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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 Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Salary Deferral
Plan/401(k), Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Stock Bonus Plan, HCA 401(k)
Plan, Healthtrust, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Program, EPIC Healthcare Group, Inc.
Profit Sharing Plan and 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
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November 29, 2000
Nashville, Tennessee
