the portion of the Option to be transferred be
     vested and exercisable by the optionee at the time of the transfer and a
     requirement that the terms of such transfer be documented in a written
     agreement (in such form as the Board may prescribe).  Subsequent transfers
     of an Option transferred under this Section 5.5 shall be prohibited, other
     than by will or the laws of descent and distribution upon the death of the
     transferee.

     For purposes hereof, a "Permitted Transferee" shall be any member of the
     optionee's immediate family, a trust for the exclusive benefit of such
     immediate family members, or a partnership or limited liability company the
     equity interests of which are owned exclusively by the optionee and/or one
     or more members of his or her immediate family.  For purposes of the
     preceding definition, the "immediate family" of the optionee shall mean and
     include the optionee's spouse, any descendant of the optionee or his or her
     spouse (including descendants by adoption), and any descendant of either
     parent of the optionee (including descendants by adoption).

     No transfer of an Option by the optionee by will or by laws of descent and
     distribution shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Company
     shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and an authenticated
     copy of the will and/or such other evidence as the Board may deem necessary
     to establish the validity of the transfer.  During the lifetime of an
     optionee, except as provided above, the Option shall be exercisable only by
     the optionee, except that, in the case of an optionee who is legally
     incapacitated, the Option shall be exercisable by the optionee's guardian
     or legal representative.  In the event of any transfer of an Option to a
     Permitted Transferee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.5,
     such Permitted Transferee shall thereafter have all rights that would
     otherwise be held by such optionee (or by such optionee's guardian, legal
     representative or beneficiary), except as otherwise provided herein.

     5.6     Death of Optionee.
 
     If a Participant holding an Option dies while he is an Outside Director,
     the executor or administrator of the estate of the decedent (or the person
     or persons to whom an Option shall have been validly transferred in
     accordance with Section 5.5) shall have the right, during the period ending
     six months after the date of the optionee's death (subject to the
     provisions of Section 5.3 hereof concerning the maximum term of an Option),
     to exercise the Option to the extent that it was exercisable at the date of
     such optionee's death and shall not have been previously exercised.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     5.7     Disability.

     If an optionee's service as an Outside Director shall be terminated as a
     result of Disability, the optionee (or in the case of an optionee who is
     legally incapacitated, his guardian or legal representative) shall have the
     right, during a period ending six months after the date of his disability
     (subject to the provisions of Section 5.3 hereof concerning the maximum
     term of an Option), to exercise an Option to the extent that it was
     exercisable at the date of such optionee's Disability and shall not have
     been previously exercised.

     5.8     Other Termination of Service.

     If an optionee's service as an Outside Director shall be terminated for any
     reason other than death or Disability, the optionee shall have the right,
     during the period ending ninety days after such termination (subject to the
     provisions of Section 5.3 hereof concerning the maximum term of an Option),
     to exercise the Option to the extent that it was exercisable on the date of
     such termination of service and shall not have been previously exercised.

6.   RESTRICTED SHARES.

     6.1     Grant of Annual Restricted Share Retainer Awards.
             ------------------------------------------------ 

     Commencing with the 1998-1999 Board term, each Outside Director shall be
     entitled to receive, as a retainer for each term for which he is elected an
     Outside Director, an award of a number of Restricted Shares having a Fair
     Market Value of $40,000 on the date of grant of such award.  Awards
     hereunder for any Board term shall be granted as of the first business day
     of the term, except that awards for the 1998-1999 Board term shall be
     granted as of June 1, 1998.

     6.2     Terms of Restricted Share Agreements.

     Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a
     written Agreement between the Company and Participant, which shall be in
     such form as the Board shall from time to time approve and shall comply
     with the terms of the Plan, including (without limitation) the following
     terms and conditions (and with such other terms and conditions, not
     inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the  Board, in its discretion,
     may establish):

     (a)  RESTRICTED PERIOD.  Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the
          Restricted Period for Restricted Shares granted under this Section 6
          shall be one year from the date of grant.

     (b)  OWNERSHIP AND RESTRICTIONS.  At the time of grant of Restricted
          Shares, a certificate representing the number of Restricted Shares
          granted shall be registered in the name of the Participant.  Such
          certificate shall be held by

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          the Company or any custodian appointed by the Company for the account
          of the Participant, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan,
          and shall bear such legend setting forth the restrictions imposed
          thereon as the Board, in its discretion, may determine.  The
          Participant shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to
          such Restricted Shares, including the right to receive dividends and
          the right to vote such Restricted Shares, subject to the following
          restrictions:  (i) the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery
          of the stock certificate until the expiration of the Restricted Period
          and the fulfillment of any other restrictive conditions set forth in
          this Plan or the Agreement with respect to such Restricted Shares;
          (ii) none of the Restricted Shares may be sold, assigned, transferred,
          pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of (except
          by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution) during
          such Restricted Period or until after the fulfillment of any other
          restrictive conditions; and (iii) except as otherwise provided under
          the Plan, all of the Restricted Shares shall be forfeited and all
          rights of the Participant to such Restricted Shares shall terminate,
          without further obligation on the part of the Company, unless the
          Participant remains in the continuous service as an Outside Director 
          of the Company for the entire Restricted Period and unless any other
          restrictive conditions relating to the Restricted Shares are met. Any
          common stock, any other securities of the Company and any other
          property (except cash dividends) distributed with respect to the
          Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions, terms and
          conditions as such Restricted Shares.

     (c)  TERMINATION OF RESTRICTIONS.  At the end of the Restricted Period and
          provided that any other restrictive conditions of the Restricted
          Shares are met, or at such earlier time as shall be applicable under
          the Plan, all restrictions set forth in the Agreement relating to the
          Restricted Shares or in the Plan shall lapse as to the Restricted
          Shares subject thereto, and a stock certificate for the appropriate
          number of Shares, free of the restrictions and restrictive stock
          legend (other than as required under the Securities Act of 1933 or
          otherwise), shall be delivered to the Participant or his or her
          beneficiary or estate, as the case may be.

     (d)  TERMINATION OF SERVICE DURING RESTRICTED PERIOD.  Except as
          provided herein, if during the Restricted Period for any Restricted
          Shares held by a Participant the Participant's service as an Outside
          Director is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability,
          the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to such
          Restricted Shares, which shall automatically be considered to be
          cancelled.

     (e)  ACCELERATED LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS.  Upon a termination of service as
          an Outside Director which results from a Participant's death or
          Disability, all restrictions then outstanding with respect to
          Restricted Shares held by such Participant shall automatically expire
          and be of no further force and effect.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
7.   RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS.

     7.1     Election of Restricted Share Unit Award.

     Any person who is an Outside Director immediately following the Company's
     1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders may elect, by written notice to the
     Company on or before May 31, 1998 (in such form as the Board shall
     prescribe), to receive an award of Restricted Share Units having a Fair
     Market Value of $200,000 on the date of grant, which date shall be June 1,
     1998. Any such Restricted Share Unit award shall be in lieu of Restricted
     Share awards under Section 6 for the Board terms through the term ending in
     2003, and any Outside Director electing a Restricted Stock Unit award
     hereunder shall have no right to any Restricted Share award under Section 6
     for any Board term ending in 2003 or an earlier year.

     7.2     Terms of Restricted Share Unit Agreements.

     Each award of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a
     written Agreement between the Company and the Participant, which shall be
     in such form as the Board shall from time to time approve and shall comply
     with the terms of the Plan, including (without limitation) the following
     terms and conditions (and with such other terms and conditions, not
     inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Board, in its discretion,
     may establish):

     (a)  VESTING.  Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, an award of
          Restricted Share Units shall vest in cumulative annual installments,
          each of which shall relate to 20% of the Units covered by the Award,
          on the five anniversary dates next succeeding the date of grant.

     (b)  TERMINATION OF SERVICE PRIOR TO FULL VESTING.  If a Participant's
          service as an Outside Director is terminated for any reason other than
          death or Disability before a Restricted Share Unit award held by him
          has become fully  vested, the Participant shall forfeit all rights
          with respect to any Units that are not yet vested on the date of
          termination.

     (c)  ACCELERATED VESTING.  Upon a Participant's termination of service as
          an Outside Director which results from the Participant's death or
          Disability, all Restricted Share Units standing to his credit
          immediately prior to such termination shall be fully vested.

     (d)  DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS.  A Participant shall be credited with dividend
          equivalents on any vested Restricted Share Units credited to his
          account at the time of any payment of dividends to stockholders on
          Shares.  The amount of any such dividend equivalents shall equal the
          amount that would have been payable to the Participant as a
          stockholder in respect of a number of Shares equal to the number of
          vested Restricted Share Units then credited to him. Any such dividend
          equivalents shall be credited to

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          his account as of the date on which such dividend would have been
          payable and shall be converted into additional Restricted Share Units
          (which shall be immediately vested) based upon the Fair Market Value
          of a Share on the date of such crediting. No dividend equivalents
          shall be paid in respect of Restricted Share Units that are not yet
          vested.

     (e)  PAYMENT OF AWARDS.  A Participant shall be entitled to payment, at the
          time of his termination of service as an Outside Director, in respect
          of all vested Restricted Share Units then credited to him.  Subject to
          the provisions of Sections 9 and 10, such payment shall be made
          through the issuance to the Participant of a stock certificate for a
          number of Shares equal to the number of vested Restricted Share Units
          credited to him at the time of such termination.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may elect an alternative
          payment date for the distribution of Shares in respect of his vested
          Restricted Share Units.  Any such election must be made by written
          notice to the Company by May 31, 1998 (in such form as the Company
          shall prescribe) and may specify as the alternative payment date
          either (i) June 1, 2003 or (ii) June 1, 2008.  Any such election shall
          be irrevocable.

8.   CHANGE IN CONTROL.

     8.1     Effect of Change in Control.

     Upon a "change in control" of the Company (as defined below), the following
     shall occur:

     (a)  Each outstanding Option, to the extent that it shall not otherwise
          have become exercisable, shall become fully and immediately
          exercisable (without regard to the otherwise applicable installment
          provisions of Section 5.1 hereof);

     (b)  All restrictions relating to any Restricted Shares then held by
          Participants shall lapse and be of no further force and effect; and

     (c)  Any Restricted Share Units credited to a Participant's account shall
          immediately vest, to the extent that such Units would have been vested
          on the next following anniversary date of the date of grant.

     8.2     Definition.

     For purposes of Section 8.1 hereof, "change in control" of the Company
     shall mean any of the following events:

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
            (i)    An acquisition (other than directly from the Company) of any
                   voting securities of the Company (the "Voting Securities") by
                   any "Person" (as the term Person is used for purposes of
                   Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
                   1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")) immediately after which
                   such Person has "Beneficial Ownership" (within the meaning of
                   Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of twenty percent
                   (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then
                   outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that in
                   determining whether a change in control has occurred, Voting
                   Securities which are acquired in a "Non-Control Acquisition"
                   (as hereinafter defined) shall not constitute an acquisition
                   which would cause a change in control. A "Non-Control
                   Acquisition" shall mean an acquisition by (i) an employee
                   benefit plan (or a trust forming a part thereof) maintained
                   by (A) the Company or (B) any corporation or other Person of
                   which a majority of its voting power or its equity securities
                   or equity interest is owned directly or indirectly by the
                   Company (a "Subsidiary") or (ii) the Company or any
                   Subsidiary.

            (ii)   The individuals who, as of the date hereof, are members of
                   the Board (the "Incumbent Board"), cease for any reason to
                   constitute at least two-thirds of the Board; provided,
                   however, that if the election, or nomination for election, by
                   the Company's stockholders of any new director was approved
                   by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such
                   new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be
                   considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; provided,
                   further, however, that no individual shall be considered a
                   member of the Incumbent Board if (1) such individual
                   initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or
                   threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a-11
                   promulgated under the 1934 Act) or other actual or threatened
                   solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a
                   Person other than the Board (a "Proxy Contest") including by
                   reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any
                   Election Contest or Proxy Contest or (2) such individual was
                   designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with
                   the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i)
                   or (iii) of this Section 8.2; or

            (iii)  Approval by stockholders of the Company of:

                   (1) A merger, consolidation or reorganization involving the
                       Company, unless,

                       (A) The stockholders of the Company, immediately before
                           such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own,
                           directly or indirectly immediately following such
                           merger, consolidation or reorganization, at least
                           seventy-

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                         five percent (75%) of the combined voting power of the
                         outstanding Voting Securities of the corporation
                         resulting from such merger or consolidation or
                         reorganization or its parent corporation (the
                         "Surviving Corporation") in substantially the same
                         proportion as their ownership of the Voting Securities
                         immediately before such merger, consolidation or
                         reorganization;

                     (B) The individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board
                         immediately prior to the execution of the agreement
                         providing for such merger, consolidation or
                         reorganization constitute at least two-thirds of the
                         members of the board of directors of the Surviving
                         Corporation; and

                     (C) No Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary, any
                         employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part
                         thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving
                         Corporation or any Subsidiary, or any Person who,
                         immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or
                         reorganization, had Beneficial Ownership of twenty
                         percent (20%) or more of the then outstanding Voting
                         Securities) has Beneficial Ownership of twenty percent
                         (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the
                         Surviving Corporation's then outstanding Voting
                         Securities.

                 (2) A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

                 (3) An agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or
                     substantially all of the assets of the Company to any
                     Person (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary).

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, a change in control shall not be deemed
          to occur solely because any Person (the "Subject Person") acquired
          Beneficial Ownership of more than the permitted amount of the
          outstanding Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Voting
          Securities by the Company which, by reducing the number of Voting
          Securities outstanding, increased the proportional number of shares
          Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, provided that if a change in
          control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a
          result of the acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company, and
          after such share acquisition by the Company, the Subject Person
          becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional Voting Securities which
          increases the percentage of the then outstanding Voting Securities
          Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, then a change in control
          shall occur.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
9.   ANTIDILUTION ADJUSTMENTS.

     In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock
     dividend, combination of shares, merger or consolidation, or the sale,
     conveyance, lease or other transfer by the Company of all or substantially
     all of its property, or any other change in the corporate structure or
     shares of the Company, pursuant to any of which events the then outstanding
     Shares are split up or combined, or are changed into, become exchangeable
     at the holder's election for, or entitle the holder thereof to, other
     shares of stock, or in the case of any other transaction described in
     section 424(a) of the Code, the Board may make such adjustment or
     substitution (including by substitution of shares of another corporation)
     as it may determine to be appropriate, in its sole discretion, in (i) the
     aggregate number and kind of shares that may be distributed in respect of
     Option exercises and/or awards under the Plan, (ii) the number and kind of
     shares subject to outstanding Options and/or the Option Price of such
     shares, (iii) the number and kind of Restricted Shares outstanding under
     the Plan and (iv) the number and kind of shares represented by Restricted
     Share Units outstanding under the Plan.

10.  CONDITIONS OF ISSUANCE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES.

     10.1     Applicable Conditions.

     The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate for
     Shares under the Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following
     conditions:

     (a)  the completion of any registration or other qualification of such
          Shares, under any federal or state law, or under the rulings or
          regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other
          governmental regulatory body, that the Board shall, in its sole
          discretion, deem necessary or advisable;

     (b)  the obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any federal or
          state governmental agency that the Board shall, in its sole
          discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

     (c)  the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the event
          triggering the obligation to distribute shares as the Board from time
          to time may establish for reasons of administrative convenience;

     (d)  satisfaction by the Participant of any applicable withholding taxes or
          other withholding liabilities; and

     (e)  if required by the Board, in its sole discretion, the receipt by the
          Company from a Participant of (i) a representation in writing that the
          Shares received 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          pursuant to the Plan are being acquired for investment and not with a
          view to distribution and (ii) such other representations and
          warranties as are deemed necessary by counsel to the Company.

     10.1     Legends.

     The Company reserves the right to legend any certificate for Shares,
     conditioning sales of such shares upon compliance with applicable federal
     and state securities laws and regulations.

11.  PAYMENT OF WITHHOLDING AND PAYROLL TAXES.

     Subject to the requirements of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Board
     shall have discretion to permit or require a Participant, on such terms and
     conditions as it determines, to pay all or a portion of any taxes arising
     in connection with an Option or other award under the Plan by having the
     Company withhold Shares or by the Participant's delivering other Shares
     having a then-current Fair Market Value equal to the amount of taxes to be
     withheld.  In the absence of such withholding or delivery of Shares, the
     Company shall otherwise withhold from any payment under the Plan all
     amounts required by law to be withheld.

12.  NO RIGHTS TO SERVICE.

     Nothing in the Plan or in any grant made or Agreement entered into pursuant
     hereto shall confer upon any Participant the right to continue service as a
     member of the Board or to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits not
     set forth in the Plan or such Agreement.

