Tenet Healthcare (THC) 10-K 24 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Address, Address Line One	14201 Dallas Parkway
Entity Registrant Name	TENET HEALTHCARE CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Central Index Key	0000070318
Document Type	10-K
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1.2
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		104,288,796
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Tax Identification Number	95-2557091
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7293
Entity Address, City or Town	Dallas
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75254
City Area Code	469
Local Phone Number	893-2200
Common Stock | New York Stock Exchange
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock,
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Trading Symbol	THC
6.875% Senior Notes due 2031 | New York Stock Exchange
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	6.875% Senior Notes due 2031
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Trading Symbol	THC31

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262	$ 411
Accounts receivable	2,743	2,595
Inventories of supplies, at cost	310	305
Income tax receivable	10	21
Assets held for sale	387	107
Other current assets	1,369	1,197
Total current assets	5,081	4,636
Investments and other assets	2,369	1,456
Deferred income taxes	169	312
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($5,498 at December 31, 2019 and $5,221 at December 31, 2018)	6,878
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($5,498 at December 31, 2019 and $5,221 at December 31, 2018)		6,993
Goodwill	7,252	7,281
Other intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization ($1,092 at December 31, 2019 and $1,013 at December 31, 2018)	1,602	1,731
Total assets	23,351	22,409
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	171	182
Accounts payable	1,204	1,207
Accrued compensation and benefits	877	838
Professional and general liability reserves	330	216
Accrued interest payable	245	240
Liabilities held for sale	44	43
Other current liabilities	1,334	1,131
Total current liabilities	4,205	3,857
Long-term debt, net of current portion	14,580	14,644
Professional and general liability reserves	585	666
Defined benefit plan obligations	560	521
Deferred income taxes	27	36
Other long-term liabilities	1,405	578
Total liabilities	21,362	20,302
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	1,506	1,420
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.05 par value; authorized 262,500,000 shares; 152,540,815 shares issued at December 31, 2019 and 150,897,143 shares issued at December 31, 2018	7	7
Additional paid-in capital	4,760	4,747
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(257)	(223)
Accumulated deficit	(2,467)	(2,236)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 48,344,195 shares at December 31, 2019 and 48,359,705 shares at December 31, 2018	(2,414)	(2,414)
Total shareholders’ deficit	(371)	(119)
Noncontrolling interests	854	806
Total equity	483	687
Total liabilities and equity	$ 23,351	$ 22,409

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 5,498	$ 5,221
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 1,092	$ 1,013
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.05
Common stock, number of shares authorized (in shares)	262,500,000	262,500,000
Common stock, number of shares issued (in shares)	152,540,815	150,897,143
Common stock, number of shares held in treasury (in shares)	48,344,195	48,359,705

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts			$ 20,613
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,434
Net operating revenues	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	19,179
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	175	150	144
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	8,704	8,634	9,274
Supplies	3,057	3,004	3,085
Other operating expenses, net	4,189	4,256	4,561
Depreciation and amortization	850	802	870
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	185	209	541
Litigation and investigation costs	141	38	23
Net losses (gains) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities	15	(127)	(144)
Operating income	1,513	1,647	1,113
Interest expense	(985)	(1,004)	(1,028)
Other non-operating expense, net	(5)	(5)	(22)
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt	(227)	1	(164)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	296	639	(101)
Income tax expense	(153)	(176)	(219)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before discontinued operations	143	463	(320)
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations	15	4	0
Income tax expense	(4)	(1)	0
Income from discontinued operations	11	3	0
Net income (loss)	154	466	(320)
Less: Net income available to noncontrolling interests	386	355	384
Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	(232)	111	(704)
Amounts available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(243)	108	(704)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	11	3	0
Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$ (232)	$ 111	$ (704)
Basic
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ (2.35)	$ 1.06	$ (7)
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.11	0.03	0
Total loss per share, Basic (in usd per share)	(2.24)	1.09	(7)
Diluted
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	(2.35)	1.04	(7)
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.11	0.03	0
Total loss per share, Diluted (in usd per share)	$ (2.24)	$ 1.07	$ (7)
Weighted average shares and dilutive securities outstanding (in thousands):
Basic (in shares)	103,398	102,110	100,592
Diluted (in shares)	103,398	103,881	100,592

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 154	$ 466	$ (320)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustments for defined benefit plans	(52)	(29)	42
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in other non-operating expense, net	10	14	14
Unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities held as available-for-sale	0	0	6
Sale of foreign subsidiary	0	37	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	(4)	15
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	(42)	18	77
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	8	6	(23)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(34)	24	54
Comprehensive net income (loss)	120	490	(266)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	386	355	384
Comprehensive income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$ (266)	$ 135	$ (650)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		99,686
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,082	$ 7	$ 4,827	$ (258)	$ (1,742)	$ (2,417)	$ 665
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(559)				(704)		145
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(123)						(123)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	54			54
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(33)		(33)
Purchases (sales) of businesses and noncontrolling interests	3		4				(1)
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock (in shares)		1,286
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock	59		61			(2)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		100,972
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	539	$ 7	4,859	(204)	(2,390)	(2,419)	686
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	276				111		165
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(148)						(148)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	24			24
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(173)		(173)
Purchases (sales) of businesses and noncontrolling interests	106		3				103
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock (in shares)		1,565
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock	63		58			5
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		102,537
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	687	$ 7	4,747	(223)	(2,236)	(2,414)	806
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(38)				(232)		194
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(162)						(162)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(34)			(34)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(18)		(18)
Purchases (sales) of businesses and noncontrolling interests	9		(7)				16
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock (in shares)		1,660
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit and issuance of common stock	38		38
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		104,197
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 483	$ 7	$ 4,760	$ (257)	$ (2,467)	$ (2,414)	$ 854

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 154	$ 466	$ (320)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	850	802	870
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,434
Deferred income tax expense	137	150	200
Stock-based compensation expense	42	46	59
