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Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the MCA 401(k) Plan of HCA - The Healthcare Company of our
report dated February 11, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of HCA - The Healthcare Company (formerly Columbia/HCA Healthcare
Corporation) included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
October 18, 2000
Nashville, Tennessee