13.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

     The Board, at any time and from time to time, may suspend, terminate,
     modify or amend the Plan; provided, however, that an amendment which
     requires stockholder approval for the Plan to continue to comply with any
     law, regulation or stock exchange requirement shall not be effective unless
     approved by the requisite vote of stockholders.  No suspension,
     termination, modification or amendment of the Plan shall adversely affect
     any grants previously made, unless the written consent of the Participant
     is obtained.

14.  TERM OF THE PLAN.

     The Plan, as amended effective May 17, 1998, shall terminate on May 17,
     2008.  No grants may be made after such termination, but termination of the
     Plan shall not, without the consent of any Participant who then holds
     Options or Restricted 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     Shares or to whom Restricted Share Units are then credited, alter or impair
     any rights or obligations in respect of such Options, Restricted Shares or
     Restricted Share Units.

15.  GOVERNING LAW.

     The Plan and the rights of all persons claiming hereunder shall be
     construed and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Delaware without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof,
     except to the extent that such laws are preempted by Federal law.

                                       14

<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT 10.30
<PAGE>
 

           AMENDED AND RESTATED COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                      1995 MANAGEMENT STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

1.   PURPOSES; CONSTRUCTION.
     ---------------------- 

     This Plan shall be known as the "Amended and Restated Columbia/HCA
     Healthcare Corporation 1995 Management Stock Purchase Plan" and is
     hereinafter referred to as the "Plan."  The purposes of the Plan are to
     attract and retain highly-qualified executives, to align executive and
     stockholder long-term interests by creating a direct link between executive
     compensation and stockholder return, to enable executives to develop and
     maintain a substantial equity-based interest in Columbia/HCA Healthcare
     Corporation (the "Company"), and to provide incentives to such executives
     to contribute to the success of the Company's business.  The provisions of
     the Plan are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 16(b) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time (the
     "Exchange Act"), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the
     requirements thereof, as now or hereafter construed, interpreted and
     applied by regulation, rulings and cases.

     The terms of the Plan shall be as set forth below, effective January 1,
     1998.

2.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
     -------------------------- 

     (a)  The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee (the
          "Committee") which consists of two or more directors of the Company,
          none of whom shall be officers or employees of the Company and all of
          whom shall be "Non-Employee Directors" with respect to the Plan within
          the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.  The members of the
          Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board
          of Directors.

     (b)  The Committee shall have plenary authority in its discretion, but
          subject to the express provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan
          and to exercise all the powers and authorities either specifically
          granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the
          administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, to
          interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and
          regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms and
          provisions of the Agreements (which need not be identical) and to make
          all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the
          administration of the Plan.  The Committee's determinations on the
          foregoing matters shall be final and conclusive.

     (c)  No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action
          taken or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or
          any grant hereunder.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
3.   DEFINITIONS.
     ----------- 

     As used in this Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the
     meanings indicated:

     (a)  "Agreement" shall mean an agreement entered into between the Company
          and a Participant in connection with a grant under the Plan.

     (b)  "Average Market Value" of a Share on any grant date shall mean the
          average of the closing prices on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
          Transactions Tape (or its equivalent if the Shares are not traded on
          the New York Stock Exchange) of a Share for all of the trading days
          (including the grant date, if a trading day) after the next preceding
          grant date; provided, however, that for the grant date occurring on
          June 30, 1998, "Average Market Value" shall mean such average for all
          of the trading days (including June 30, 1998, if a trading day) for
          the period after  March 1, 1998.

     (c)  "Board " shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

     (d)  "Annual Bonus" shall mean the bonus earned by a Participant under the
          Annual Bonus Plan.

     (e)  "Annual Bonus Plan" shall mean the Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
          Annual Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

     (f)  "Cause" shall mean the Participant's fraud, embezzlement, defalcation,
          gross negligence in the performance or nonperformance of the
          Participant's duties or failure or refusal to perform the
          Participant's duties (other than as a result of Disability) at any
          time while in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary.

     (g)  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
          time to time.

     (h)  "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

     (i)  "Company" shall mean Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, a Delaware
          corporation, or any successor corporation.

     (j)  "Disability" shall mean a Participant's total and permanent inability
          to perform his or her duties with the Company or any Subsidiary by
          reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment,
          within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3).

     (k)  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
          amended from time to time and as now or hereafter construed,
          interpreted and applied by regulations, rulings and cases.

     (l)  "Fair Market Value" per Share, Restricted Share or Restricted Share
          Unit shall mean the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange
          Composite Transactions Tape (or its equivalent if the Shares are not
          traded on the New York Stock 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          Exchange) of a Share for the relevant valuation date (or next
          preceding trading day, if such valuation date is not a trading day).

     (m)  "Participant" shall mean a person who receives a grant of Restricted
          Shares under the Plan.

     (n)  "Participating Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary that is
          designated by the Committee or Board to be a participating employer
          under the Plan.

     (o)  "Plan" shall mean the Amended and Restated Columbia/HCA Healthcare
          Corporation 1995 Management Stock Purchase Plan, as in effect from
          time to time.

     (p)  "Restricted Period" shall have the meaning given in Section 6(b)
          hereof.

     (q)  "Restricted Share" or "Restricted Shares" shall mean the common stock
          purchased hereunder subject to restrictions.

     (r)  "Restricted Share Unit" or "Restricted Share Units" shall have the
          meaning given in Section 6(e) hereof.

     (s)  "Rule 16b-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time,
          promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section
          16 of the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule.

     (t)  "Section 16 Person" shall mean a Participant who is subject to the
          reporting and short-swing liability provisions of Section 16 of the
          Exchange Act.

     (u)  "Shares" shall mean the voting shares of common stock of the Company,
          with a par value of $.01 per share.

     (v)  "Subsidiary" shall mean any subsidiary of the Company (whether or not
          a subsidiary as of the date the Plan is adopted).

4.   STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.
     --------------------- 

     The maximum number of Shares which shall be distributed as Restricted
     Shares under the Plan shall be 3,000,000 Shares, which number shall be
     subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8 hereof.  Such Shares may be
     either authorized but unissued Shares or Shares that shall have been or may
     be reacquired by the Company.

     If any outstanding Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be forfeited and
     reacquired by the Company, the Shares so forfeited shall (unless the Plan
     shall have been terminated) again become available for use under the Plan.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
5.   ELIGIBILITY.
     ----------- 

     All officers of the Company and each Participating Subsidiary shall be
     eligible to become Participants in the Plan.

     Prior to 1998, each Participant could elect to receive, in lieu of a
     specified portion of his or her Annual Bonus, Restricted Shares granted
     pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Plan.  Any
     Restricted Shares held on January 1, 1998 by Participants (or to be granted
     with respect to the 1997 Annual Bonus), on account of such prior elections,
     shall continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan
     applicable to such Restricted Shares.

     Effective beginning with the calendar year 1998, each Participant may elect
     to reduce his base salary by a specified percentage thereof (not to exceed
     25%) and, in lieu of receiving such salary, receive a number of Restricted
     Shares equal to the amount of such salary reduction divided by a dollar
     amount equal to 75% of the Average Market Value of a Share on the date on
     which such Restricted Shares are granted.  Any such election shall be
     effective beginning with the first pay period that ends after January 1 of
     the calendar year next following the calendar year in which such election
     is made (and shall become irrevocable on December 31 of the calendar year
     in which it is made); provided, however, that any election filed on or
                           --------  -------                               
     before March 13, 1998 shall become effective as of the first pay period
     ending after March 1, 1998.  Any cancellation of, or other change in, any
     such salary reduction election shall become effective as of the first pay
     period ending after January 1 of the calendar year next following the
     calendar year in which notice of such cancellation or change is filed (and
     any such notice shall become irrevocable on December 31 of the calendar
     year in which it is filed).

     Any salary reduction hereunder shall apply ratably to the Participant's
     salary for each pay period covered by such election. Restricted Shares
     shall be granted in respect of such salary reductions on June 30 and
     December 31 of each calendar year.  The number of Restricted Shares granted
     on each such date shall be based upon the aggregate salary reduction for
     pay periods ending since the next preceding grant date and 75% of the
     Average Market Value of a Share on such grant date.

     In the event that a Participant who has elected salary reductions hereunder
     shall terminate employment before Restricted Shares are granted in respect
     of all such salary reductions, any salary reduction amounts in respect of
     which Restricted Shares have not been granted by the date of Participant's
     termination of employment shall be returned to Participant promptly in
     cash.

6.   RESTRICTED SHARES.
     ----------------- 

     Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a
     written Agreement between the Company and Participant, which shall be in
     such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve and shall comply
     with the following terms and conditions (and with such other terms and
     conditions not inconsistent with such terms as the Committee, in its
     discretion, may establish):

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     (a)  NUMBER OF SHARES.  Each Agreement shall state the number of Restricted
          Shares to be granted thereunder.

     (b)  RESTRICTED PERIOD.  Subject to such exceptions as may be determined by
          the Committee in its discretion, the Restricted Period for Restricted
          Shares granted under the Plan shall be three (3) years from the date
          of grant.

     (c)  OWNERSHIP AND RESTRICTIONS.  At the time of grant of Restricted
          Shares, a certificate representing the number of Restricted Shares
          granted shall be registered in the name of the Participant.  Such
          certificate shall be held by the Company or any custodian appointed by
          the Company for the account of the Participant subject to the terms
          and conditions of the Plan, and shall bear such legend setting forth
          the restrictions imposed thereon as the Committee, in its discretion,
          may determine.  The Participant shall have all rights of a stockholder
          with respect to such Restricted Shares, including the right to receive
          dividends and the right to vote such Restricted Shares, subject to the
          following restrictions:  (i) the Participant shall not be entitled to
          delivery of the stock certificate until the expiration of the
          Restricted Period and the fulfillment of any other restrictive
          conditions set forth in this Plan or the Agreement with respect to
          such Restricted Shares; (ii) none of the Restricted Shares may be
          sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise
          encumbered or disposed of (except by will or the applicable laws of
          descent and distribution) during such Restricted Period or until after
          the fulfillment of any such other restrictive conditions; and (iii)
          except as otherwise determined by the Committee, all of the Restricted
          Shares shall be forfeited and all rights of the Participant to such
          Restricted Shares shall terminate, without further obligation on the
          part of the Company, unless the Participant remains in the continuous
          employment of the Company or any subsidiaries for the entire
          Restricted Period and unless any other restrictive conditions relating
          to the Restricted Shares are met.  Any common stock, any other
          securities of the Company and any other property (except cash
          dividends) distributed with respect to the Restricted Shares shall be
          subject to the same restrictions, terms and conditions as such
          Restricted Shares.

     (d)  TERMINATION OF RESTRICTIONS.  At the end of the Restricted Period and
          provided that any other restrictive conditions of the Restricted
          Shares are met, or at such earlier time as shall be determined by the
          Committee, all restrictions set forth in the Agreement relating to the
          Restricted Shares or in the Plan shall lapse as to the Restricted
          Shares subject thereto, and a stock certificate for the appropriate
          number of Shares, free of the restrictions and restrictive stock
          legend (other than as required under the Securities Act of 1933 or
          otherwise), shall be delivered to the Participant or his or her
          beneficiary or estate, as the case may be.

     (e)  RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS.  Notwithstanding anything elsewhere in the
          Plan to the contrary, if during the Restricted Period relating to a
          Participant's Restricted Shares the Committee shall determine that the
          Company may lose its Federal income tax deduction in connection with
          the future lapsing of the restrictions on such Restricted Shares
          because of the deductibility cap of section 162(m) of the Code, the
          Committee, in its discretion, may convert some or all of such
          Restricted 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          Shares into an equal number of Restricted Share Units, as to which
          payment will be postponed until such time as the Company will not lose
          its Federal income tax deduction for such payment under section
          162(m). Until payment of the Restricted Share Units is made, the
          Participant will be credited with dividend equivalents on the
          Restricted Share Units, which dividend equivalents will be converted
          into additional Restricted Share Units. When payment of any Restricted
          Share Units is made, it will be in the same form as would apply if the
          Participant were then holding Restricted Shares instead of Restricted
          Share Units.

7.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
     -------------------------

     The following rules shall apply, in the event of a Participant's
     termination of  employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries, with
     respect to Restricted Shares held by the Participant at the time of such
     termination:

     (a)  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DURING RESTRICTED PERIOD.  Except as
          provided herein, if during the Restricted Period for any Restricted
          Shares held by a Participant the Participant's employment is
          terminated either (i) for Cause by the Company or a Subsidiary or (ii)
          for any reason by the Participant, the Participant shall forfeit all
          rights with respect to such Restricted Shares, which shall
          automatically be considered to be cancelled, and shall have only an
          unfunded right to receive from the Company's general assets a cash
          payment equal to the lesser of (i) the Fair Market Value of such
          Restricted Shares on the Participant's last day of employment or (ii)
          the aggregate Annual Bonus amounts or aggregate amount of salary (as
          the case may be) foregone by the Participant as a condition of
          receiving such Restricted Shares.

          Except as otherwise provided herein, if a Participant's employment is
          terminated by the Company or a Subsidiary without Cause during the
          Restricted Period for any Restricted Shares held by the Participant,
          the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to such
          Restricted Shares, which shall automatically be considered to be
          cancelled, and shall have only an unfunded right to receive from the
          Company's general assets a cash payment equal to either (i) the Fair
          Market Value of such Restricted Shares on the Participant's last day
          of employment or (ii) the aggregate Annual Bonus amounts or aggregate
          amount of salary (as the case may be) foregone by the Participant as a
          condition of receiving such Restricted Shares, with the Committee to
          have the sole discretion as to which of such amounts shall be payable.
          The Committee shall be considered to have delegated its authority to
          determine the amount of payment pursuant to this Section 7(a)
          Paragraph 2 to the Chief Executive Office of the Company as it relates
          to Non-Section 16 Persons, which authority is revocable at any time.

          If the employment of a Participant holding Restricted Share Units
          terminates during the Restricted Period relating to such Restricted
          Share Units, they shall be treated in a manner substantially
          equivalent to the treatment of Restricted Shares set forth above.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  ACCELERATED LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS.  Upon a termination of employment
          which results from a Participant's death or Disability, all
          restrictions then outstanding with respect to Restricted Shares held
          by such Participant shall automatically expire and be of no further
          force and effect.

     (c)  RETIREMENT OF PARTICIPANT.  Upon the retirement of a Participant,  the
          Committee shall determine, in its discretion, whether all restrictions
          then outstanding with respect to Restricted Shares held by the
          Participant shall expire or the Participant shall instead be treated
          as though the Participant's employment had been terminated by the
          Company without Cause, as described above.

8.   DILUTION AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.
     ------------------------------ 

     In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation,
     recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, or other change in corporate
     structure affecting the Shares, such substitution or adjustment shall be
     made in the aggregate number of Shares that may be distributed as
     Restricted Shares under the Plan and the number of Restricted Shares
     outstanding under the Plan as may be determined to be appropriate by the
     Committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the number of
     Shares thus subject to the Plan shall always be a whole number.

9.   PAYMENT OF WITHHOLDING AND PAYROLL TAXES.
     ---------------------------------------- 

     Subject to the requirements of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the
     Committee shall have discretion to permit or require a Participant, on such
     terms and conditions as it determines, to pay all or a portion of any taxes
     arising in connection with a grant of Restricted Shares hereunder, or the
     lapse of restrictions with respect thereto, by having the Company withhold
     Shares or by the Participant's delivering other Shares having a then-
     current Fair Market Value equal to the amount of taxes to be withheld.  In
     the absence of such withholding or delivery of Shares, the Company shall
     otherwise withhold from any payment under the Plan all amounts required by
     law to be withheld.

10.  NO RIGHTS TO EMPLOYMENT.
     ----------------------- 

     Nothing in the Plan or in any grant made or Agreement entered into pursuant
     hereto shall confer upon any Participant the right to continue in the
     employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or to be entitled to any
     remuneration or benefits not set forth in the Plan or such Agreement, or
     interfere with, or limit in any way, the right of the Company or any
     Subsidiary to terminate such Participant's employment.  Grants made under
     the Plan shall not be affected by any change in duties or position of a
     Participant as long as such Participant continues to be employed by the
     Company or a Subsidiary.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
11.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
     ------------------------------------- 

     The Board, at any time and from time to time, may suspend, terminate,
     modify or amend the Plan; provided, however, that an amendment which
     requires stockholder approval for the Plan to continue to comply with any
     law, regulation or stock exchange requirement shall not be effective unless
     approved by the requisite vote of stockholders.  No suspension,
     termination, modification or amendment of the Plan may adversely affect any
     grants previously made, unless the written consent of the Participant is
     obtained.