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	185	209	541
Litigation and investigation costs	141	38	23
Net losses (gains) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities	15	(127)	(144)
Loss (gain) from early extinguishment of debt	227	(1)	164
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions received	(32)	(12)	(18)
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	35	45	44
Pre-tax income from discontinued operations	(15)	(4)	0
Other items, net	(15)	(21)	(18)
Changes in cash from operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(247)	(134)	(1,448)
Inventories and other current assets	(94)	17	(35)
Income taxes	8	(3)	(38)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	36	(152)	(10)
Other long-term liabilities	3	(102)	26
Payments for restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs, and litigation costs and settlements	(192)	(163)	(125)
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations, excluding income taxes	(5)	(5)	(5)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,233	1,049	1,200
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment — continuing operations	(670)	(617)	(707)
Purchases of businesses or joint venture interests, net of cash acquired	(25)	(113)	(50)
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets — continuing operations	63	543	827
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets — discontinued operations	17	0	0
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities, long-term investments and other assets	82	199	36
Purchases of marketable securities and equity investments	(62)	(148)	(81)
Other long-term assets	(24)	15	(10)
Other items, net	0	6	6
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(619)	(115)	21
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of borrowings under credit facility	(2,640)	(950)	(970)
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility	2,640	950	970
Repayments of other borrowings	(6,131)	(312)	(4,139)
Proceeds from other borrowings	5,719	23	3,795
Debt issuance costs	(70)	0	(62)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(307)	(288)	(258)
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interests	21	20	31
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	(11)	(647)	(729)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	12	16	7
Other items, net	4	54	29
Net cash used in financing activities	(763)	(1,134)	(1,326)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(149)	(200)	(105)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	411	611	716
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	262	411	611
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	(946)	(976)	(939)
Income tax payments, net	$ (12)	$ (25)	$ (56)

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business Tenet Healthcare Corporation (together with our subsidiaries, referred to herein as “Tenet,” “we” or “us”) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Through an expansive care network that includes USPI Holding Company, Inc. (“USPI”), at December 31, 2019 , we operated 65 hospitals and over 500 other healthcare facilities, including surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care and imaging centers, and other care sites and clinics. We hold noncontrolling interests in 109 of these facilities, which are recorded using the equity method of accounting. We also operate Conifer Health Solutions, through our Conifer Holdings, Inc. (“Conifer”) subsidiary, which provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers and other customers . Effective June 16, 2015, we completed a transaction that combined our freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging center assets with the surgical facility assets of United Surgical Partners International, Inc. into our joint venture, USPI. In April 2016, we paid $127 million to purchase additional shares, which increased our ownership interest in USPI from 50.1% to approximately 56.3% . In July 2017, we paid $716 million for the purchase of additional shares and the final adjustment to the 2016 purchase price, which increased our ownership interest in USPI to 80.0% . In April 2018, we paid approximately $630 million for the purchase of an additional 15% ownership interest in USPI and the final adjustment to the 2017 purchase price, which increased our ownership interest in USPI to 95% . Basis of Presentation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tenet and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation, and we include the results of operations of businesses that are newly acquired in purchase transactions from their dates of acquisition. We account for significant investments in other affiliated companies using the equity method. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial and statistical data included in these notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our continuing operations, with dollar amounts expressed in millions (except per-share amounts). Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption. Our financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2019 were not modified for the application of the new lease accounting standard. The main difference between the guidance in ASU 2016-02 and previous accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we recorded $822 million of right-of-use assets, net of deferred rent, associated with operating leases in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, $147 million of current liabilities associated with operating leases in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet and $715 million of long-term liabilities associated with operating leases in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. We also recognized $1 million of cumulative effect adjustment that decreased accumulated deficit at January 1, 2019. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the FASB ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) using a modified retrospective method of application to all contracts existing on January 1, 2018. The core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 resulted in changes to our presentation and disclosure of revenue primarily related to uninsured or underinsured patients. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, a significant portion of our provision for doubtful accounts related to uninsured patients, as well as co-pays, co-insurance amounts and deductibles owed to us by patients with insurance. Under ASU 2014-09, the estimated uncollectable amounts due from these patients are generally considered implicit price concessions that are a direct reduction to net operating revenues, with a corresponding material reduction in the amounts presented separately as provision for doubtful accounts. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded approximately $1.422 billion of implicit price concessions as a direct reduction of net operating revenues that would have been recorded as provision for doubtful accounts prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. At January 1, 2018, we reclassified $171 million of revenues related to patients who were still receiving inpatient care in our facilities at that date from accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, to contract assets, which are included in other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 also resulted in changes to our presentation and disclosure of customer contract assets and liabilities and the assessment of variable consideration under customer contracts, which are further discussed in Note 4. Also effective January 1, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” (“ASU 2018-02”), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) and requires certain disclosures about stranded income tax effects. We applied the amendments in ASU 2018-02 in the period of adoption, resulting in a reclassification that decreased accumulated deficit and increased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $36 million of stranded income tax effects in the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) effective January 1, 2018, which supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (that is, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities (including other ownership interests, such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to decrease accumulated deficit by $7 million for unrealized gains on equity securities. Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. In our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, electronic health record incentives have been reclassified to other operating expenses, net, as they are no longer significant enough to present separately. In our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, purchases of marketable securities have been reclassified from other items, net within cash flows from investing activities to purchases of marketable securities and equity investments. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and these accompanying notes. We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates we use. In general, we base the estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable given the particular circumstances in which we operate. Although we believe all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, actual results may vary from those estimates. Financial and statistical information we report to other regulatory agencies may be prepared on a basis other than GAAP or using different assumptions or reporting periods and, therefore, may vary from amounts presented herein. Although we make every effort to ensure that the information we report to those agencies is accurate, complete and consistent with applicable reporting guidelines, we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information they make available to the public. Translation of Foreign Currencies During the year ended December 31, 2019, we formed our Global Business Center (“GBC”) in the Republic of the Philippines. The GBC’s accounts are measured in its local currency (the Philippine peso) and then translated into U.S. dollars. We divested European Surgical Partners Limited (“Aspen”) in August 2018; prior to that time, Aspen’s accounts were measured in its local currency (the pound sterling) and then translated into U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated using the current rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Results of operations denominated in foreign currency are translated using the average rates prevailing throughout the period of operations. Translation gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates are accumulated in shareholders’ equity. Net Operating Revenues ASU 2014-09 was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue, to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue recognition requirements, and to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues. Our adoption of ASU 2014-09 was accomplished using a modified retrospective method of application, and our accounting policies related to revenues were revised accordingly effective January 1, 2018, as discussed below. We recognize net operating revenues in the period in which we satisfy our performance obligations under contracts by transferring services to our customers. Net operating revenues are recognized in the amounts we expect to be entitled to, which are the transaction prices allocated for the distinct services. Net operating revenues for our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments primarily consist of net patient service revenues, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact with Uninsured Patients (“ Compact ”) and other uninsured discount and charity programs. Net operating revenues for our Conifer segment primarily consist of revenues from providing revenue cycle management services to healthcare systems, as well as individual hospitals, physician practices, self-insured organizations, health plans and other entities. Net Patient Service Revenues— We report net patient service revenues at the amounts that reflect the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from patients, third-party payers (including managed care payers and government programs) and others, and they include variable consideration for retroactive revenue adjustments due to settlement of audits, reviews and investigations. Generally, we bill our patients and third-party payers several days after the services are performed or shortly after discharge. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. We determine performance obligations based on the nature of the services we provide. We recognize revenues for performance obligations satisfied over time based on actual charges incurred in relation to total expected charges. We believe that this method provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services over the term of performance obligations based on the inputs needed to satisfy the obligations. Generally, performance obligations satisfied over time relate to patients in our hospitals receiving inpatient acute care services. We measure performance obligations from admission to the point when there are no further services required for the patient, which is generally the time of discharge. We recognize revenues for performance obligations satisfied at a point in time, which generally relate to patients receiving outpatient services, when: (1) services are provided; and (2) we do not believe the patient requires additional services. Because our patient service performance obligations relate to contracts with a duration of less than one year, we have elected to apply the optional exemption provided in ASC 606-10-50-14(a) and, therefore, we are not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations referred to above are primarily related to inpatient acute care services at the end of the reporting period. The performance obligations for these contracts are generally completed when the patients are discharged, which generally occurs within days or weeks of the end of the reporting period. We determine the transaction price based on gross charges for services provided, reduced by contractual adjustments provided to third-party payers, discounts provided to uninsured patients in accordance with our Compact , and implicit price concessions provided primarily to uninsured patients. We determine our estimates of contractual adjustments and discounts based on contractual agreements, our discount policies and historical experience. We determine our estimate of implicit price concessions based on our historical collection experience with these classes of patients using a portfolio approach as a practical expedient to account for patient contracts as collective groups rather than individually. The financial statement effects of using this practical expedient are not materially different from an individual contract approach. Gross charges are retail charges. They are not the same as actual pricing, and they generally do not reflect what a hospital is ultimately paid and, therefore, are not displayed in our consolidated statements of operations. Hospitals are typically paid amounts that are negotiated with insurance companies or are set by the government. Gross charges are used to calculate Medicare outlier payments and to determine certain elements of payment under managed care contracts (such as stop-loss payments). Because Medicare requires that a hospital’s gross charges be the same for all patients (regardless of payer category), gross charges are what hospitals charge all patients prior to the application of discounts and allowances. Revenues under the traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid programs are based primarily on prospective payment systems. Retrospectively determined cost-based revenues under these programs, which were more prevalent in earlier periods, and certain other payments, such as Indirect Medical Education, Direct Graduate Medical Education, disproportionate share hospital and bad debt expense reimbursement, which are based on our hospitals’ cost reports, are estimated using historical trends and current factors. Cost report settlements under these programs are subject to audit by Medicare and Medicaid auditors and administrative and judicial review, and it can take several years until final settlement of such matters is determined and completely resolved. Because the laws, regulations, instructions and rule interpretations governing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement are complex and change frequently, the estimates we record could change by material amounts. We have a system and estimation process for recording Medicare net patient service revenue and estimated cost report settlements. As a result, we record accruals to reflect the expected final settlements on our cost reports. For filed cost reports, we record the accrual based on those cost reports and subsequent activity, and record a valuation allowance against those cost reports based on historical settlement trends. The accrual for periods for which a cost report is yet to be filed is recorded based on estimates of what we expect to report on the filed cost reports, and a corresponding valuation allowance is recorded as previously described. Cost reports generally must be filed within five months after the end of the annual cost reporting period. After the cost report is filed, the accrual and corresponding valuation allowance may need to be adjusted. Settlements with third-party payers for retroactive revenue adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care using the most likely outcome method. These settlements are estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement with the payer, correspondence from the payer and our historical settlement activity, including an assessment to ensure that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the retroactive adjustment is subsequently resolved. Estimated settlements are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known (that is, new information becomes available), or as years are settled or are no longer subject to such audits, reviews and investigations. Revenues under managed care plans are based primarily on payment terms involving predetermined rates per diagnosis, per-diem rates, discounted fee-for-service rates and/or other similar contractual arrangements. These revenues are also subject to review and possible audit by the payers, which can take several years before they are completely resolved. The payers are billed for patient services on an individual patient basis. An individual patient’s bill is subject to adjustment on a patient-by-patient basis in the ordinary course of business by the payers following their review and adjudication of each particular bill. We estimate the discounts for contractual allowances at the individual hospital level utilizing billing data on an individual patient basis. At the end of each month, on an individual hospital basis, we estimate our expected reimbursement for patients of managed care plans based on the applicable contract terms. Contractual allowance estimates are periodically reviewed for accuracy by taking into consideration known contract terms, as well as payment history. We believe our estimation and review process enables us to identify instances on a timely basis where such estimates need to be revised. We do not believe there were any adjustments to estimates of patient bills that were material to our revenues. In addition, on a corporate-wide basis, we do not record any general provision for adjustments to estimated contractual allowances for managed care plans. Managed care accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through implicit price concessions based on historical collection trends for these payers and other factors that affect the estimation process. We know of no claims, disputes or unsettled matters with any payer that would materially affect our revenues for which we have not adequately provided in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payers are responsible for related co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles, which vary in amount. We also provide services to uninsured patients and offer uninsured patients a discount from standard charges. We estimate the transaction price for patients with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles and for those who are uninsured based on historical collection experience and current market conditions. Under our Compact and other uninsured discount programs, the discount offered to certain uninsured patients is recognized as a contractual allowance, which reduces net operating revenues at the time the self-pay accounts are recorded. The uninsured patient accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value at the time they are recorded through implicit price concessions based on historical collection trends for self-pay accounts and other factors that affect the estimation process. There are various factors that can impact collection trends, such as changes in the economy, which in turn have an impact on unemployment rates and the number of uninsured and underinsured patients, the volume of patients through our emergency departments, the increased burden of co-pays, co-insurance amounts and deductibles to be made by patients with insurance, and business practices related to collection efforts. These factors continuously change and can have an impact on collection trends and our estimation process. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are generally recorded as adjustments to net patient service revenues in the period of the change. We have provided implicit price concessions, primarily to uninsured patients and patients with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. The implicit price concessions included in estimating the transaction price represent the difference between amounts billed to patients and the amounts we expect to collect based on our collection history with similar patients. Although outcomes vary, our policy is to attempt to collect amounts due from patients, including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles due from patients with insurance, at the time of service while complying with all federal and state statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (“EMTALA”). Generally, as required by EMTALA, patients may not be denied emergency treatment due to inability to pay. Therefore, services, including the legally required medical screening examination and stabilization of the patient, are performed without delaying to obtain insurance information. In non-emergency circumstances or for elective procedures and services, it is our policy to verify insurance prior to a patient being treated; however, there are various exceptions that can occur. Such exceptions can include, for example, instances where (1) we are unable to obtain verification because the patient’s insurance company was unable to be reached or contacted, (2) a determination is made that a patient may be eligible for benefits under various government programs, such as Medicaid or Victims of Crime, and it takes several days or weeks before qualification for such benefits is confirmed or denied, and (3) under physician orders we provide services to patients that require immediate treatment. We also provide charity care to patients who are financially unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Most patients who qualify for charity care are charged a per-diem amount for services received, subject to a cap. Except for the per-diem amounts, our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues. Patient advocates from Conifer’s Medical Eligibility Program screen patients in the hospital to determine whether those patients meet eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs. They also expedite the process of applying for these government programs. Conifer Revenues— Our Conifer segment recognizes revenue from its contracts when Conifer’s performance obligations are satisfied, which is generally as services are rendered. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Conifer expects to be entitled. At contract inception, Conifer assesses the services specified in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each distinct contracted service. Conifer identifies the performance obligations and considers all the services provided under the contract. Conifer generally considers the following distinct services as separate performance obligations: • revenue cycle management services; • value-based care services; • patient communication and engagement services; • consulting services; and • other client-defined projects. Conifer’s contracts generally consist of fixed-price, volume-based or contingency-based fees. Conifer’s long-term contracts typically provide for Conifer to deliver recurring monthly services over a multi-year period. The contracts are typically priced such that Conifer’s monthly fee to its customer represents the value obtained by the customer in the month for those services. Such multi-year service contracts may have upfront fees related to transition or integration work performed by Conifer to set up the delivery for the ongoing services. Such transition or integration work typically does not result in a separately identifiable obligation; thus, the fees and expenses related to such work are deferred and recognized over the life of the related contractual service period. Revenue for fixed-priced contracts is typically recognized at the time of billing unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned or Conifer’s obligations are fulfilled in a different pattern. Revenue for volume-based contracts is typically recognized as the services are being performed at the contractually billable rate, which is generally a percentage of collections or a percentage of client net patient revenue. Cash and Cash Equivalents We treat highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were $262 million and $411 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , our book overdrafts were $246 million and $288 million , respectively, which were classified as accounts payable. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , $176 million and $177 million , respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our captive insurance subsidiaries, and $2 million and $8 million , respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our health plan-related businesses. At December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we had $136 million , $135 million and $117 million , respectively, of property and equipment purchases accrued for items received but not yet paid. Of these amounts, $119 million , $114 million and $79 million , respectively, were included in accounts payable. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recorded non-cancellable capital (finance) leases of $141 million , $149 million and $162 million , respectively, primarily for equipment. Investments in Debt and Equity Securities Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we classified investments in debt and equity securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio. We carried securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We reported their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determined that a loss was other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We included realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we classify investments in debt securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio, but these classifications are no longer applicable to equity securities. At December 31, 2019 , we had no significant investments in debt securities classified as either held-to-maturity or trading. We carry debt securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We report their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determine that a loss is other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We carry equity securities at fair value, and we report their unrealized gains and losses in other non-operating expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. We include realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates We control 238 of the facilities within our Ambulatory Care segment and, therefore, consolidate their results. We account for many of the facilities our Ambulatory Care segment operates ( 108 of 346 at December 31, 2019 ), as well as additional companies in which our Hospital Operations and other segment holds ownership interests, under the equity method as investments in unconsolidated affiliates and report only our share of net income as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Summarized financial information for these equity method investees is included in the following table; among the equity method investees are four North Texas hospitals in which we held minority interests and that were operated by our Hospital Operations and other segment through the divestiture of these investments effective March 1, 2018. We recorded a gain of $11 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to the sales of our minority interest in these hospitals. For investments acquired during the reported periods, amounts reflect 100% of the investee’s results beginning on the date of our acquisition of the investment. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 1,180 $ 842 $ 805 Noncurrent assets $ 1,042 $ 662 $ 1,223 Current liabilities $ (372 ) $ (313 ) $ (354 ) Noncurrent liabilities $ (739 ) $ (430 ) $ (389 ) Noncontrolling interests $ (579 ) $ (530 ) $ (490 ) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net operating revenues $ 2,680 $ 2,469 $ 2,907 Net income $ 765 $ 599 $ 558 Net income attributable to the investees $ 499 $ 372 $ 363 Our equity method investment that contributes the most to our equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is Texas Health Ventures Group, LLC (“THVG”), which is operated by USPI. THVG represented $79 million of the total $175 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019 , $70 million of the total $150 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $69 million of the total $144 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Property and Equipment Additions and improvements to property and equipment exceeding established minimum amounts with a useful life greater than one year are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. We use the straight-line method of depreciation for buildings, building improvements and equipment. The estimated useful life for buildings and improvements is primarily 15 to 40 years , and for equipment three to 15 years . Newly constructed hospitals are usually depreciated over 50 years . Interest costs related to construction projects are capitalized. In the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , capitalized interest was $11 million , $7 million and $15 million , respectively. We evaluate our long-lived assets for possible impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related group of assets, may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, we calculate the amount of an impairment if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The fair value of the assets is estimated based on appraisals, established market values of comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows expected to result from the use and ultimate d

EQUITY

EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY Noncontrolling Interests Our noncontrolling interests balances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity were comprised of $114 million and $112 million , respectively, from our Hospital Operations and other segment, and $740 million and $694 million , respectively, from our Ambulatory Care segment. Our net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were comprised of $16 million , $8 million and $11 million , respectively, from our Hospital Operations and other segment, and $178 million , $157 million and $134 million , respectively, from our Ambulatory Care segment.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE The principal components of accounts receivable are shown in the table below: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Continuing operations: Patient accounts receivable $ 2,567 $ 2,427 Estimated future recoveries 162 148 Net cost reports and settlements receivable and valuation allowances 12 18 2,741 2,593 Discontinued operations 2 2 Accounts receivable, net $ 2,743 $ 2,595 Accounts that are pursued for collection through Conifer’s business offices are maintained on our hospitals’ books and reflected in patient accounts receivable. Patient accounts receivable, including billed accounts and certain unbilled accounts, as well as estimated amounts due from third-party payers for retroactive adjustments, are receivables if our right to consideration is unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. Estimated uncollectable amounts are generally considered implicit price concessions that are a direct reduction to patient accounts receivable rather than allowance for doubtful accounts. We had $316 million and $213 million of receivables recorded in other current assets and investments and other assets, respectively, and $115 million and $57 million of payables recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 related to California’s provider fee program. We had $278 million and $231 million of receivables recorded in other current assets and investments and other assets, respectively, and $100 million and $42 million of payables recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018 related to California’s provider fee program. We also provide financial assistance through our charity and uninsured discount programs to uninsured patients who are unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify for financial assistance; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues. Most states include an estimate of the cost of charity care in the determination of a hospital’s eligibility for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (“DSH”) payments. These payments are intended to mitigate our cost of uncompensated care. Some states have also developed provider fee or other supplemental payment programs to mitigate the shortfall of Medicaid reimbursement compared to the cost of caring for Medicaid patients. The following table shows our estimated costs (based on selected operating expenses, which include salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and other operating expenses and which exclude the costs of our health plan businesses) of caring for our uninsured and charity patients in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Estimated costs for: Uninsured patients $ 666 $ 640 $ 648 Charity care patients 156 124 121 Total $ 822 $ 764 $ 769

CONTRACT BALANCES

CONTRACT BALANCES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