12.  TERM OF THE PLAN.
     ---------------- 

     The Plan shall terminate ten years from the date that the Plan was
     originally approved by the Board.  No other grants may be made after such
     termination, but termination of the Plan shall not, without the consent of
     any Participant who then holds Restricted Shares or to whom Restricted
     Share Units are then credited, alter or impair any rights or obligations in
     respect of such Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units.

13.  GOVERNING LAW.
     ------------- 

     The Plan and the rights of all persons claiming hereunder shall be
     construed and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Delaware without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof,
     except to the extent that such laws are preempted by Federal law.

                                       8

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.31
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                       PERFORMANCE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
                                        

Purpose of the Plan
- -------------------

The Performance Equity Incentive Plan ("Plan") is established to encourage
outstanding performance of employees who are in a position to make substantial
contributions to the success of the Company.  This plan is governed by the
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 1992 Stock and Incentive Plan.

Participation
- -------------

Eligibility to participate in the Plan shall be extended generally to all full
time regular/corporate payroll Director and above with at least three months
employment in the fiscal year ("Participants") subject to approval by the CEO of
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation.  For a Participant added during the Fiscal
Year, the consideration shall be determined pursuant to the Plan and prorated.
Proration may also apply to  employees who transfer to a position eligible for a
different incentive target.  In general, the targets for this plan are
approximately 50% of the Participants' 1997 incentive target.

Incentive Calculation and Payment
- ---------------------------------

Plan payments for Participants are based on a combination of financial/non
financial measurements (see chart below).  As soon as practical, after the
Fiscal Year, when the financial results of the Company are known, the
appropriate senior officer will review and recommend plan payments.  The
Committee may make adjustments to performance targets deemed necessary to avoid
unwarranted penalties or windfalls.  Such adjustments will recognize
uncontrollable outside factors and will be kept to a minimum.  Payments shall be
made as soon as practicable, after the annual audit report has been issued, but
in no event later than three months after the Fiscal Year.  Payments will be in
the form of restricted stock that will vest at 50% per year over the following
two years.  This Plan is not a "qualified" plan for tax purposes, and any
payments are subject to tax withholding requirements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             FINANCIAL                                        QUALITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           SALARIES
                            WAGES      AR DAYS/       EMPLOYEE       PATIENT       PHYSICIAN       CLINICAL    
               EBITDA      BENEFITS    BAD DEBT         SAT            SAT            SAT           QUALITY    OTHER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>      <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Corporate      16.66%       16.66%      16.66%                                                                  50%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONS     16.66%       16.66%      16.66%        16.66%         16.66%         16.66%             *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*Clinical quality indicators will be used for informational purposes only in
1998.

Termination of Participant
- --------------------------

In the event a payment is due pursuant to the Plan and a Participant's
employment with the Company is terminated prior to the payment by reason of
retirement, total and permanent disability or death, such Participant (or estate
in the event of death) shall receive a pro rata payment as soon as practical
after the Fiscal Year, but in no event later than the three months after the
Fiscal Year.  The Committee or it's designee shall have authority to accelerate
vesting on all unvested shares.  A Participant who is otherwise voluntarily or
involuntarily separated prior to the payment of any Incentive Compensation shall
cease to be a Participant and shall not have earned any right to receive any
payments pursuant to the Plan.  In addition, a Participant will forfeit all
unvested shares at the time of separation.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.32

                             SEPARATION AGREEMENT
                             and GENERAL RELEASE
                                        
 
     This Agreement is entered into this 17th day of October, 1997, by and
between Don Steen (hereinafter "Employee") and Galen Health Care, Inc.
(hereinafter "Company").

     In consideration of Employee's agreement to the terms set forth below, and
the mutual benefits to be derived hereunder, it is agreed as follows:

     All payments are subject to withholding for federal income tax, FICA, and
other deductions required by law or regulation.

1.  Employee is to receive payment equivalent to three year's salary
    ($1,521,000) plus equivalent incentive compensation for three years
    ($760,500) and an incentive compensation payment ($126,750) pro-rated for
    the period July 1 through December 31, 1997 (date of resignation) for a
    total of two million four hundred eight thousand two hundred fifty dollars
    ($2,408,250). Thereafter Employee will be engaged as an independent
    contractor as described in the attached Consulting Agreement. Payment will
    be made within ten (10) days following the Company's notice to terminate the
    Consulting Agreement or June 30, 1998, whichever occurs first.
 
2.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $87,750 payment for all unused Paid Time Off (PTO). Payment shall be paid in
    a lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
3.  Vested options may be exercised in accordance with plan provisions.
 
4.  Restricted shares under the 1995 Management Stock Purchase Plan are to be
    refunded in accordance with plan provisions.
 
5.  Employee is to receive $7,670 in consideration of COBRA health and dental
    insurance continuation for eighteen months. Payment shall be paid in a lump
    sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.

6.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $35,000 in consideration of relocation expenses. Payment shall be paid in a
    lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
7.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $5,000 in consideration of outplacement services. Payment shall be paid in a
    lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
The foregoing is in consideration of Employee's agreement that all promises set
forth herein are accepted in full and final release and settlement of any and
all claims of any type relating to Employee's employment or the operation of the
Company which Employee ever had or may now have against Company, or any of its
successors, purchasers, subsidiaries, assigns, affiliates, or parent, and the
officers, agents, directors, or employees of any of them.  Employee hereby
agrees to make himself available at the request of the Company, at reasonable
times and upon reasonable notice, to assist the Company on matters the Company
shall designate in connection with issues involving litigation, compliance
and/or any governmental or other investigations involving the Employee's tenure
as an employee.  Nothing in this statement shall require the Employee to act
contrary to the advice of counsel.  Employee shall be indemnified by the Company
in accordance with, and to the fullest extent allowed by, the provisions of
Delaware law and Article Sixteenth of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company and will be provided advancement of legal fees and costs to the
extent provided therein.  It is further agreed that the terms of this agreement
will not be revealed to any person not a party to it, other than as required by
law and except for legal and financial advisors.  Employee also agrees to
expressly waive any rights under any other programs or agreements between
Employee and Company including its parent other than as set forth herein or as
provided for under existing company benefit plans.  It is the intention of both
parties that the terms and conditions set forth in this Separation Agreement and
General Release shall supersede the terms and conditions of Employee's existing
Employment Agreement with Medical Care America Inc. dated November 15, 1993.

Also, in consideration of the agreements set forth herein, Employee agrees to
bring no lawsuits, claims, or charges of any kind relating to his employment or
separation from employment including, but not limited to claims under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act.  Employee acknowledges to have read this
agreement/release and to understand all of its terms.  Each party agrees to not
make any disparaging remarks regarding the other party.  Employee further
acknowledges to have been informed of the right to agree or not agree to the
terms set forth herein and has executed this agreement voluntarily with full
knowledge of its significance and consequences.  Employee acknowledges to have
been offered at least twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms and conditions
of this document but has voluntarily chosen to execute the document on the date
of its execution, as evidenced by his signature.  In addition, Company and
Employee agree that Employee has seven (7) days following the execution of this
document in which to revoke this agreement by written notice.

This agreement/release is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of Company,
its parent and its successors and/or assigns.

If you agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein, please signify
by your signature below, and steps will be taken to implement this agreement.

I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing, have had ample time to consider
it, including ample time to consult with counsel, and voluntarily agree to all
terms set forth herein.


                   /s/ Don Steen                     10/20/97
        -----------------------------------     ------------------
                     Employee                          Date


                 /s/ Neil Hemphill                   10/17/97
        -----------------------------------     ------------------
                     Company                           Date



<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.33

                             SEPARATION AGREEMENT
                             and GENERAL RELEASE
                                        
 
     This Agreement is entered into this 12h day of September, 1997, by and
between Dan Moen (hereinafter "Employee") and Galen Health Care, Inc.
(hereinafter "Company").

     In consideration of Employee's agreement to the terms set forth below, and
the mutual benefits to be derived hereunder, it is agreed as follows:

     All payments are subject to withholding for federal income tax, FICA, and
other deductions required by law or regulation.

1.  Employee's effective date of resignation is to be within thirty (30) days
    following the closing of the transactions to divest or joint venture the
    Value Health subsidiaries to include; Value Behavioral Health, and Value Rx
    unless Employee accepts a new position with the Company.
 
2.  Employee is to receive payment equivalent to three year's salary
    ($1,200,000) plus equivalent incentive compensation for three years
    ($600,000) and a pro-rated (assuming 6/12 with closing no earlier than
    December 1, 1997) incentive compensation payment for 1997 ($100,002) for a
    total of one million nine hundred thousand two dollars ($1,900,002). Both
    parties agree that this sum is correct for this example. Payment shall be
    paid in a lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's
    resignation.
 
3.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $57,693 payment for all unused Paid Time Off (PTO). Payment shall be paid in
    a lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
4.  Vested options may be exercised in accordance with plan provisions.
 
5.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $7,761 in consideration of COBRA health and dental insurance continuation
    for eighteen months. Payment shall be paid in a lump sum within 10 days of
    the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
6.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $35,000 in consideration of relocation expenses. Payment shall be paid in a
    lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
7.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee is to receive
    $5,000 in consideration of outplacement services. Payment shall be paid in a
    lump sum within 10 days of the effective date of Employee's resignation.
 
8.  In addition to the consideration described above, Employee shall receive a
    cash payment equal to either (i) the Fair Market Value on the last day of
    employment or (ii) the aggregate amount of the Annual Bonus applied to the
    receipt, in either case, of all Restricted Shares held by Employee. Payment
    shall be paid in accordance with plan provisions.
 
9.  Employee agrees to sell and the Company agrees to purchase Employee's
    minority ownership interest in nine (9) Columbia affiliated companies in
    Florida at fair market value and in as expeditious a manner as possible,
    consistent with similarly situated employees.
 
The foregoing is in consideration of Employee's agreement that all promises set
forth herein are accepted in full and final release and settlement of any and
all claims of any type relating to Employee's employment or the operation of the
Company which Employee ever had or may now have against Company, or any of its
successors, purchasers, subsidiaries, assigns, affiliates, or parent, and the
officers, agents, directors, or employees of any of them.  Employee hereby
agrees to make himself available at the request of the Company, at reasonable
times and upon reasonable notice, to assist the Company on matters the Company
shall designate in connection with issues involving litigation, compliance
and/or any governmental or other investigations involving the Employee's tenure
as an employee.  Nothing in this statement shall require the Employee to act
contrary to the advice of counsel.  Employee shall be indemnified by the Company
in accordance with, and to the fullest extent allowed by, the provisions of
Delaware law and Article Sixteenth of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company and will be provided advancement of legal fees and costs to the
fullest extent provided therein.  It is further agreed that the terms of this
agreement will not be revealed to any person not a party to it, other than as
required by law and except for spouse and legal and financial advisors.
Employee also agrees to expressly waive any rights under any other programs or
agreements between Employee and Company including its parent other than as set
forth herein or as provided for under existing company benefit plans including,
but not limited to Employee's 401 (k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan.

Also, in consideration of the agreements set forth herein, Employee agrees to
bring no lawsuits, claims, or charges of any kind relating to his employment or
separation from employment including, but not limited to claims under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act.  Employee acknowledges to have read this
agreement/release and to understand all of its terms.  Each party agrees to not
make any disparaging remarks regarding the other party.  Employee further
acknowledges to have been informed of the right to agree or not agree to the
terms set forth herein and has executed this agreement voluntarily with full
knowledge of its significance and consequences.  Employee acknowledges to have
been offered at least twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms and conditions
of this document but has voluntarily chosen to execute the document on the date
of its execution, as evidenced by his signature.  In addition, Company and

<PAGE>
 
Employee agree that Employee has seven (7) days following the execution of this
document in which to revoke this agreement by written notice.

This agreement/release is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of Company,
its parent and its successors and/or assigns.

If you agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein, please signify
by your signature below, and steps will be taken to implement this agreement.

I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing, have had ample time to consider
it, including ample time to consult with counsel, and voluntarily agree to all
terms set forth herein.


                  /s/ Don Moen                       9/15/97
        -----------------------------------     ------------------
                     Employee                          Date


                 /s/ Neil Hemphill                   9/17/97
        -----------------------------------     ------------------
                     Company                           Date

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.33


             Amendment to Separation Agreement and General Release
             -----------------------------------------------------


This is an amendment to the above Agreement which was entered in of on the 
12/th/ day September 1997, by and between Dan Moen (hereinafter "Employee") and
Galen Health Care, Inc. (hereinafter "Company"). Employee will immediately
assume additional responsibilities dealing with managed care activities within
the company. It is understood that these new responsibilities do not constitute
Employee accepting a new position with the Company as referenced in the
Separation Agreement and General Release. Specifically, no terms or provisions
of that Agreement are modified or changed in anyway as result of employee
assuming these additional managed care responsibilities. I acknowledge that I
have read the foregoing and voluntarily agree to the terms set forth herein.



/s/ Dan Moen                                                    2/27/98
- --------------------------                                 -----------------   
    Employee                                                      Date


/s/ Neil Hemphill                                               2/27/98
- --------------------------                                 -----------------   
    Company                                                       Date





<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12
 
                      COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
               COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              1997   1996   1995   1994   1993
                                             ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S>                                          <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
EARNINGS
  Income from continuing operations before
   minority interests and income taxes...... $  538 $2,583 $1,827 $1,580 $1,230
  Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized
   interest.................................    629    616    583    491    497
                                             ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                             $1,167 $3,199 $2,410 $2,071 $1,727
                                             ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
FIXED CHARGES
  Interest charged to expense............... $  493 $  488 $  458 $  387 $  415
  Interest portion of rental expense and
   amortization of deferred loan costs......    136    128    125    104     82
                                             ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
  Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized
   interest.................................    629    616    583    491    497
  Capitalized interest......................     15     25     28     15     22
                                             ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                             $  644 $  641 $  611 $  506 $  519
                                             ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..........   1.81   4.99   3.94   4.09   3.33
                                             ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 18



March 25, 1998


Mr. Kenneth C. Donahey
Senior Vice President and Controller
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
One Park Plaza
Nashville, Tennessee 37203

Dear Mr. Donahey:

Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Columbia/HCA Healthcare
Corporation (the Company) included in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 1997 describes a change in the method of accounting for start-up costs, 
which include certain computer system training costs, from capitalizing and 
subsequently amortizing the costs to expensing the costs as incurred. You have 
advised us that you believe that the change is to a preferable method in your 
circumstances because of the changes in the Company's business strategy and 
recent guidance issued by accounting and reporting standard setting authorities,
including the Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force.

We conclude that the change in the method of accounting for start-up costs is to
an acceptable alternative method which, based on your business judgment to make 
this change for the reasons cited above, is preferable in your circumstances.

                                                Very truly yours,



                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                                    ALABAMA
                                    -------
Alabama-Tennessee Health Network, Inc.

Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center, Inc.

Columbia/HCA Montgomery Healthcare System, Inc.

Community Hospital of Andalusia, Inc.
   Columbia Andalusia Regional Hospital
   Columbia Homecare-Covington
   Columbia Hospice South East Alabama

Crestwood Hospital & Nursing Home, Inc.

Crestwood Hospital Holdings, Inc.

Doctor's Hospital of Mobile, Inc.

East Montgomery Medical Center, Inc.
   East Montgomery Medical Center

Florence Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Florence Hospital

Four Rivers Medical Center PHO, Inc.

Galen Medical Corporation
   Montgomery Regional Medical Center Allied Health Institute
<PAGE>
 
                                 ALABAMA (Cont)
                                ---------------
Huntsville Physical Therapy, Inc.
   Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation of Huntsville

Maynor Eye Center, Inc.

Medical Center Shoals, Inc.
   Medical Center Shoals

Montgomery Regional Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Regional Medical Center
   Montgomery Regional Medical Center

North Alabama Healthcare System, Inc.

Northwest Medical Center, Inc. (AL)
   Columbia Homecare Northwest
   Northwest Medical Center (AL)

Primesource, L.L.C.

Selma Medical Center Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Camden
   Columbia Homecare Demopolis
   Columbia Homecare Gilbertown
   Columbia Homecare Grove Hill
   Columbia Homecare Selma
   Four Rivers Medical Center
   Linden Clinic
   P.T. Plus
<PAGE>
 
                                 ALABAMA (Cont)
                                --------------- 
South Alabama Managed Care Contracting, Inc.

South Alabama Medical Management Services, Inc.

South Alabama Physician Services, Inc.

Surgicare of Huntsville, Inc.

Surgicare of Mobile, Inc.

Surgicare of Montgomery, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                     ALASKA
                                    -------

Chugach Physical Therapy, Inc.
   Chugach Physical Therapy & Fitness Center

Columbia Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
   North Star Hospital

Columbia North Alaska Healthcare, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    ARIZONA
                                    --------

Arizona ASC Management, Inc.