CONTRACT BALANCES	CONTRACT BALANCES Hospital Operations and Other Segment Amounts related to services provided to patients for which we have not billed and that do not meet the conditions of unconditional right to payment at the end of the reporting period are contract assets. For our Hospital Operations and other segment, our contract assets consist primarily of services that we have provided to patients who are still receiving inpatient care in our facilities at the end of the reporting period. Our Hospital Operations and other segment’s contract assets are included in other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. The opening and closing balances of contract assets for our Hospital Operations and other segment are as follows: December 31, 2018 $ 169 December 31, 2019 170 Increase/(decrease) $ 1 January 1, 2018 $ 171 December 31, 2018 169 Increase/(decrease) $ (2 ) Approximately 85% of our Hospital Operations and other segment’s contract assets meet the conditions for unconditional right to payment and are reclassified to patient receivables within 90 days. Conifer Segment Conifer enters into contracts with customers to sell revenue cycle management and other services, such as value-based care, consulting and project services. The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts vary. In some cases, customers are invoiced in advance and (for other than fixed-price fee arrangements) a true-up to the actual fee is included on a subsequent invoice. In other cases, payment is due in arrears. In addition, some contracts contain performance incentives, penalties and other forms of variable consideration. When the timing of Conifer’s delivery of services is different from the timing of payments made by the customers, Conifer recognizes either unbilled revenue (performance precedes contractual right to invoice the customer) or deferred revenue (customer payment precedes Conifer service performance). In the following table, customers that prepay prior to obtaining control/benefit of the service are represented by deferred contract revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. Unbilled revenue represents arrangements in which Conifer has provided services to and the customer has obtained control/benefit of services prior to the contractual invoice date. Contracts with payment in arrears are recognized as receivables in the month the service is performed. The opening and closing balances of Conifer’s receivables, contract asset, and current and long-term contract liabilities are as follows: Contract Liability- Contract Liability- Contract Asset- Current Long-Term Receivables Unbilled Revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue December 31, 2018 $ 42 $ 11 $ 61 $ 20 December 31, 2019 26 11 61 18 Increase/(decrease) $ (16 ) $ — $ — $ (2 ) January 1, 2018 $ 89 $ 10 $ 80 $ 21 December 31, 2018 42 11 61 20 Increase/(decrease) $ (47 ) $ 1 $ (19 ) $ (1 ) The difference between the opening and closing balances of Conifer’s contract assets and contract liabilities are primarily related to prepayments for those customers who are billed in advance, changes in estimates related to metric-based services, and up-front integration services that are typically not distinct and are, therefore, recognized over the performance obligation period to which they relate. Our Conifer segment’s receivables and contract assets are reported as part of other current assets in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our Conifer segment’s current and long-term contract liabilities are reported as part of other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of revenue Conifer recognized in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 that was included in the opening current deferred revenue liability was $61 million and $72 million , respectively. This revenue consists primarily of prepayments for those customers who are billed in advance, changes in estimates related to metric-based services, and up-front integration services that are recognized over the services period. Contract Costs We have elected to apply the practical expedient provided by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 340-40-25-4 and expense as incurred the incremental customer contract acquisition costs for contracts in which the amortization period of the asset is one year or less. However, incremental costs incurred to obtain and fulfill customer contracts for which the amortization period of the asset is longer than one year, which consist primarily of Conifer deferred contract setup costs, are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related contract. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recognized amortization expense of $5 million , $11 million and 10 million , respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the unamortized customer contract costs were $25 million and $28 million Net operating revenues for our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments primarily consist of net patient service revenues, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact and other uninsured discount and charity programs. Net operating revenues for our Conifer segment primarily consist of revenues from providing revenue cycle management services to healthcare systems, as well as individual hospitals, physician practices, self-insured organizations, health plans and other entities. The table below shows our sources of net operating revenues less provision for doubtful accounts and implicit price concessions from continuing operations: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Hospital Operations and other: Net patient service revenues from hospitals and related Medicare $ 2,888 $ 2,882 $ 3,243 Medicaid 1,193 1,294 1,304 Managed care 9,516 9,213 9,583 Uninsured 92 96 91 Indemnity and other 679 596 608 Total 14,368 14,081 14,829 Other revenues (1) 1,154 1,204 1,431 Hospital Operations and other total prior to 15,522 15,285 16,260 Ambulatory Care 2,158 2,085 1,940 Conifer 1,372 1,533 1,597 Inter-segment eliminations (573 ) (590 ) (618 ) Net operating revenues $ 18,479 $ 18,313 $ 19,179 (1) Primarily physician practices revenues. Adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances, principally related to Medicare and Medicaid, increased revenues in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 by $27 million , $24 million and $35 million , respectively. Estimated cost report settlements and valuation allowances are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 3). We believe that we have made adequate provision for any adjustments that may result from final determination of amounts earned under all the above arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid. The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Ambulatory Care segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net patient service revenues $ 2,040 $ 1,965 $ 1,816 Management fees 95 92 93 Revenue from other sources 23 28 31 Net operating revenues $ 2,158 $ 2,085 $ 1,940 The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Conifer segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenue cycle services – Tenet $ 556 $ 568 $ 583 Revenue cycle services – other customers 713 855 891 Other services – Tenet 17 22 35 Other services – other customers 86 88 88 Net operating revenues $ 1,372 $ 1,533 $ 1,597 Other services represent approximately 8% of Conifer’s revenue and include value-based care services, consulting services and other client-defined projects. Performance Obligations The following table includes Conifer’s revenue that is expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, at the end of the reporting period. The amounts in the table primarily consist of revenue cycle management fixed fees, which are typically recognized ratably as the performance obligation is satisfied. The estimated revenue does not include volume or contingency based contracts, performance incentives, penalties or other variable consideration that is considered constrained. Conifer’s contract with Catholic Health Initiatives (“CHI”), a minority interest owner of Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, represents the majority of the fixed-fee revenue related to remaining performance obligations. Conifer’s contract term with CHI ends December 31, 2032. Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Performance obligations $ 7,347 $ 601 $ 598 $ 598 $ 597 $ 550 $ 4,403

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE	ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE In the three months ended December 31, 2019 , two of our hospitals and other operations in the Memphis area met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As a result, we have classified these assets totaling $387 million as “assets held for sale” in current assets and the related liabilities of $44 million as “liabilities held for sale” in current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. We recorded impairment charges of $26 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 for the write-down of the assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, as a result of the planned divestiture of these assets. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019 were comprised of the following: Accounts receivable $ 108 Other current assets 24 Investments and other long-term assets 6 Property and equipment 184 Other intangible assets 23 Goodwill 42 Current liabilities (35 ) Long-term liabilities (9 ) Net assets held for sale $ 343 In the three months ended March 31, 2019, we completed the sale of three of our hospitals in the Chicago area, as well as other operations affiliated with the hospitals; these assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale beginning in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Related to this transaction, we recorded a loss on sale of $14 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 , and impairment charges of $24 million and $73 million in the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, for the write-down of the assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The following table provides information on significant components of our business that have been recently disposed of or are classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019 : Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Significant disposals: Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes Chicago area (includes a $14 million loss on sale in the 2019 period, $24 million of impairment charges in the 2018 period and $73 million of impairment charges in the 2017 period) $ (19 ) $ (41 ) $ (82 ) Total $ (19 ) $ (41 ) $ (82 ) Significant planned divestitures classified as held for sale: Income from continuing operations, before income taxes Memphis area (includes $26 million of impairment charges in the 2019 period) $ 8 $ 23 $ 33 Total $ 8 $ 23 $ 33

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CH

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS	IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS We recognized impairment charges on long-lived assets in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 because the fair values of those assets or groups of assets indicated that the carrying amount was not recoverable. The fair value estimates were derived from appraisals, established market values of comparable assets, or internal estimates of future net cash flows. These fair value estimates can change by material amounts in subsequent periods. Many factors and assumptions can impact the estimates, including the future financial results of the hospitals, how the hospitals are operated in the future, changes in healthcare industry trends and regulations, and the nature of the ultimate disposition of the assets. In certain cases, these fair value estimates assume the highest and best use of hospital assets in the future to a market place participant is other than as a hospital. In these cases, the estimates are based on the fair value of the real property and equipment if utilized other than as a hospital. The impairment recognized does not include the costs of closing the hospitals or other future operating costs, which could be substantial. Accordingly, the ultimate net cash realized from the hospitals, should we choose to sell them, could be significantly less than their impaired value. Our impairment tests presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining operating results in our facilities, which are based on programs and initiatives being implemented that are designed to achieve the facility’s most recent projections. If these projections are not met, or if in the future negative trends occur that impact our future outlook, impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill may occur, and we may incur additional restructuring charges, which could be material. At December 31, 2019 , our continuing operations consisted of three reportable segments, Hospital Operations and other, Ambulatory Care and Conifer. Our segments are reporting units used to perform our goodwill impairment analysis. We completed our annual impairment tests for goodwill as of October 1, 2019. We periodically incur costs to implement restructuring efforts for specific operations, which are recorded in our statement of operations as they are incurred. Our restructuring plans focus on various aspects of operations, including aligning our operations in the most strategic and cost-effective structure, such as the establishment of offshore support operations at our GBC in the Republic of the Philippines that we began in the year ended December 31, 2019 . Certain restructuring and acquisition-related costs are based on estimates. Changes in estimates are recognized as they occur. Year Ended December 31, 2019 During the year ended December 31, 2019 , we recorded impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs of $185 million , consisting of $42 million of impairment charges , $137 million of restructuring charges and $6 million of acquisition-related costs . Impairment charges consisted of $26 million of charges to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for certain of our Memphis-area facilities and $16 million of other impairment charges. Of the total impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019 , $31 million related to our Hospital Operations and other segment, $6 million related to our Ambulatory Care segment, and $5 million related to our Conifer segment . Restructuring charges consisted of $57 million of employee severance costs, $28 million related to our GBC in the Republic of the Philippines, $6 million of contract and lease termination fees, and $46 million of other restructuring costs. Acquisition-related costs consisted of $6 million of transaction costs. Year Ended December 31, 2018 During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we recorded impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs of $209 million , consisting of $77 million of impairment charges , $115 million of restructuring charges and $17 million of acquisition-related costs. Impairment charges included $40 million for the write-down of buildings and other long-lived assets to their estimated fair values at two hospitals. Material adverse trends in our then recent estimates of future undiscounted cash flows of the hospitals indicated the carrying value of the hospitals’ long-lived assets was not recoverable from the estimated future cash flows. We believe the most significant factors contributing to the adverse financial trends included reductions in volumes of insured patients, shifts in payer mix from commercial to governmental payers combined with reductions in reimbursement rates from governmental payers, and high levels of uninsured patients. As a result, we updated the estimate of the fair value of the hospitals’ long-lived assets and compared the fair value estimate to the carrying value of the hospitals’ long-lived assets. Because the fair value estimates were lower than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, an impairment charge was recorded for the difference in the amounts. The aggregate carrying value of assets held and used of the hospitals for which impairment charges were recorded was $130 million at December 31, 2018 after recording the impairment charges. We also recorded $24 million of charges to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for certain of our Chicago-area facilities , $9 million of charges to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for Aspen and $4 million of other impairment charges. Of the total impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 , $67 million related to our Hospital Operations and other segment, $9 million related to our Ambulatory Care segment, and $1 million related to our Conifer segment. Restructuring charges consisted of $68 million of employee severance costs , $17 million of contract and lease termination fees , and $30 million of other restructuring costs . Acquisition-related costs consisted of $10 million of transaction costs and $7 million of acquisition integration charges . Year Ended December 31, 2017 During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recorded impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs of $541 million , consisting of $402 million of impairment charges, $117 million of restructuring charges and $22 million of acquisition-related costs. Impairment charges consisted of $364 million of charges to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for Aspen, our Philadelphia-area facilities and certain of our Chicago-area facilities, $31 million for the impairment of two equity method investments and $7 million to write-down intangible assets. Of the total impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 , $337 million related to our Hospital Operations and other segment, $63 million related to our Ambulatory Care segment, and $2 million related to our Conifer segment. Restructuring charges consisted of $82 million of employee severance costs, $15 million of contract and lease termination fees, and $20 million of other restructuring costs. Acquisition-related costs consisted of $6 million of transaction costs and $16 million of acquisition integration charges.