Columbia Arizona, Inc.

Columbia of Phoenix, Inc.

Galen of Arizona, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare [Phoenix, AZ]
   Columbia Homecare Paradise Valley
   Columbia Paradise Valley Hospital
   Doctors Medical Plaza-South
   Paradise Valley Homecare

HCA Health Services of Arizona, Inc.

Healthwest Holdings, Inc.

Hospital Corporation of Arizona
   Columbia El Dorado Hospital
   Columbia Homecare El Dorado
   ReHab Works

Hospital Corporation of Northwest, Inc.
   Northwest Medical Center

HTI Tucson Rehabilitation, Inc.

Paradise Valley Psychiatric Services, Inc.
   Paradise Valley Psychiatric Services
   Senior Horizons

Samaritan Surgicenters of Arizona, L.L.C.

Surgicare of Phoenix, Inc.

Surgicenter of Glendale, Inc.
   Glendale Surgicenter

Surgicenters of America, Inc.
   Surgicenter
   Surgicenter Pain Unit
<PAGE>
 
                                    ARKANSAS
                                    --------

Central Arkansas Provider Network, Inc.

Columbia El Dorado, Inc.

Columbia Health System of Arkansas, Inc.

DeQueen Health Services, Inc.
   Columbia DeQueen Regional Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare Broken Bow
   Columbia Homecare DeQueen
   Physician Management Services of DeQueen

HCA Health Services of Arkansas, Inc.

HCMH, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Camden (AR)
   Columbia Homecare Glenwood
   Columbia Homecare Hope
   Columbia Medical Park Hospital

MCSA, L.L.C.
   Medical Center of South Arkansas

Surgicare Outpatient Center of Ft. Smith, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                   CALIFORNIA
                                   ----------

Amisub (Westside), Inc.

Birthing Facility of Beverly Hills, Inc.

C.H.L.H., Inc.

CFC Investments, Inc.

CH Systems

Chino Community Hospital Corporation, Inc.
   Columbia Chino Valley Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare Chino Valley
   The Birthplace A Family Experience

Columbia Fallbrook, Inc.
   Columbia Fallbrook Hospital

Columbia Good Samaritan GP, Inc.

Columbia Pacific Division, Inc.

Columbia Primecare, LLC

Columbia Psychiatric MSO, LLC

Columbia Riverside, Inc.

Columbia/HCA San Clemente, Inc.

Community Hospital of Gardena Corporation, Inc.

Encino Hospital Corporation, Inc.

Galen-Soch, Inc.

HCA Allied Health Services of San Diego, Inc.

HCA Health Services of California, Inc.

HCA Hospital Services of San Diego, Inc.

Healdsburg General Hospital, Inc.

Huntington Intercommunity Hospital
   Columbia Huntington Beach Hospital and Medical Center
   Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging Center

Integrated Management Services MSO, LLC
<PAGE>
 
                               CALIFORNIA (Cont)
                               -----------------
Las Encinas Hospital
   Las Encinas Hospital

LE Corporation

Los Robles Regional Medical Center
   Los Robles Regional Medical Center

MCA Investment Company

Mission Bay Memorial Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Mission Bay

Notami Hospitals of California, Inc.
   Columbia Bay Area Healthcare Network
   Columbia Good Samaritan Hospital
   Columbia Homecare and Hospice
   Columbia Homecare Healdsburg
   Columbia Lab Link
   Columbia Mission Bay Hospital
   Columbia Mission Oaks Hospital
   Columbia San Jose Medical Center
   Columbia Sereno Surgery Center
   Columbia South Valley Hospital
   Columbia/Healdsburg General Hospital

Orange Surgical Services, Inc.

PPO Alliance

Psychiatric Company of California, Inc.

Riverside Healthcare System, L.L.C.
   Riverside Community Hospital

Samaritan Medical Center-San Clemente, LLC
   Columbia Homecare of San Clemente
   Columbia San Clemente Hospital and Medical Center

San Joaquin Surgical Center, Inc.

Sebastopol Hospital Corporation
   Columbia/Palm Drive Hospital

SLCO, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare-San Leandro
   Columbia San Leandro Surgery Center
   San Leandro Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                               CALIFORNIA (Cont)
                               -----------------

Southwest Surgical Clinic, Inc.

Surgicare of Beverly Hills, Inc.

Surgicare of La Veta, Inc.

Surgicare of Laguna Hills, Inc.

Surgicare of Los Gatos, Inc.

Surgicare of Montebello, Inc.

Surgicare of North Anaheim, Inc.

Surgicare of Oceanside, Inc.

Surgicare of Orange, Inc.

Surgicare of San Leandro, Inc.

Surgicare of West Hills, Inc.

SurgiCenters of Southern California, Inc.

Ukiah Hospital Corporation

Visalia Community Hospital, Inc.

VMC Management, Inc.

VMC-GP, Inc.

West Anaheim Community Hospital
   Columbia Homecare-West Anaheim
   Columbia West Anaheim Medical Center

West Hills Hospital
   Columbia West Hills Medical Center

West Los Angeles Physicians' Hospital, Inc.

Westminster Community Hospital

Westside Hospital

Woodward Park Surgicenter, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    COLORADO
                                    --------
Bethesda Psychealth Ventures, Inc,.

Colorado Healthcare Management, Inc.

Columbia Continental Division, Inc.

Columbia-HealthONE, LLC
   Air Life, Inc.
   Arapahoe Medical Plaza
   Belmar Multispecialty, Inc.
   Bethesda Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
   Bethesda Employee Assistant Services, Inc.
   Bethesda Hospital, Inc.
   Bethesda Outpatient and Counseling Service, Inc.
   Bethesda PsycHealth, Inc.
   CallONE
   Cardiology Imaging Group Corporation
   Centennial Athletic Club, Inc.
   Centennial Healthcare Plaza, Inc.
   Center for Eating Management, Inc.
   Challenge Sport and Spine Center
   ChurcHealth, Inc.
   ChurcHelp, Inc.
   Columbia Aurora Presbyterian Hospital
   Columbia Care Manor
   Columbia Centennial Healthcare Plaza
   Columbia Medical Center of Aurora
   Columbia North Suburban Medical Center
   Columbia Park Manor
   Columbia Progressive Care Center
   Columbia Rose Medical Center
   Columbia Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital
   Columbia Swedish Medical Center
   Columbia Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
   Columbia-HealthONE Addiction Recovery Units, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Aurora Eye Center, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Business Health Access, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Center for Diabetes Management, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Center for Emotional Growth, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Cosmetic Surgery Center, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Eating Disorders, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Emergency Services, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Health Access, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE In Touch, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Optifast, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                COLORADO (Cont)
                                ---------------
Columbia-HealthONE, LLC (Cont)
   Columbia-HealthONE Physician Referral Dr. Right, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Rocky Mountain Hernia Center, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Senior Citizens Health Center, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Sleep Disorders Center, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE TravelCare, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Women's Health Access, Inc.
   Columbia-HealthONE Women's Services, Inc.
   Denver Broncos Sports Medicine, Inc.
   HealthONE for Children
   Head Pain Center
   HeartONE for Children Institute
   Holly Clinic, Inc.
   Holly Healthcare Bryant, Inc.
   Holly Healthcare Stapleton, Inc.
   Holly Occupational Medicine, Inc.
   HomeHealthONE, Inc.
   Lifelong Choices, Inc.
   Medical Business Access
   Patient Care 2000, Inc.
   Peak Performance in the Workplace, Inc.
   Positive Lifestyles, Inc.
   PresExpress
   PREStaurant
   PsyCare, Inc.
   PsycHealth, Inc.
   PsycSave, Inc.
   P/SL Blood Donor Center, Inc.
   P/SL Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Inc.
   P/SL Cardiac Emergency Network, Inc.
   P/SL Community Health Services, Inc.
   P/SL Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Inc.
   P/SL Institute for Limb Preservation, Inc.
   P/SL Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Program, Inc.
   P/SL Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Inc.
   P/SL Medical Center for Children
   P/SL Mile High Medical Arts Building, Inc.
   P/SL Transplant Program, Inc.
   P/SL Professional Pharmacy, Inc.
   P/SL Women's and Children's Hospital, Inc.
   RapidCare, Inc.
   Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center, Inc.
   Rocky Mountain Gastrointestinal Motility Clinic, Inc.
   Rocky Mountain Neurology Center, Inc.
   Senior Health Access, Inc.
   St. Luke's Professional Plaza, Inc.
   Support Line, Inc.
   The Denver Spine Institute, Inc.
   The Lactation Program, Inc.
   The Parent Line, Inc.
   Timberline Medical Center, Inc.
   United SeniorCare, Inc.
   United Services Medical Clinic
   Your Partner in Health Care
<PAGE>
 
                                COLORADO (Cont)
                                ---------------

Columbia/HCA of Denver, Inc.

Columbia/Rose Health System, Inc.

Columbine Psychiatric Center, Inc.

Galen of Aurora, Inc.
   Aurora Physicians Building

Health Care Indemnity, Inc.

Hospital-Based CRNA Services, Inc.

Lakewood Surgicare, Inc.

MOVCO, Inc.

Rose Medical Center, Inc.
   Rose Medical Center

Surgicare of Denver Mid-Town, Inc.

Surgicare of Southeast Denver, Inc.

Swedish Medpro, Inc.

Swedish MOB, LLC

Swedish MOB III, Inc.

Swedish MOB IV, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    DELAWARE
                                    --------
Alice Physicians and Surgeons Hospital, Inc.
   Alice Regional Hospital
   Columbia Alice Physicians & Surgeons Hospital

AlternaCare Corp.
   Diablo Valley Surgery Center

Amedicorp, Inc.
   Columbia The Surgery Center Imaging
   Imaging and Surgery Centers of America

American Medicorp Development Co.
   Columbia County Medical Plaza
   Doctors Medical Plaza-North
   Duluth MedPlus
   East Ridge Doctors Building
   East Ridge Professional Building
   Enterprise Medical Plaza
   Humana Hospital-South Broward
   Lilburn MedPlus
   MetroImaging
   Roswell MedPlus

BMC-CT, Inc.

C/HCA Capital, Inc.

C/HCA Holding Corporation
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
C/HCA, Inc.

Central Health Holding Company, Inc.

Central Health Services Hospice, Inc.

CHC Finance Co.

CHC Holdings, Inc.

CHC Payroll Agent, Inc.

Coastal Bend Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia North Bay Hospital

Coastal Healthcare Services, Inc.

Columbia Bethany GP, Inc.

Columbia Bethany Holdings, Inc.

Columbia Davis GP, Inc.

Columbia GP, Inc.

Columbia Healthcare Network of Central Kentucky, Inc.

Columbia Homecare Group, Inc.
   KeyStone Integrated Home Care
   Home Health Link
   Premier Health Care
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
Columbia Hospital Corporation of Fort Worth

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Houston
   Columbia Bellaire Medical Center
   Heights Home Health

Columbia Hospital Corporation - Delaware

Columbia International Holdings, Inc.

Columbia Lake Area GP, Inc.

Columbia Longview GP, Inc.

Columbia Management Companies, Inc.

Columbia of Tucson GP, Inc.

Columbia Olympia Management, Inc.

Columbia Sentinel GP, Inc.

Columbia/HCA Middle East Management Company
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
CoralStone Management, Inc.

Danforth Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Mainland
   Columbia Mainland Medical Center

Delaware Psychiatric Company, Inc.
   Rockford Center

DHL Corporation

Doctors Hospital of Augusta, Inc.
   Augusta Diagnostic Associates
   Columbia Augusta Medical Center
   Columbia County Urgent Care Center
   West Augusta Imaging Center
   West Augusta Radiation Oncology Center

Doctors' Hospital of Laredo, Inc.

Drake Development Company
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ---------------- 
Drake Development Company II

Drake Development Company III

Drake Development Company IV

Drake Development Company V

Drake Development Company VI

Drake Management Company

EarthStone HomeHealth Company

Edison Homes-Southeast, Inc.

EPIC Development, Inc.

EPIC Diagnostic Centers, Inc.
   First Care Medical Clinic

EPIC Healthcare Group, Inc.

EPIC Healthcare Management Company
   EPIC Healthcare Group

EPIC Holdings, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
EPIC Surgery Centers, Inc.

Extendicare Properties, Inc.

Forest Park Surgery Pavilion, Inc.

Fort Bend Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Fort Bend Medical Center

Galen BH, Inc.

Galen Health Care, Inc.
   Brandenburg Primary Care Center
   Columbia/Galen
   Columbia Homecare Palm Drive
   Jefferson Medical Associates
   Medical Plaza Southwest
   North Suburban Medical Center, Inc.
   San Leandro Medical Center Professional Building
   Sebastian Hospital

Galen Holdings, Inc.

Galen Hospital Alaska, Inc.
   Columbia Alaska Regional Hospital

Galen Hospital Corporation, Inc.
   Columbia Women's Hospital of Indianapolis
   Floresville Medical Clinic
   Southwest Fertility Institute
   Township Line Pharmacy
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
Galendeco, Inc.

General Health Services, Inc.
   Columbia Edmond Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare-West
   Columbia Wagoner Hospital

GPCH Management, Inc.

Greene & Kellogg, Inc.

Greystone Healthcare, Inc.

H.H.U.K., Inc.

HCA-Hospital Corporation of America

HCA Health Services of Midwest, Inc.
   Columbia Family Clinic
   Columbia Health System of Arkansas
   Columbia Weber Clinic

HCA Investments, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
HCA Psychiatric Company (DE)

HCA Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.

HCA, Inc.

Health Services (Delaware), Inc.

Health Services Acquisition Corp.

Healthcare Technology Assessment Corporation

Healthtrust, Inc.- The Hospital Company

Hearthstone Home Health, Inc.
   Integrated Home Health

Hospital Development Properties, Inc.
   Columbia Edmond Medical Building
   Murchison Medical Building
   Murchison Medical Plaza

Integrated Health Corporation

Katy Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Katy Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
Lake City Health Centers, Inc.

Loon Investments, Inc.

Mallard Finance Company

Managed Prescription Network, Inc.
   Columbia Pharmacy Solutions

Medical Arts Hospital of Texarkana, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Northeast Texas
   Columbia Homecare Texarkana
   Columbia Medical Arts Hospital (Texarkana)

Medical Care America, Inc.

Medical Care Financial Services Corp.

Medical Care International, Inc.

Medical Care Real Estate Finance, Inc.

Medical Corporation of America

Medical Specialties, Inc.
   Coral Springs Family Medicine
   Park Medical Center
   Parkway Medical Associates
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
Medistone Healthcare Ventures, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare
   Columbia Hospice

Medistone Management Company

MediVision of Mecklenburg County, Inc.

MediVision of Tampa, Inc.

MediVision, Inc.
   Columbia Lake Worth Surgery Center
   Columbia Medivision of Charlotte
   Columbia Medivision of Greensboro
   Columbia Medivision of Hickory
   Columbia Medivision of Southern Pines
   Omni Eye Services
   The Eye Institute of Southern Arizona
   The Eye Surgery Center of the Rio Grande Valley
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
MedNet USA, Inc.

Mid-Continent Health Services, Inc.
   Columbia Medical Supply/Pharmacy

Mobile Corps, Inc.

MRT&C, Inc.

North Texas Medical Center, Inc.

Northwest Florida Home Health Services, Inc.

Northwest Surgicare, Inc.

Notami Holdco, Inc.

Notami Service Company

NTGP, Inc.

NTMC Management Company

NTMC Venture, Inc.

Orlando Outpatient Surgical Center, Inc.

Paragon SDS, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ----------------
Paragon WSC, Inc.

Parkway Cardiac Center Management Company

Parkway Hospital, Inc.
    CareOne
    Columbia North Houston Medical Center-Airline Campus
    Columbia North Houston Medical Center
    Parkway Cardiac Center Management Company

PMM, Inc.
   Augusta Womens Medical Group

Primary Care Acquisition, Inc.

Primary Medical Management, Inc.
   Agoura Hills Medical Group
   Argyle Family Practice Center
   Biltmore Women's Health
   Columbia Management Services Organization
   The Carrollton Center for Family Health Care
   DeSoto Family Practice
   LaGrange Memorial Treatment Pavilion
   Louisburg Medical Group
   Mount Oread Family Care
   Northside Clinic
   Olate Medical Group
   Park Medical Center
   Saguaro Medical Center
   Westbrook Medical Practice
   Westlake Women's Health Management Clinic
<PAGE>
 
                                DELAWARE (Cont)
                                ---------------- 
Riverside Hospital, Inc.
   Calallen Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center
   Columbia Homecare - Bishop
   Columbia Homecare - Mathis
   Columbia Homecare - North Bay
   Columbia Homecare - Northwest
   Columbia Homecare Bee Area
   COSMC
   Northwest Regional Hospital
   South Texas Pain Management Center
   South Texas Center for Home Health of Northwest

Round Rock Hospital, Inc.

Suburban Medical Center at Hoffman Estates, Inc.
   Chicago Home Health Services
   Columbia Homecare Northwest Suburbs
   Hoffman Estates Medical Center

Sun Bay Medical Office Building, Inc.

Surgicare Corporation

Swedish MOB Acquisition, Inc.

The Coltree Corporation

Westbury Hospital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    FLORIDA
                                    -------
Bay Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Gulf Coast Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare - Port St. Joe
   Emerald Shores Medical Center
   Lynn Haven Medical Center

Big Cypress Medical Center, Inc.

Bonita Bay Surgery Center, Inc.

Brandon Regional Imaging, Inc.

Broward Healthcare System, Inc.

Cape Coral Surgery Center, Inc.

CCH Management, Inc.

CCH-GP, Inc.

Cedarcare, Inc.

Cedars BTW Program, Inc.

Central Florida Division Practice, Inc.

Central Florida Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Affordable Therapy - Deltona
   Central Florida Homecare
   Columbia Homecare (Daytona Beach)
   Columbia Homecare (Deland)
   Columbia Homecare (Deltona)
   Columbia Homecare (Longwood)
   Columbia Homecare (New Smyrna Beach)
   Columbia Homecare (Port Orange)
   Columbia Homecare (Sanford)
   Columbia Medical Center - Sanford
   Columbia Rehab Management

Charlotte Community Hospital, Inc.

Collier County Home Health Agency, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Columbia Behavioral Healthcare of South Florida, Inc.

Columbia Cancer Research Network, Inc.

Columbia Central Florida Division, Inc.

Columbia Credentialing Services, Inc.

Columbia Deland Imaging Services, Inc.

Columbia Development of Florida, Inc.
   Santa Rosa Emergency Medical Services

Columbia Florida Group, Inc.

Columbia Gulf Coast Network, Inc.

Columbia Homecare - Central Florida, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Ft. Pierce)
   Columbia Homecare (Port Orange)
   Columbia Homecare (Winter Park)

Columbia Homecare of Tampa Bay, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Brandon)
   Columbia Homecare (Clearwater)
   Columbia Homecare (Hudson)

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Central Miami

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Kendall

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Miami

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Miami Beach

Columbia Hospital Corporation of North Miami Beach

Columbia Hospital Corporation of South Broward
   Columbia Homecare (Hollywood)
   Columbia Homecare (Plantation)
   Columbia Westside Regional Medical Center

Columbia Hospital Corporation of South Dade
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------

Columbia Hospital Corporation of South Florida
   Florida Physicians Group

Columbia Hospital Corporation of South Miami

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Tamarac

Columbia Hospital Corporation - SMM

Columbia Integrated Services, Inc.

Columbia Jacksonville Healthcare System, Inc.

Columbia Medical Alert Systems of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group of Volusia County, Inc.
   Atlantic Medical Centers
   Family Medical Associates

Columbia Memorial Diagnostic Services, Inc.

Columbia North Florida Division, Inc.

Columbia Ocala Regional Medical Center Physician Group, Inc.
   CORMC Physician Group

Columbia of Pinellas County, Inc.
   Columbia Hillside Hospital
   Columbia University General Hospital
   Community Homecare Professionals
   North Okaloosa Medical Center

Columbia Park Healthcare System, Inc.

Columbia Park Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Orlando
   Columbia Park Medical Center

Columbia Physician Services - Florida Group, Inc.
   Columbia Behavioral Health
   Columbia Company Care
   Columbia Physician Services
   Columbia Senior Health Center
   Columbia Specialty Services

Columbia Resource Network, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------

Columbia South Florida Division, Inc.

Columbia Southwest Florida Division, Inc.

Columbia Staffing Services, Inc.

Columbia Tampa Bay Division, Inc.

Columbia-Osceola Imaging Center, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of Treasure Coast, Inc.

Company Care, Inc.

Daytona Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia CORF - Daytona
   Columbia Medical Center - Daytona
   Flagler Beach Medical Associates
   NSB Medical Associates
   Ormond Beach Medical Associates
   Port Orange Medical Associates

Doctor's Physicians Care, Inc.

Doctors Osteopathic Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Gulf Coast Hospital
   Columbia Homecare
   Olsten Kimberly Quality Care

Doctors Pediatric Clinic, Inc.

Doctors Same Day Surgery Center, Inc.

East Pointe Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia East Pointe Hospital
   Columbia Healthlink
   Columbia Homecare
   Lehigh Pediatrics

East Point PHO, Inc.

East Pointe Physician Management, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------

Edward White Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Edward White Hospital
   Columbia Homecare (St. Petersburg)
   Columbia Homecare (St. Petersburg - 2)

Emergency Physician Services, Inc.

Englewood Community Health Care Group, Inc.

Englewood Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Englewood Community Hospital
   Columbia Homecare (Englewood)

Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Inc.
   CareOne (Port Charlotte)
   Columbia Fawcett Memorial Hospital
   Columbia Homecare (Port Charlotte)
   Columbia Homecare (Port Charlotte - 2)
   Columbia/HCA Spine & Arthritis Centers
   The Memory Center (Fawcett)

First Physicians Care, Inc.

Florida Gulf Coast GP, Inc.

Florida Gulf Coast Holdings, Inc.

Florida Home Health Services - Private Care, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare South
   Columbia Staffing Services
   Florida Home Health Registry
   Florida Home Health - Private Care

Florida Medical Collection Services, Inc.

Florida MRI Services, Inc.

Florida Primary Physicians, Inc.

Florida Psychiatric Company, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Inc.
   Advanced Home Health Care
   Columbia Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare (Fort Walton Beach)
   Destin Hospital
   Northwest Florida Home Health Agency

Galen Hospital - Pembroke Pines, Inc.
   P&L Associates
   Pembroke Pines Hospital

Galen of Florida, Inc.
   Atlantic Home Health Care
   Bushnell Family Practice Center
   Columbia Dade City Hospital
   Columbia Homecare (Bushnell)
   Columbia Homecare (Dade City)
   Columbia Homecare (Gulfport)
   Columbia Homecare (New Port Richey)
   Columbia Homecare (Orange Park)
   Columbia Homecare (St. Augustine)
   Columbia Homecare (St. Petersburg)
   Columbia Homecare (Zephyrhills)
   Columbia Orange Park Medical Center
   Columbia Rehab Center - Daytona
   Columbia St. Petersburg Medical Center
   Normandy Manor Transitional Living Facility
   Seminole Family Health Centers
   West Central Florida OB/GYN

Galencare, Inc.
   CareOne (Brandon)
   CareOne (Lakeland)
   CareOne (Tampa)
   Columbia Brandon Regional Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare (Brandon)
   Columbia Homecare (Clearwater)
   Columbia Homecare (Lakeland)
   Columbia Homecare (Sebring)
   Columbia Homecare (Tampa)
   Columbia Northside Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Grant Center Hospital of Ocala, Inc.
   Columbia North Florida Regional MSO
   Physician Care

Gulf Coast Family Physicians of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Gulf Coast Health Technologies, Inc.

Hamilton Memorial Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Hamilton Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare (Jasper)

HCA Family Care Center, Inc.
   Columbia Imaging Services, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc.
   Bayonet Point Physician Practice
   Blake Home Health
   Blake Medical Center
   CareOne (Hudson)
   Columbia Blake Homecare
   Columbia Homecare (Bayonet Point)
   Columbia Homecare (Brooksville)
   Columbia Homecare (Hudson)
   Columbia Homecare (Port St. Lucie)
   Columbia Homecare (Springhill)
   Columbia Homecare Blake
   Columbia Medical and Financial Management
   Columbia Medical Center - Port St. Lucie
   Columbia North Florida Radiation Oncology
   Columbia Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
   Columbia Regional Medical Center Oak Hill
   Columbia Treasure Coast Physician Services
   North Florida Regional Medical Center
   Vero Home Care
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 -------------- 
HCA of Florida, Inc.

HD&S Corp. Successor, Inc.

Home Health of Citrus County, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Lake City)

Homecare North, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare North

Hospital Corporation of Lake Worth
   Palm Beach Regional Hospital

Hospital Development & Services Corp.

Imaging and Surgery Center of Florida, Inc.
   Clearwater Imaging

Imaging Corp. of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

Intecare, Inc.

Lake City Homecare, Inc.

Largo Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Clearwater)
   Columbia Homecare (Largo)
   Columbia Homecare (Seminole)
   Columbia Homecare (Tarpon Springs)
   Columbia Largo Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Lawnwood Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Ft. Pierce)
   Harbour Shores of Lawnwood
   Lawnwood Pavilion
   Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

M & M of Ocala, Inc.

Marion Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare
   Columbia Ocala Regional Medical Center

Medical Care of Broward, Inc.

Medical Center of Port St. Lucie, Inc.

Medical Center of Santa Rosa, Inc.
   Columbia CORF - Peninsula
   Columbia Homecare (Ormond Beach)
   Columbia Medical Center - Peninsula
   Columbia Practice Management Services
   Horizon Healthcare
   Santa Rosa Medical Center

MedPlan, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 -------------- 
Memorial Healthcare Group, Inc.
   Columbia Memorial Hospital Jacksonville
   Columbia Plaza Surgery Center
   Memorial Home Care
   Specialty Hospital Jacksonville

MHS Partnership Holdings JSC, Inc.

MHS Partnership Holdings SDS, Inc.

Miami Heart Medical Management Services, Inc.

Naples Rehabilitative Health Services, Inc.
   Naples Rehab Center

Network Management Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
New Port Richey Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (New Port Richey)
   Columbia New Port Richey Hospital
   Community Home Health Care
   Community Hospital of New Port Richey

New Port Richey Physician Hospital Organization, Inc.

North Beach Hospital, Inc.

North Central Florida Health System, Inc.

North Central Florida Holdings, Inc.

North Central Florida Local GP, Inc.

North Central Florida Market GP, Inc.

North Florida Division Practice, Inc.

North Florida GI Center GP, Inc.

North Florida Immediate Care Center, Inc.

North Florida Infusion Corporation

North Florida Physician Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
North Florida Practice Management, Inc.

North Florida Regional Investments, Inc.

North Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc.

Northwest Florida Healthcare Systems, Inc.

Northwest Medical Center, Inc.
   Bayview Senior Health Center
   Columbia Homecare (Boca Raton)
   Columbia Homecare (Ft. Lauderdale)
   Columbia Homecare (Margate)
   Columbia Northwest Medical Center
   Columbia Pompano Beach Medical Center
   Cypress Medical Office Building
   Senior Health Center of Ft. Lauderdale

Notami (Clearwater), Inc.
   CCH Healthcare Centers

Notami Hospitals of Florida, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare
   Lake City Medical Center

Oak Hill Acquisition, Inc.

Oak Hill Physician Hospital Association, L.C.

Ocala Regional Outpatient Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                FLORIDA (Cont)
                                --------------
Okaloosa Florida GP, Inc

Okaloosa Florida Holdings, Inc.

Okaloosa Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Niceville)
   Columbia Twin Cities Hospital

Okeechobee Hospital, Inc.
   Raulerson Hospital

OneSource Health, Inc.

OneSource Health Network of South Florida, Inc.
   OneSource Health Network (Miami Lakes)

Orange Park Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Orange Park Medical Center

Orlando Depression Center, Inc.
   Orlando Depression Center

Osceola Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Medical Center - Osceola
   Kissimmee Imaging
   TRICO Home Health Agency
   TRICO Home Health Services - Palm Bay

Palm Beach Healthcare System, Inc.

Palms West Physician Hospital Organization, Inc.

Paragon PHO of North Florida, Inc.

Physical Therapy of Orlando, Inc.
   Central Florida Physical Therapy
   Kissimmee Physical Therapy
   Orlando Hand & Microvascular
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Premier Providers Network of Pinellas County, Inc.

Premier Providers of Hillsborough County, Inc.

Primary Care Medical Associates, Inc.

Putnam Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Palatka)
   Columbia Putnam Medical Center

Sarasota Doctors Hospital, Inc.
   Able Care (Sarasota)
   Advanced Womens Care
   Columbia Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
   Columbia Homecare (Miami Lakes)
   Columbia Homecare (Sarasota)
   Doctors Data Center
   Doctors Home Health Services
   Doctors Medical Lab
   Midtown Nuclear Medicine
   Midtown Radiology
   MRI of Sarasota
   Paragon Associates in Internal Medicine
   Sarasota Rehabilitation Center
   Sarasota Vascular Lab
   The Center for Breast Care

South Bay Physician Clinics, Inc.
   Family Medical Care
   South Bay Family Medical Center

South Broward Practices, Inc.

South Florida Division Practice, Inc.

South Seminole Hospital, Inc.
   Healthworks Plus
   South Seminole Community Hospital

Southwest Florida Division Practice, Inc.

Southwest Florida Health System, Inc.

Southwest Florida Management Associates, Inc.

Southwest Florida Medical Ventures, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc.
   Able Care
   Care One (Ft. Myers)
   Columbia Care
   Columbia Center for Cosmetic Surgery
   Columbia Health Services at Belmont Woods
   Columbia Regional Medical Center Southwest Florida
   Mature Adult Counseling Center
   The Memory Center (Southwest Florida Regional)

St. Augustine Hospital, Inc.

Sun City Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Ruskin)
   Columbia South Bay Hospital
   South Bay Home Health Services
   South Bay Physician Clinic
   South Bay Transitional Care Unit

Surgicare America - Winter Park, Inc,

Surgicare of Altamonte Springs, Inc.
   Columbia Florida Surgery Center

Surgicare of Brandon, Inc.

Surgicare of Central Florida, Inc.

Surgicare of Countryside, Inc.

Surgicare of Deland, Inc.

Surgicare of Florida, Inc.
   Tampa Bay Area Anesthesia

Surgicare of Ft. Pierce, Inc.

Surgicare of Kissimmee, Inc.

Surgicare of Manatee, Inc.

Surgicare of Merritt Island, Inc.

Surgicare of New Port Richey, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Surgicare of Niceville, Inc.

Surgicare of Orange Park, Inc.
   Columbia Orange Park Surgery Center

Surgicare of Orlando, Inc.

Surgicare of Pinellas, Inc.

Surgicare of Plantation, Inc.

Surgicare of Port St. Lucie, Inc.

Surgicare of St. Andrews, Inc.

Surgicare of Stuart, Inc.

Surgicare of Tallahassee, Inc.

Surgicare of Zephyrhills, Inc.

Systems Medical Management, Inc.
   Health Advantage Network
   OneSource Health Network
   PPO Alliance

Tallahassee Community Network, Inc.

Tallahassee Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Tallahassee)
   Columbia Tallahassee Community Hospital

Tamarac Acquisition Corporation

Tamarac Hospital Corporation, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 FLORIDA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Tampa Bay Division Practice, Inc.

Tampa Bay Healthcare System, Inc.

Tampa Surgi-Centre, Inc.

The Pinellas Healthcare Alliance, Inc.

University Parkway Healthcare Associates, Inc.

University Physicians Pavilion Association, Inc.

University Psychiatric Center, Inc.

Visual Health and Surgical Center, Inc.
   Visual Health and Surgical Center
   Visual Health Plantation
   Visual Health Pompano
   Visual Health/Bentz Eye Center

Volusia Healthcare Network, Inc.

West Broward Outpatient GI Center, Inc.

West Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc.
   Advanced Home Health Care
   Northwest Florida Home Health Agency
   Okaloosa Cancer Care Center
   West Florida Regional Medical Center

Winter Park Physician Services, Inc.

Women's and Children's Health Connection, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    GEORGIA
                                    -------
Amisub of Georgia, Inc.
   Barrow Medical Center

AOSC Sports Medicine, Inc.
   Northside Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc.

Augusta Physician Practice Company
   Augusta Primary Care

Chatsworth Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Murray Medical Center

Coliseum Health Group, Inc.

Coliseum Park Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Coliseum Medical Centers

Columbia Coliseum Same Day Surgery Center, Inc.

Columbia Georgia Division, Inc.

Columbia Health Systems of Georgia Resource Network, Inc.

Columbia Physicians Services, Inc.

Columbia Polk General Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Polk General Hospital
   Emergency Physicians of Polk Hospital

Columbia-Georgia PT, Inc.

Columbus Cardiology, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 GEORGIA (Cont)
                                 --------------

Columbus Doctors Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Doctors Hospital

Columbus Management Group, Inc.

Community Home Nursing Care, Inc.

Coosa Valley Home Health Care Agency, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Coosa Valley

Cumberland Physician Corporation

Dekalb Home Health Services, Inc.

Doctors-I, Inc.

Doctors-II, Inc.

Doctors-III, Inc.

Doctors-IV, Inc.

Doctors-IX, Inc.

Doctors-V, Inc.

Doctors-VI, Inc.

Doctors-VII, Inc.

Doctors-VIII, Inc.

Doctors-X, Inc.

Dublin Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Fairview Park Hospital

Fairview Physician Practice Company

Gainesville Cardiology, Inc.

Georgia Psychiatric Company, Inc.
   Columbia Coliseum Psychiatric Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                 GEORGIA (Cont)
                                 --------------
Greater Gwinnett Physician Corporation

Gwinnett Community Hospital, Inc.
   Eastside Medical Center

HCA Health Services of Georgia, Inc.
   Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital
   Northlake Regional Medical Center

Health Care Management Corporation

Healthfield Services of Middle Georgia, Inc.

Hospital Corporation of Lanier, Inc.
   Columbia Lanier Park Hospital
   Tugaloo Home Health Care

Lanier Physician Services, Inc.

Marietta Outpatient Medical Building, Inc.

Marietta Surgical Center, Inc.

Med Corp., Inc.

Med-Care, Inc.

MedFirst, Inc.

Medical Center-West, Inc.
   Parkway Medical Center

MOSC Sports Medicine, Inc.
   SportsSouth Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

North Cobb Physical Therapy, Inc.
   North Cobb Physical Therapy
<PAGE>
 
                                 GEORGIA (Cont)
                                 --------------
North Georgia Home Health Agency, Inc.

Northlake Surgery Center, Inc.
   Columbia Northlake Surgical Center

Palmyra Park Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Palmyra Medical Centers

Parkway Physician Practice Company

Redmond P.D.N., Inc.

Redmond Park Health Services, Inc.

Redmond Park Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Redmond Regional Medical Center
   Emergency Physicians of CRRMS
   The Surgery Center of Rome

Redmond Physician Practice Company

Redmond Physician Practice Company II

Redmond Physician Practice Company III

Surgery Center of Rome, Inc.

Surgicare of Augusta, Inc.
   Augusta Surgical Center

Surgicare Outpatient Center of Brunswick, Inc.

Tugaloo Home Health Agency, Inc.

West Paces Ferry Hospital, Inc.
   West Paces Medical Center

West Paces Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                     IDAHO
                                     -----
Eastern Idaho Health Services, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare - Idaho Falls
   Eastern Idaho Regional Behavioral Health Center
   Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

West Valley Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Alturas
   Columbia Homecare Idaho
   Columbia Homecare Lakeview
   Columbia Homecare Ontario
   Columbia West Valley Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                    ILLINOIS
                                    --------
Chicago Grant Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Grant Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Chicago North
   Total Homecare of Chicago

COFH, Inc.

Columbia Chicago Division, Inc.

Columbia Chicago Homecare, Inc.

Columbia Chicago Osteopathic Hospitals, Inc.

Columbia Health Partners, Inc.

Columbia LaGrange Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare West Suburbs
   Columbia Hospice Chicago
   Grant Square Imaging
   LaGrange Memorial Hospital

Columbia Physician Partners Management, Inc.

Galen Hospital Illinois, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Chicago
   Columbia Michael Reese Hospital
   Hardy Home Health Services
   Michael Reese Chatham Ridge
   Michael Reese Fertility Center
   Michael Reese Hyde Park
   Michael Reese North
   Michael Reese Sears Tower

Galen of Illinois, Inc.
   Community Medical Plaza

Illinois Psychiatric Hospital Company, Inc.
   Barclay Hospital
   Chicago Lakeshore Hospital
   Columbia Behavioral Health Provider Organization
   Columbia Chicago Lakeshore Hospital South Campus
   Riveredge Hospital
   Woodland Behavioral Practice Group
   Woodland Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                ILLINOIS (Cont)
                                ---------------
Michael Reese Physicians Group, Inc.

Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Surgicare of Belleville, Inc.

Surgicare of Joliet, Inc.

Surgicare of North Michigan Avenue, Inc.

Surgicare of Palos Heights, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    INDIANA
                                    -------
BAMI-COL, Inc.

Basic American Medical, Inc.

F&E Community Developers of Florida, Inc.

HTI Health Services of Indiana, Inc.

Jeffersonville MediVision, Inc.

Surgicare of Indianapolis, Inc.
   PhysicianCare Outpatient Surgery Center

Surgicare of Jeffersonville, L.L.C.

Terre Haute Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Terre Haute
   Indiana Institute for Lung Disease and Exercise Physiology
   Regional Family Medical Center
   Terre Haute Regional Hospital

Terre Haute Regional Physician Hospital Organization, Inc.

Thomasville Hospital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                     KANSAS
                                     ------
Columbia Mid-West Division, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of Dodge City, Inc.

Day Surgery, Inc.

Galen of Kansas, Inc.
   American Home Health Care
   Bethany Medical Center
   Columbia Independence Regional Home Health
   Columbia Overland Park Regional Medical Center
   Columbia/Independence Regional Health Center
   La Cygne Rural Health Clinic
   Womens Healthcare Group

Galichia Laboratories, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Kansas, Inc.
   Kansas Healthcare Laboratories
   Total Homecare
   Wesley Medical Center

OB-GYN Diagnostics, Inc.

Overland Park Homecare Services, Inc.

Surgicare of Wichita, Inc.

Surgicenter of Johnson County, Inc.

Total Healthcare, Inc.

Western Plains Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Western Plains Quickcare

Womens's Healthcare Management Group, LLC
<PAGE>
 
                                    KENTUCKY
                                    --------
A.C. Medical, Inc.

B.G. MRI, Inc.

Buffalo Trace Radiation Oncology Center Associates, L.L.C.

CHCK, Inc.
   Samaritan Hospital
   Kentucky Center for Reproductive Medicine
   LifeTek Home Infusion
   Primary Care Partners of Lexington

Columbia Behavioral Health Network, Inc.

Columbia Kentucky Division, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Greenview, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Pinelake, Inc.

Columbia/Kentucky Services, Inc.

Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia PineLake Regional Hospital
   Columbia Homecare - Pinelake

Frankfort Hospital, Inc.
   Bluegrass Regional Primary Care Centre
   Frankfort Regional Medical Center

Galen International Holdings, Inc.

Galen of Kentucky, Inc.
   Advanced Cardiovascular Institute
   Audubon Hospital
   Audubon Medical Plaza
   Caretenders of Elizabethtown - Southwest
   Caretenders of Louisville - Audubon
   Dupont Internal Medicine Associates
   Family Medicine Associates
   Hikes Point - The Family Health Care Center
   Regional Hospital Services
   Southside Primary Care Center
   Southwest Hospital
   Suburban Hospital
   The Family Health Care Center

GALENCO, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                KENTUCKY (Cont)
                                ---------------
Greenview Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Greenview Regional Hospital
   Greenview Regional Hospital
   Same Day Surgery

Hospital Corporation of Kentucky
   Bourbon Community Hospital
   Georgetown Community Hospital
   Maysville Family Medical Clinic - Brooksville
   Meadowview Regional Hospital Skilled Nursing
   Meadowview Regional Medical Center
   Scott Family Medicine

Kentucky IMS, Inc.

Lake Cumberland Health Care, Inc.
   Lake Cumberland Home Health Agency
   Lake Cumberland Medical Associates
   Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
   Somerset Health and Wellness Center
   Somerset Imaging Center

Logan Memorial Hospital, Inc.
   Logan Memorial Hospital

Physicians Medical Management, L.L.C.

South Central Kentucky Corp.

Spring View Health Alliance, Inc.

Springview Hospital, Inc.
   Spring View Hospital

Subco of Kentucky, Inc.

Surgicare of Owensboro, Inc.

The Owensboro Surgery Center, Inc.
   Owensboro Ambulatory Surgical Facility
   Owensboro Surgery Center

Tri-County Community Hospital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                   LOUISIANA
                                   ---------
Acadiana Care Center, Inc.

Acadiana Practice Management, Inc.

Acadiana Regional Pharmacy, Inc.

Caddo-Bossier Regional Clinic, L.L.C.
   Family First

Columbia Healthcare System of Louisiana, Inc.

Columbia West Bank Hospital, Inc.

Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation of Central Louisiana, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of Baton Rouge, Inc.
   Capital Area Provider Alliance

Columbia/HCA of New Orleans, Inc.

Columbia/Lakeview, Inc.

Dauterive Hospital Corporation
   Circle of Support
   Columbia Homecare Dauterive
   Dauterive Hospital
   Physio-Industrial Network

Galen of Louisiana, Inc.
   Columbia Springhill Medical Center

Hamilton Medical Center, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                LOUISIANA (Cont)
                                ----------------
HCA Health Services of Louisiana, Inc.
   Columbia North Monroe Hospital

HCA Highland Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Highland Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Highland

Lake Area Medical Center, Inc.

Lake Charles Surgery Center, Inc.

Louisiana Psychiatric Company, Inc.
   Columbia DePaul Hospital

Medical Center of Baton Rouge, Inc.
   Columbia Lakeside Hospital
   Columbia Medical Center (LA)
   Medical Center of Baton Rouge Genesis Family

Notami (Opelousas), Inc.

Notami Hospitals of Louisiana, Inc.
   Columbia Lakeview Regional Medical Center
   Columbia Riverview Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                LOUISIANA (Cont)
                                ----------------
Select Healthcare Services, Inc.

Surgicare Merger Company of Louisiana

Surgicare of Lafayette, Inc.

Surgicare of Lakeview, Inc.
   Columbia Lakeview Surgery Center

Surgicare Outpatient Center of Baton Rouge, Inc.

Surgicare Outpatient Center of Lake Charles, Inc.

Surgicare of East Jefferson, Inc.

University Healthcare System, L.C.
   Tulane University Hospital & Clinic

Ville Platte Acquisition Corporation

WGH, Inc.

Women's and Children's Hospital, Inc.
  Columbia Women's and Children's Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                 MASSACHUSETTS
                                 -------------
Columbia Homecare of Massachusetts, Inc.

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Massachusetts, Inc.

Columbia Neponset Healthcare System, Inc.

Health Imaging Center of Boston, Inc.

Same Day Surgicare of New England, Inc.
   Same Day Surgicare of New England

Surgicare of Suburban, Inc.

Waltham Surgicare, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                   MINNESOTA
                                   ---------
St. Cloud Surgical Center, Inc.

Surgicare of Minneapolis, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  MISSISSIPPI
                                  -----------
Brookwood Medical Center of Gulfport, Inc.

Coastal Imaging Center of Gulfport, Inc.

Galen of Mississippi, Inc.

Garden Park Physician Services Corporation

GOSC-GP, Inc.

Gulf Coast Medical Ventures, Inc.

HTI Health Services, Inc.
   Vicksburg Medical Center

Lakeland Physicians Medical Building, Inc.

Surgicare of Gulfport, Inc.

Surgicare of Jackson, Inc.

Surgicare of Mississippi, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    MISSOURI
                                    --------
Business Health Services, Inc.
   Keystone Family Medical Clinic

Clinical Management Services, Inc
   CareNow

Clinical Specialties, Inc
   PRO-LAB

Comprehensive Care Clinics, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Missouri, Inc.

M.W.A, Inc.

Metropolitan Providers Alliance, Inc.

Midwest Psychiatric Center, Inc.
   Research Psychiatric Center

Notami Hospitals of Missouri, Inc.

Oak Grove Medical Clinic, Inc.
   Oak Grove MMP
   Odessa MMP

Physical Therapy Affiliates, Inc.
   Physical Therapy Affiliates

PRI-MED, Inc.

Surgicare of Antioch Hills, Inc.
   North Hills Medical & Surgical Center
   Surgicenter of Gladstone
<PAGE>
 
                                MISSOURI (Cont)
                                ---------------
Surgicare of Independence, Inc.

Truman-Forest Pharmacy, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    NEBRASKA
                                    -------- 
Omaha Healthcare System, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                     NEVADA
                                     ------
CHC Venture Co.

CHCA Capital GP, Inc.

Chiron, Inc.

Columbia Hospital Corporation of West Houston

Columbia Southwest Division, Inc.

Columbia-SDH Holdings, Inc.

Columbia/TSP Holdings, Inc.

Desert Physical Therapy, Inc.
   Columbia Desert Physical Therapy

HCA Health Services of Nevada, Inc.

James Bros., Inc.

Las Vegas Physical Therapy, Inc.
   Lynn Maguire Physical Therapy

Las Vegas Surgicare, Inc.
   Columbia Sunrise Las Vegas Surgicare
<PAGE>
 
                                 NEVADA (Cont)
                                 ------------- 
National Care Services Corp. of Nevada
   Columbia Sunrise Diagnostic Center
   Columbia Sunrise Homecare
   Kids Healthcare

Nevada Psychiatric Company, Inc.

Pasadena Holdings, Inc.

Rio Grande/Piney Woods Holdings (Nevada), Inc.

Sunrise Clinical Research Institute, Inc.

Sunrise Hospital
   Columbia Henderson Clinic/Real Estate
   Columbia Precision Imaging
   Columbia Sunrise Flamingo Surgery Center
   Columbia Sunrise Health Strategies
   Columbia Sunrise Homecare Senior
   Sunrise Children's Hospital
   Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center

Sunrise Mountainview Hospital, Inc.
   MountainView Hospital

Sunrise Outpatient Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 NEVADA (Cont)
                                 -------------
Surgicare of Green Valley, Inc.

Surgicare of Las Vegas, Inc.
   Columbia Sunrise Surgical Center - Sahara

Surgicare of Reno, Inc.

Value Health Holdings, Inc.

VH Holdings, Inc.

Western Plains Capital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 NEW HAMPSHIRE
                                 -------------
HCA Health Services of New Hampshire, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Parkland Medical Center
   Columbia Parkland Medical Center
   Columbia Parkland Rehabilitation Services - Londonderry
   Columbia Parkland Rehabilitation Services - Salem
   Columbia Portsmouth Pavilion
   Columbia Portsmouth Regional Hospital
   Londonderry Physical Therapy Center
   Main Street Medical Park
   Parkland Eldercare
   Windham Pediatrics

Health Imaging Asset Management, Inc.

Health Imaging Center of Columbus, Inc.

Health Imaging Centers, Inc.

Parkland Physician Services, Inc.

Regional Psychiatric Company, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                   NEW MEXICO
                                   ----------
HCA Health Services of New Mexico, Inc.

Healthcare Corporation of Southern New Mexico
   Columbia Homecare Carlsbad
   Columbia Homecare Hobbs
   Columbia Medical Center of Carlsbad

Hobbs Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Lea Regional Medical Center
   Lea Regional Home Health

New Mexico Psychiatric Company, Inc.
   Heights Psychiatric Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                    NEW YORK
                                    --------
Critical Care America of New York, Incorporated
<PAGE>
 
                                 NORTH CAROLINA
                                 --------------
CareOne Home Health Services, Inc.
   CareOne (Charlotte, NC)
   CareOne (Monroe, NC)

Columbia Davis Holdings, Inc.

Columbia North Carolina Division, Inc.
   Columbia Network Healthcare

Columbia-CFMH, Inc.

Cumberland Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Highsmith-Rainey Memorial Hospital
   Hope Mills Family Medicine Center

Davis Community Primary Care Network, Inc.

Galen of North Carolina, Inc.

HCA - Raleigh Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Advantage Home Care
   Columbia Homecare North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
   Columbia Homecare North Carolina (Raleigh, NC)
   Columbia Raleigh Community Hospital
   Health Plus

Heritage Hospital, Inc.
   Heritage Hospital
   Northeastern Rehabilitation Center
<PAGE>
 
                             NORTH CAROLINA (Cont)
                             ---------------------

Hospital Corporation of North Carolina
   Columbia Brunswick Hospital
   Columbia Care (NC)
   Columbia Davis Medical Center
      Columbia Davis Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
     Medicine
   Columbia Homecare North Carolina (Monroe, NC)
   Intra-Net

HTI Health Services of North Carolina, Inc.
   Carolinas Bone & Joint Institute
   Carolinas Neuroscience Center
   Carolinas Neuroscience Institute
   Carolinas Orthopaedic & Sports Institute
   Carolinas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center
   Carolinas Orthopaedic Institute
   Carolinas Physical Achievement Institute
   Carolinas Sports Medicine Institute
   Children's Work Out
   Orthopaedic Hospital & Center for Human Performance
   Orthopaedic Hospital & Center for Physical Achievement
   Orthopaedic Institute
   Orthopaedic Institute & Center for Research
   Southeast Bone & Joint Institute
   Southeast Orthopedic & Human Performance Institute
   Southeast Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center
   Southeast Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute
   Southeastern Neuroscience Institute
   Southeastern Orthopaedic Institute
<PAGE>
 
                             NORTH CAROLINA (Cont)
                             ---------------------


Optical Shop, Inc.

Raleigh Community Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, Inc.

Raleigh Community Primary Care Network, Inc.

Salem Optical Company, Inc.

Southeastern Eye Center, Inc.

Wake Psychiatric Hospital, Inc.
   Holly Hill Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                      OHIO
                                      ----
AHN Holdings, Inc.

Columbia Ohio Division, Inc.

Columbia/Deaconess, Ltd., an Ohio Limited Liability Company

Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation of Northern Ohio

E.N.T. Services, Inc.

Middleburg Heights Surgical Center, Inc.

Ohio Health Choice Ventures, Inc.

Surgicare of Beachwood, Inc.

Surgicare of Dayton, Inc.

Surgicare of Lorain County, Inc.

Surgicare of North Cincinnati, Inc.

Surgicare of Westlake, Inc.

The Surgery Center Laboratory, Inc.

The Surgery Center Radiology, Inc.

The Surgery Center West, Ltd., a limited liability company
<PAGE>
 
                                    OKLAHOMA
                                    --------
Claremore Regional Hospital, Inc.

Columbia Doctors Hospital of Tulsa, Inc.
   Columbia Doctors Hospital (OK)

Columbia Oklahoma Division, Inc.

Columbia South Tulsa Hospital Company, Inc.

Edmond Physician Hospital Organization, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
   Bethany Health Center
   Capstone Medical Group
   Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
   Presbyterian Center for Healthy Living
   Rogers Occupational Clinic

Health Partners of Oklahoma, Inc.

Hometrust of Oklahoma, Inc.

Integrated Management Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

Lake Region Health Alliance Corporation

Medical Imaging, Inc.

Notami Hospitals of Oklahoma, Inc.
   Columbia Behavioral Health Center of Lawton
   Columbia Claremore Regional Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Oklahoma
   Columbia Homecare Oklahoma 1
   Columbia Southwestern Medical Center
   Columbia Specialty Hospital of Tulsa
   Columbia Tulsa Regional Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                OKLAHOMA (Cont)
                                ---------------
Oklahoma Surgicare, Inc.

Plains Healthcare System, Inc.

Southwestern Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Southwestern

Stephenson Laser Center, L.L.C.

Surgicare of Tulsa, Inc.
   Columbia Surgicare of Tulsa

Wagoner Medical Group, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 OREGON
                                 ------

Hospital Corporation of Douglas, Inc.
   Columbia Douglas Medical Center

Northern Oregon Healthcare Corporation
   Central Coast Counseling
   Columbia Williamette Valley Medical Center

Surgicare of Salem, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  PENNSYLVANIA
                                  ------------

Basic American Medical Equipment Company, Inc.

Surgicare of Philadelphia, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  RHODE ISLAND
                                  ------------
Atwood Surgicare, Inc.

Blackstone Valley Surgicare, Inc.
   Columbia Blackstone Valley Surgicare

Columbia Northeast Corporation

Columbia Rhode Island Healthcare, Inc.

Pawtucket Outpatient Medical Building, Inc.

Warwick Surgicare, Inc.

Wayland Square Surgicare, Inc.
   Columbia Wayland Square Surgicare
<PAGE>
 
                                 SOUTH CAROLINA
                                 --------------

C/HCA Development, Inc.
   Carolinas Behavioral Health, L.L.C.
   Chicago Osteopathic Home Health
   Columbia Chicago Osteopathic Hospital & Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare South Suburbs
   Columbia Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital

Carolina Regional Surgery Center, Inc.

Chesterfield General Hospital, Inc.

Coastal Carolina Home Care, Inc.

Columbia Carolinas Division, Inc.

Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation of South Carolina

DMH Spartanburg, Inc.

Doctors Memorial Hospital, Inc.

Edisto Multispecialty Associates, Inc.

HTI South Carolina, Inc.

Low Country Health Services, Inc. of the Southeast

Myrtle Beach Hospital, Inc.
   Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                             SOUTH CAROLINA (Cont)
                             ---------------------

North Trident Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Coastal Carolina
   Columbia Homecare Doctor's
   Summerville Medical Center
   Trident Regional Medical Center

Providence Eye Care, Inc.

Trident Medical Services, Inc.

Walterboro Community
   Colleton Medical Center
   Pulaski Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                  SWITZERLAND
                                  -----------
Permanence de L'Hopital de la Tour
   Geneva Outpatient Clinic

Columbia Hopital de la Tour S.A.
   Hospital de la Tour et Pavilion Gourgas
<PAGE>
 
                                   TENNESSEE
                                   ---------

Appalachian OB/GYN Associates, Inc.

Athens Community Hospital, Inc.
   Athens Regional Medical Center

Availis Health Products, Inc.
   Availis

Central Credentialing Services, Inc.

Central Tennessee Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Cheatham Medical Center
   Columbia HomeCare (Dickson, TN)
   Columbia Horizon Medical Center
   Horizon Academy

Charter/North Star Behavioral Health System, LLC

Chattanooga Health System, Inc.

Chattanooga Healthcare Network Partner, Inc.

Columbia Behavioral Health of Tennessee, L.L.C.

Columbia Eastern Group, Inc.

Columbia Health Management, Inc.
   Columbia Healthcare Network
   Columbia Psychiatric Network
   The Health Advantage Network of Tennessee
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Columbia Healthcare Network of Tri-Cities, Inc.

Columbia Healthcare Network of West Tennessee, Inc.

Columbia Information Systems, Inc.

Columbia Integrated Health Systems, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Athens, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Centennial, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Chatsworth, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Crockett, Inc.
   Medical Practice Associates

Columbia Medical Group - Daystar, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Dickson, Inc.
   Horizon Medical Group
   Waverly Healthcare Services
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Columbia Medical Group - Eastridge, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Franklin Medical Clinic, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Hendersonville, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Hilcrest, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Hillside, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Indian Path, Inc.
   Indian Path Medical Group

Columbia Medical Group - Livingston, Inc.
   Family Practice Associates of Gainesboro
   Overton County Medical Center
   Twin Lake Otolaryngology
   Upper Cumberland Medical Associates

Columbia Medical Group - Nashville Memorial, Inc.
   Internal Medicine Group
   Memorial Family Medicine

Columbia Medical Group - North Side Specialty, Inc.
   Family Physicians of Johnson City
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Columbia Medical Group - Parkridge, Inc.
   East Brainerd Medical Center
   Family & Sports Medicine
   Four Corners Medical Center
   Gunbarrel Medical
   Signal Mountain Medical Center
   St. Elmo Medical Center
 
Columbia Medical Group - Parthenon, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Regional, Inc.
   Jackson Regional Pediatric Center

Columbia Medical Group - River Park, Inc.
   McMinnville Medical Physicians
   Medical Group of McMinnville
   River Park Clinic

Columbia Medical Group - South Pittsburg, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Southern Hills, Inc.
   Columbia Cool Springs Medical Center
   Family Practice Associates of Southern Hills
   Internal Medicine Associates of Southern Hills
   Pediatric Associates of Southern Hills
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Columbia Medical Group - Southern Medical Group, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Southern Tennessee, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Stones River, Inc.
   Stones River Family Medicine

Columbia Medical Group - Summit, Inc.
   Summit Family Practice

Columbia Medical Group - Sycamore Shoals, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - The Frist Clinic, Inc.

Columbia Medical Group - Trinity, Inc.
   North Clarksville Medical Clinic
   Trinity Family Clinic

Columbia Medical Group - Volunteer, Inc.
   Martin Specialty Clinic

Columbia Mid-America Group, Inc.

Columbia Mid-Atlantic Division, Inc.

Columbia Nashville Division, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ---------------- 

Columbia Northeast Division, Inc.

Columbia Regional Medical Center, L.L.C.

Columbia Volunteer Division, Inc.

Crockett General Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Crockett Hospital

Cumberland Division, Inc.

Eastern Idaho Regional, L.L.C.

Eastern Tennessee Medical Services, Inc.

General Care Corp.
   Regional Hospital of Jackson

GMC Management Services Organization, L.L.C.
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

HCA Crossroads Residential Centers, Inc.

HCA Development Company, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Tennessee, Inc.
   Centennial Medical Center/Parthenon Pavilion
   Columbia Centennial Medical Center
   Smyrna Medical Center
   Southern Hills Medical Center
   Summit Medical Center

HCA Home and Clinical Services, Inc.

HCA International Company

HCA Medical Services, Inc.

HCA Psychiatric Company

HCA Realty, Inc.

Healthcare Management Research and Development, Inc.

Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company (TN)

Hendersonville Hospital Corporation
   Bluegrass Urgent Care Center
   Bridgeway Home Health Services
   Columbia Hendersonville Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Hendersonville
   Westmoreland Family Clinic
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Holly Hill/Charter Behavioral Health System, L.L.C.

Hometrust Management Services, Inc.
   Columbia Home Care Network

Horizon Occupational Health Services Corporation

Hospital Corporation of Smith and Overton County
   Columbia Homecare Livingston
   Livingston Regional Hospital

Hospital Corporation of Tennessee
   Columbia Homecare of Northwest Tennessee
   Columbia Volunteer General Hospital
   Martin Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic
   Superior Home Health Care

Hospital Realty Corporation

HTI Memorial Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Nashville Memorial Hospital
   Columbia Subacute Services of Tennessee

HTI Tri-Cities Rehabilitation, Inc.

Humbolt Cedar Crest Hospital, Inc.

Indian Path Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Indian Path Medical Center
   Columbia Indian Path Pavilion
   Columbia Indian Path Surgery Center
   Superior Home Health of East Tennessee
   Superior Home Medical Equipment
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Indian Path Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

IPN Services, Inc.

Johnson City Eye & Ear Hospital, Inc.
   Johnson City Specialty Hospital

Judy's Foods, Inc.

Medical Resource Group, Inc.

Middle Tennessee Medical Services Corporation
   Masterpiece Healthcare Services
   TriMed Healthcare Services

Nashville Psychiatric Company, Inc.

North Side Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia North Side Hospital
   Northeast Tennessee Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Parkridge Hospital, Inc.
   Care Plus Home Health Services of Chattanooga
   Columbia East Ridge Hospital
   Columbia HomeCare - Chattanooga, TN
   Columbia Homecare East Ridge Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Tennessee
   Columbia Parkridge Medical Center
   Columbia Valley Hospital

Parkside Surgery Center, Inc.

Parthenon Financial Services, Inc.

Parthenon Travel Services, Inc.

PSN Leadership Group, Inc.
   Columbia Healthcare Network
   Columbia Psychiatric Network
   The Health Advantage Network of Middle Tennessee

Quantum Innovations, Inc.

River Park Hospital, Inc.
   River Park Hospital (TN)

SCMH Corporation
   Columbia Smith County Memorial Hospital
   The Renewal Center at Smith County Memorial Hospital

Southern Tennessee Ambulance Services, Inc.

SP Acquisition Corp.
   Columbia Grandview Medical Center
   Columbia South Pittsburg Hospital
   Columbia Whitwell Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                TENNESSEE (Cont)
                                ----------------

Stones River Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Emerald-Hodgson Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Winchester
   Columbia Southern Tennessee Medical Center
   Columbia Stones River Hospital
   Southern Tennessee Home Care
   Southern Tennessee Skilled Facility

Sullins Surgical Center, Inc.

Surgicare of Madison, Inc.

Surgicare Outpatient Center of Jackson, Inc.

Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare East Tennessee
   Columbia Sycamore Shoals Hospital

Tennessee Healthcare Management, Inc.
   Brentwood Primary Care
   Columbia Care Medical Center
   Columbia CorpCare Advantage
   Columbia Physician Services (TN)
   Manchester Family Medicine
   Marshall Medical Group
   Medical Associates of Athens
   Medical Group of Sparta
   Primary Care Associates
   Southern Tennessee Medical Center of Tracy City
   The Englewood Clinic
   Winchester Pediatrics

The Charter Cypress Behavioral Health System, L.L.C.
   Cypress Hospital

Trinity Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Homecare Trinity
   Columbia Trinity Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                     TEXAS
                                     -----

Arlington Diagnostic South, Inc.

Austin Medical Center, Inc.
   Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Bailey Square Outpatient Surgical Center, Inc.

Bay Area Surgicare Center, Inc.

Beaumont Healthcare System, Inc.

Beaumont Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Beaumont Medical Center
   Columbia Home Care of Beaumont
   Fannin Pavilion

Bedford-Northeast Community Hospital, Inc.
   Institute of Sports Rehabilitation and Fitness
   Northeast Community Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit

Bellaire Imaging, Inc.

Brazos Acquisition Corp.

Brownsville-Valley Regional Medical Center, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------ 

Brownwood Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Brownwood Regional Hospital Home Care Services
   Columbia Brownwood Regional Medical Center
   Columbia One Source Health Center - Comanche
   Columbia One Source Health Center - Cross Plains
   Columbia One Source Health Center - Dublin
   Columbia One Source Health Center - Early
   Columbia One Source Health Center - Rising Star
   Columbia One Source Health Center - San Saba
   Doctors Medical Clinic

BVMC, Inc.
   Brazos Valley Medical Center - Bremond
   Columbia Home Care - Navasota
   Columbia Treatment Center
   The Surgical Center

C.E.P. Physical Therapy Centers, Inc.

CHC Payroll Company

CHC Realty Company

CHC-El Paso Corp.

CHC-Miami Corp.

Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Alvin Medical Center
   Columbia Clear Lake Regional Medical Center

Columbia Ambulatory Surgery Division, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Columbia BVMC, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (College Station, TX)
   Columbia Medical Center (College Station, TX)

Columbia Central Group, Inc.

Columbia Central Texas Division, Inc.

Columbia Central Verification Services, Inc.

Columbia Champions Treatment Center, Inc.
   Columbia Champions Treatment Center

Columbia GP of Mesquite, Inc.

Columbia Greater Houston Division, Inc.
   Greater Houston Division Creative Services

Columbia Greater Houston Division Healthcare Network, Inc.
   Columbia Healthcare Network (Houston)

Columbia Hospital Corporation at the Medical Center

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Arlington

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Bay Area

Columbia Hospital Corporation of Corpus Christi
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Columbia Hospital Securities Corporation

Columbia Lone Star/Arkansas Division, Inc.

Columbia Medical Center of Las Colinas, Inc.
   Columbia Medical Center of Las Colinas

Columbia North Texas Division, Inc.

Columbia Northwest Medical Center, Inc.

Columbia Patient Account Services, Inc.

Columbia Psychiatric Management Co.

Columbia South Texas Division, Inc.

Columbia Specialty Hospitals, Inc.

Columbia Surgery Group, Inc.

Columbia-Quantum, Inc.

Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation of Central Texas
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------ 

Columbia/HCA Heartcare of Corpus Christi, Inc.

Columbia/HCA International Group, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of Houston, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of North Texas, Inc.

Columbia/HCA of San Angelo, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare West Texas
   Columbia Medical Center of San Angelo

Columbia/HCA Western Group, Inc.

Conroe Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Conroe Regional Medical Center

Coronado Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Amarillo
   Columbia Homecare Borger
   Columbia Homecare Childress
   Columbia Homecare Clarendon
   Columbia Homecare Dalhart
   Columbia Homecare Dumas
   Columbia Homecare Lubbock
   Columbia Homecare Pampa
   Columbia Medical Center of Pampa
   Coronado Health Network
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------  

Credentialing Center of South Texas, Inc.

DFW Physician Services Corporation
   Columbia Practice Management Services (DFW)

Doctors Hospital (Conroe), Inc.

El Paso Nurses Unlimited, Inc.
   Nurses Unlimited of El Paso

El Paso Pathology Group, P.A.

El Paso Surgicenter, Inc.
   Columbia Surgical Center of El Paso

Endoscopy Clinic of Dallas, Inc.

EPIC Properties, Inc.

EyeCare Providers of America, Inc.

Fort Worth Investments, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------ 

Galen Hospital of Baytown, Inc.

Galen Hospitals of Texas, Inc.
   Central Home Health Care
   Columbia Dunwoody Medical Center
   Columbia Home Health Services
   Columbia Homecare (Dallas, TX)
   Well Health Center

Greater Houston Emergency Services, Inc.

Greater Houston Preferred Provider Option, Inc.
   Greater Houston PPO

Gulf Coast Provider Network, Inc.

HCA Health Services of Texas, Inc.
   HCA Alliance Airport Clinic
   McAllen Regional Imaging Center
   Med Alliance

HCA Plano Imaging, Inc.

HEI Construction, Inc.

HEI Orange, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------ 

HEI Publishing, Inc.

HEI Sealy, Inc.

Houston Northwest Surgical Partners, Inc.

HTI Gulf Coast, Inc.

KPH-Consolidation, Inc.
   Columbia Kingwood Homecare
   Columbia Kingwood Medical Center

Longview Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Regional Medical Center
   Gilmer Home Care
   Home Health Care
   Longview Regional Medical Center

Longview Regional Physician Hospital Organization, Inc.

Mansfield Hospital, Inc.

Med Plus of El Paso, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Med-Center Hosp./Houston, Inc.

Medical Center Healthcare Alliance, Inc.

Medical City Dallas Hospital, Inc.
   Arlington Clinic
   CareOne [Dallas & Hurst, TX]
   Columbia Children's Hospital at Medical City Dallas
   Columbia Homecare Dallas [Corsicana, Duncanville, Lancaster, Richardson TX]
   Comfort Health Care Services
   Las Colinas Clinic

MediPurchase, Inc.

Metroplex Surgicenters, Inc.

MGH Medical, Inc.
   Metropolitan Transitional Care Unit

MHS Surgery Centers, L.L.C.

Mid-Cities Surgi-Center, Inc.

Midway Park Health Network, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------  

Navarro Memorial Hospital, Inc.
   Cedar Creek Medical Associates
   Kerens Clinic

Northeast PHO, Inc.

Paragon of Texas Health Properties, Inc.

Paragon Physicians Hospital Organization of South Texas, Inc.

Paragon Surgery Centers of Texas, Inc.

Pasadena Bayshore Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Bayshore Medical Center

Piney Woods Holdings, Inc.

Qualitycare Network of Greater Houston, Inc.

Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Inc.

Rio Grande Regional Investments, Inc.

Rosewood Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Rosewood Medical Center
   MRI Southwest
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

S.A. Medical Center, Inc.
   CareOne [Austin, Lockhart, Marble Falls TX]

San Antonio Regional Hospital, Inc.

Silsbee Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Jasper)
   Columbia Homecare (Silsbee)
   Silsbee Doctors Hospital

South Texas Surgicare, Inc.

Southwest Houston Surgicare, Inc.

Spring Branch Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Spring Branch Medical Center
   Sam Houston Memorial Hospital

Sun Towers/Vista Hills Holding Co.

Sunbelt Regional Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia East Houston Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare East Houston Medical Center
   Personal Care Home Health
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Surgical Center of Dallas, Inc.

Surgical Center of Irving, Inc.

Surgical Center of Wichita Falls, Inc.

Surgicare of Amarillo, Inc.

Surgicare of Central San Antonio, Inc.

Surgicare of Gramercy, Inc.

Surgicare of North San Antonio, Inc.

Surgicare of Northeast San Antonio, Inc.

Surgicare of Round Rock, Inc.

Surgicare of Sherman, Inc.

Surgicare of Southeast Texas, Inc.

Surgicare of Travis Center, Inc.
   Columbia Travis Centre Outpatient Surgery

Surgicare of Victoria, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Texas Medical Technologies, Inc.

Texas Outpatient Surgicare Center, Inc.

Texas Psychiatric Company, Inc.

The West Texas Division of Columbia, Inc.

Victoria Hospital Corporation
   Columbia DeTar Hospital
   Columbia Homecare
   Columbia Homecare DeTar [Cuero, Goliad, Halletsville, Kennedy, Refugio,
     Victoria TX]

Village Oaks Medical Center, Inc.

W & C Hospital, Inc.
   The Woman's Place

Waco Hospital Corp.
<PAGE>
 
                                  TEXAS (Cont)
                                  ------------

Waco Outpatient Surgical Center, Inc.

West Houston ASC, Inc.

West Houston Outpatient Medical Facility, Inc.

West Houston Surgicare, Inc.
   Columbia West Houston Surgicare

Wharton Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Gulf Coast Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare
   Columbia Homecare Gulf Coast
   Columbia Hospice Gulf Coast
   El Campo Memorial Hospital
   Prenatal Health Center of El Campo
   South Texas Rural Health Clinic

WHMC, Inc.
   West Houston Medical Center

Woman's Hospital of Texas, Incorporated
   Columbia Woman's Hospital of Texas
   Metropolitan Home Health

Woodland Heights General Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Diagnostic Center
   Columbia Health Center of Wells
   Columbia Sports and Rehabilitation Center
   Columbia Woodland Heights Health Center of Livingston
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED KINGDOM
                                 --------------

Columbia Healthcare Limited
   London Laboratory, MDL
   Princess Grace Hospital
   The Harley Street Clinic
   The Portland Hospital for Women and Children
   The Wellington Day Surgery Center
   The Wellington Hospital

Columbia Staffing Limited

Columbia U.K. Finance Limited

Columbia U.K. Holdings Limited

Columbia U.K. Investments Limited

Harley Street Leasing Limited

The London Comprehensive Cancer Center Limited

The Wellington Private Hospital Limited
<PAGE>
 
                                      UTAH
                                      ----

Brigham City Community Hospital, Inc.
   Brigham City Community Hospital

Brigham City Health Plan, Inc.

Castleview Hospital, Inc.
   Castleview Hospital

Columbia Home Care Services of Utah, Inc.

Columbia Mountain Division, Inc.

Columbia Ogden Medical Center, Inc.
   Columbia Ogden Regional Medical Center

Columbia Utah Division, Inc.

Eastern Utah Health Plan, Inc.

General Hospitals of Galen, Inc.
   Cartersville Medical Center
   Creekside Home Care of Northern Utah
   Davis Hospital and Medical Center
   Peachtree Health and Fitness Center
   Peachtree Regional Hospital

Healthcare of Central Utah, Inc.

Healthtrust Utah Management Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  UTAH (Cont)
                                  -----------

Hospital Corporation of Utah
   Bountiful Laundry
   Lakeview Hospital

HTI - Managed Care of Utah, Inc.

HTI Homemed of Utah, Inc.
   InfusaMed

HTI of Utah, Inc.
   Ashley Valley Medical Center

HTI Physician Services of Utah, Inc.

HTI Utah Data Corporation

Lakeview Health Plan, Inc.

Medical Services of Salt Lake City, Inc.

MHHE Corporation
   MEDICO

Mountain View Health Plan, Inc.

Mountain View Hospital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                  UTAH (Cont)
                                  -----------

Northern Utah Healthcare Corporation
   Columbia Homecare
   Columbia St. Mark's Hospital

Ogden Regional Health Plan, Inc.

Paracelsus Davis Hospital, Inc.

Pioneer Valley Health Plan, Inc.

Pioneer Valley Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Jefferson Medical Center
   Halstead Hospital
   Pioneer Valley Hospital

Premier Medical Network, Inc.

Salt Lake City Surgicare, Inc.

Southridge Professional Plaza, L.L.C.

St. Mark's Investments, Inc.

St. Mark's Physicians, Inc.

West Jordan Hospital Corporation
   Columbia Northridge Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                    VIRGINIA
                                    --------

Ambulatory Services Management Corp. of Chesterfield County, Inc.

Ashburn Medical Center
   Columbia Primary Care Associates, Ltd.

Behavioral Health of Virginia Corporation

Chicago Medical School Hospital, Inc.

Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, Inc.
   Amelia Healthcare Clinic
   Columbia Chippenham Medical Center
   Columbia Homecare Central Virginia
   Columbia Johnston-Willis Hospital
   Tucker Pavilion (Div of Chippenham Hospital)

Columbia Arlington Healthcare System, LLC
   Arlington Hospital
   Columbia Dominion Hospital
   Columbia Fairfax Imaging
   Columbia Fairfax Surgical Center
   Columbia Reston Hospital Center

Columbia Central Atlantic Division, Inc.

Columbia Healthcare of Central Virginia
   Bon Air Family Practice
   Columbia Practice Services
   Columbia Primary Care
   Medical Office Services
   Richmond Specialty Group
   South Richmond Family Physicians
<PAGE>
 
                                VIRGINIA (Cont)
                                ---------------

Columbia Home Therapies of Virginia, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare (Richmond Virginia)

Columbia Medical Group - Southwest Virginia

Columbia Pentagon City Hospital, L.L.C.
   Columbia Pentagon City Hospital

Columbia Physicians Services, Inc.

Columbia Primary Care Associates, Ltd.
   Associates in Medicine - Burke
   Associates in Medicine - Carlin Springs
   Associates in Medicine - Centerville
   Associates in Medicine - Fairfax
   Associates in Medicine - Fairlington
   Associates in Medicine - Falls Church
   Associates in Medicine - Falls Church East
   Associates in Medicine - Merrifield
   Associates in Medicine - Reston
   Associates in Medicine - Vienna
   Purceville Medical Center
   Purceville Urgent Care
   Reston Town Center Internal Medicine
   Tysons Corner Medical Center
   Tysons Pediatrics
   Union Mill Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                VIRGINIA (Cont)
                                ---------------

Columbia Richmond Division, Inc.

Columbia South Little Rock, Inc.

Columbia/Alleghany Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Alleghany Healthcare Services
   Columbia Alleghany Regional Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Alleghany Regional Hospital

Columbia/HCA John Randolph, Inc.
   Columbia John Randolph Medical Center River Bend
   Columbia John Randolph Medical Center

Columbia/HCA Retreat Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Retreat Hospital

Galen of Virginia

Galen Virginia Hospital Corporation

Galen-Med, Inc.
   Columbia Clinch Valley Medical Center
   Columbia Home Care Clinch Valley
   Columbia Lakeland Homecare
   Columbia Lakeland Medical Center
<PAGE>
 
                                VIRGINIA (Cont)
                                ---------------

HCA Health Services of Virginia, Inc.
   COLUMBIA Homecare Northern Virginia
   Greater Richmond Physician Referral Service
   HCA Chester Office
   Henrico Doctors Hospital
   Lewis-Gale Psychiatric Office
   Petersburg Psychiatric Hospital
   Reston Town Center Pediatrics

Imaging and Surgery Centers Of Virginia, Inc.

Insight Clinic Services, LC

Lewis-Gale Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Lewis-Gale Medical Center
   Columbia Lewis-Gale Medical Center

Management Services of the Virginias, Inc.

Montgomery Regional Hospital, Inc.
   Blue Ridge Health Clinic
   Columbia Homecare Montgomery Regional Hospital
   Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital

MOS Temps, Inc.

New River Healthcare Plan, Inc.

NOCO, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                VIRGINIA (Cont)
                                ---------------

Northern Virginia Hospital Corporation

Poplar Springs Holding Company, Inc.

Preferred Care of Richmond, Inc.

Preferred Hospitals, Inc.

Primary Health Group, Inc.

Pulaski Community Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia Homecare Pulaski Community Hospital
   Columbia Pulaski Community Hospital

Reston Oncology Center Associates, Inc.

Richmond Medical Commons, LLC

Richmond West End Real Estate, Inc.

Skipfor, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                VIRGINIA (Cont)
                                ---------------

Surgicare of Virginia, Inc.

United Ambulance Service, Inc.

Virginia Psychiatric Company, Inc.
   Barcroft Institute
   Columbia Peninsula Center for Behavioral Health
   Peninsula Hospital
   Perspectives Health Services of Canada
   Poplar Springs Hospital
<PAGE>
 
                                   WASHINGTON
                                   ----------
ACH, Inc.

Capital Network Services, Inc.

Olympia Hospital Corporation

Rainier Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                 WEST VIRGINIA
                                 -------------

Charleston Hospital, Inc.
   Columbia St. Francis Hospital
   St. Francis Health Clinic

Columbia Parkersburg Healthcare System, Inc.

Galen of West Virginia, Inc.
   Columbia Home Infusion Services
   Columbia Homecare (Bluefield, WVA)
   Columbia St. Lukes Hospital
   Galen Shared Services
   Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

HCA Health Services of West Virginia, Inc.

Hospital Corporation of America

Raleigh General Hospital
   All Care Medical Supply
   Beckley Hospital
   Columbia Homecare Raleigh General Hospital
   Columbia Raleigh General Hospital
   Extend-A-Care

Teays Valley Health Services Corp.
   Putnam General Hospital

Tri Cities Health Services Corp.
   Columbia River Park Hospital (WVA)
<PAGE>
 
                              WEST VIRGINIA (Cont)
                              --------------------
                                        
West Virginia Management Services Organization, Inc.
   Columbia Behavioral Health Network
   Physicians Care of The Virginias

West Virginia Mobile Services, Inc.
   West Virginia Mobile Services

Zone, Incorporated
<PAGE>
 
                                   WISCONSIN
                                   ---------
Psychiatric Company of Dane County, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                    WYOMING
                                    -------
Riverton MSO, Inc.

Wyoming Health Services, Inc.
   Columbia Riverton Memorial Hospital

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on 
Forms S-3 (File Nos. 333-05005, 333-01337, 33-64105, 33-53661, 33-53409, 
33-52379, and 33-50985) and Forms S-8 (File Nos. 333-18169, 33-62309, 33-62303,
33-55511, 33-55509, 33-55272, 33-55270, 33-52253, 33-51114, 33-51082, 33-51052,
33-50151, 33-50147, 33-49783, 33-36571, and 333-33881) of our report dated
February 12, 1998 (except for NOTE 21, as to which the date is February 20,
1998) with respect to the consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
March 25, 1998


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND BALANCE SHEET AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                             110
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    4,183
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,661
<INVENTORY>                                        452
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 4,423
<PP&E>                                          16,254
<DEPRECIATION>                                   6,024
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  22,002
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,773
<BONDS>                                          9,276
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             6
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,244
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    22,002
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                18,819
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   10,353
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 4,263
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,420
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 493
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    388
<INCOME-TAX>                                       206
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                182
<DISCONTINUED>                                    (431)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                          (56)
<NET-INCOME>                                      (305)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.46<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.46<F2>
<FN>
<F1>EPS-BASIC PER SFAS NO. 128
<F2>EPS-DILUTED PER SFAS NO. 128
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND BALANCE SHEET AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997             JUN-30-1997             MAR-31-1997             DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                              28                     109                      17                     113
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    4,458                   4,444                   4,374                   4,222
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,569                   1,467                   1,393                   1,380
<INVENTORY>                                        458                     453                     440                     438
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 4,359                   4,488                   4,306                   4,199
<PP&E>                                          16,500                  16,094                  15,696                  15,687
<DEPRECIATION>                                   5,894                   5,634                   5,395                   5,314
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  23,123                  21,781                  21,277                  21,116
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,643                   2,530                   2,764                   2,810
<BONDS>                                          8,693                   7,381                   6,441                   6,781
                                0                       0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                             7                       7                       7                       7
<OTHER-SE>                                       8,864                   8,794                   9,043                   8,602
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    23,123                  21,781                  21,277                  21,116
<SALES>                                              0                       0                       0                       0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                14,445                   9,833                   4,988                  18,786
<CGS>                                                0                       0                       0                       0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    7,631                   5,083                   2,575                   9,860
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 2,928                   1,905                     962                   3,689
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   976                     607                     297                   1,196
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 361                     236                     113                     488
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,553                   1,403                     760                   2,442
<INCOME-TAX>                                       622                     563                     305                     981
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                931                     840                     455                   1,461
<DISCONTINUED>                                      57                      51                      24                      44
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                          (56)                    (56)                    (56)                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                       932                     835                     423                   1,505
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.41<F1>                1.25<F1>                0.63<F1>                2.24<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.40<F2>                1.24<F2>                0.62<F2>                2.22<F2>
<FN>
<F1>EPS-Basic Per SFAS No. 128
<F2>EPS-Diluted Per SFAS No. 128
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FORM THE
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND BALANCE SHEET AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996             JUN-30-1996             MAR-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                              10                      12                     105                     232
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,958                   3,957                   3,941                   3,436
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,328                   1,305                   1,287                     895
<INVENTORY>                                        429                     428                     414                     404
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 3,896                   3,978                   3,968                   4,059
<PP&E>                                          15,495                  15,229                  14,744                  14,299
<DEPRECIATION>                                   5,191                   4,994                   4,755                   4,560
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  20,552                  20,510                  20,107                  19,805
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,569                   2,358                   2,554                   2,650
<BONDS>                                          6,859                   7,334                   7,287                   7,137
                                0                       0                       0                       4
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                             7                       4                       4                       0
<OTHER-SE>                                       8,208                   7,896                   7,575                   7,125
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    20,552                  20,510                  20,107                  19,805
<SALES>                                              0                       0                       0                       0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                13,969                   9,364                   4,693                  17,132
<CGS>                                                0                       0                       0                       0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    7,404                   4,963                   2,492                   9,315
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 2,738                   1,799                     877                   3,203
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   865                     554                     270                     994
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 371                     252                     129                     458
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,774                   1,276                     674                   1,714
<INCOME-TAX>                                       711                     512                     271                     689
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,063                     764                     403                   1,025
<DISCONTINUED>                                      28                      16                      13                      39
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0                   (103)
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,091                     780                     416                     961
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.63<F1>                1.16<F1>                 .62<F1>                1.44<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.61<F2>                1.15<F2>                 .61<F2>                1.43<F2>
<FN>
<F1>EPS - Basic Per SFAS No. 128
<F2>EPS - Diluted Per SFAS No. 128
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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