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES The following table presents the components of our right-of-use assets and liabilities related to leases and their classification in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 : Component of Lease Balances Classification in Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Investments and other assets $ 912 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, at cost, less 407 Total leased assets $ 1,319 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Other current liabilities $ 159 Long-term Other long-term liabilities 858 Total operating lease liabilities 1,017 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current portion of long-term debt 143 Long-term Long-term debt, net of current portion 182 Total finance lease liabilities 325 Total lease liabilities $ 1,342 The following table presents the components of our lease expense and their classification in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Year Ended Component of Lease Expense Classification on Consolidated Statements of Operations December 31, 2019 Operating lease expense Other operating expenses, net $ 211 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets Depreciation and amortization 85 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 15 Total finance lease expense 100 Variable and short term-lease expense Other operating expenses, net 133 Total lease expense $ 444 The weighted-average lease terms and discount rates for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: December 31, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 5.4 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 5.6 % Finance leases 5.5 % Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 197 Operating cash outflows from finance leases $ 18 Financing cash outflows from finance leases $ 151 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 249 Finance leases $ 141 Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are presented in the following table: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2020 $ 159 $ 143 $ 302 2021 180 96 276 2022 160 38 198 2023 140 10 150 2024 121 9 130 Later years 504 91 595 Total lease payments 1,264 387 1,651 Less: Imputed interest 247 62 309 Total lease obligations 1,017 325 1,342 Less: Current obligations 159 143 302 Long-term lease obligations $ 858 $ 182 $ 1,040 Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2018, prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Capital lease obligations $ 425 $ 140 $ 95 $ 57 $ 37 $ 21 $ 75 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 932 $ 171 $ 151 $ 133 $ 113 $ 92 $ 272 Rental expense under operating leases, including short-term leases, was $326 million and $340 million in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Included in rental expense for each of these periods was sublease income of $11 million and $14 million , respectively, which was recorded as a reduction of rental expense.
LEASES	LEASES The following table presents the components of our right-of-use assets and liabilities related to leases and their classification in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 : Component of Lease Balances Classification in Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Investments and other assets $ 912 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, at cost, less 407 Total leased assets $ 1,319 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Other current liabilities $ 159 Long-term Other long-term liabilities 858 Total operating lease liabilities 1,017 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current portion of long-term debt 143 Long-term Long-term debt, net of current portion 182 Total finance lease liabilities 325 Total lease liabilities $ 1,342 The following table presents the components of our lease expense and their classification in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Year Ended Component of Lease Expense Classification on Consolidated Statements of Operations December 31, 2019 Operating lease expense Other operating expenses, net $ 211 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets Depreciation and amortization 85 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 15 Total finance lease expense 100 Variable and short term-lease expense Other operating expenses, net 133 Total lease expense $ 444 The weighted-average lease terms and discount rates for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: December 31, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 5.4 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 5.6 % Finance leases 5.5 % Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 197 Operating cash outflows from finance leases $ 18 Financing cash outflows from finance leases $ 151 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 249 Finance leases $ 141 Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are presented in the following table: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2020 $ 159 $ 143 $ 302 2021 180 96 276 2022 160 38 198 2023 140 10 150 2024 121 9 130 Later years 504 91 595 Total lease payments 1,264 387 1,651 Less: Imputed interest 247 62 309 Total lease obligations 1,017 325 1,342 Less: Current obligations 159 143 302 Long-term lease obligations $ 858 $ 182 $ 1,040 Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2018, prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Capital lease obligations $ 425 $ 140 $ 95 $ 57 $ 37 $ 21 $ 75 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 932 $ 171 $ 151 $ 133 $ 113 $ 92 $ 272 Rental expense under operating leases, including short-term leases, was $326 million and $340 million in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Included in rental expense for each of these periods was sublease income of $11 million and $14 million , respectively, which was recorded as a reduction of rental expense.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT The table below shows our long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior unsecured notes: 5.500% due 2019 $ — $ 468 6.750% due 2020 — 300 8.125% due 2022 2,800 2,800 6.750% due 2023 1,872 1,872 7.000% due 2025 478 478 6.875% due 2031 362 362 Senior secured first lien notes: 4.750% due 2020 — 500 6.000% due 2020 — 1,800 4.500% due 2021 — 850 4.375% due 2021 — 1,050 4.625% due 2024 1,870 1,870 4.625% due 2024 600 — 4.875% due 2026 2,100 — 5.125% due 2027 1,500 — Senior secured second lien notes: 7.500% due 2022 — 750 5.125% due 2025 1,410 1,410 6.250% due 2027 1,500 — Finance leases and mortgage notes 445 500 Unamortized issue costs and note discounts (186 ) (184 ) Total long-term debt 14,751 14,826 Less current portion 171 182 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 14,580 $ 14,644 Credit Agreement We amended our senior secured revolving credit facility in September 2019 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) to provide, subject to borrowing availability, for revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.5 billion , (from a previous limit of $1.0 billion ), with a $200 million subfacility for standby letters of credit. Obligations under the Credit Agreement, which now has a scheduled maturity date of September 12, 2024, are guaranteed by substantially all of our domestic wholly owned hospital subsidiaries and are secured by a first-priority lien on the eligible inventory and accounts receivable owned by us and the subsidiary guarantors, including receivables for Medicaid supplemental payments as of the most recent amendment. Outstanding revolving loans accrue interest at a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% per annum, in each case based on available credit. An unused commitment fee payable on the undrawn portion of the revolving loans ranges from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum based on available credit. Our borrowing availability is based on a specified percentage of eligible inventory and accounts receivable, including self-pay accounts . At December 31, 2019 , we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions in our Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2019 , we had no cash borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, and we had $1 million of standby letters of credit outstanding. Based on our eligible receivables, $1.499 billion was available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement at December 31, 2019 . Letter of Credit Facility We have a letter of credit facility (as amended, the “LC Facility”) that provides for the issuance of standby and documentary letters of credit, from time to time, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $180 million (subject to increase to up to $200 million ). The maturity date of the LC Facility is March 7, 2021. Obligations under the LC Facility are guaranteed and secured by a first-priority pledge of the capital stock and other ownership interests of certain of our wholly owned domestic hospital subsidiaries on an equal ranking basis with our senior secured first lien notes. Drawings under any letter of credit issued under the LC Facility that we have not reimbursed within three business days after notice thereof accrue interest at a base rate plus a margin equal to 0.50% per annum. An unused commitment fee is payable at an initial rate of 0.25% per annum with a step up to 0.375% per annum should our secured debt-to-EBITDA ratio equal or exceed 3.00 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter. A fee on the aggregate outstanding amount of issued but undrawn letters of credit accrues at a rate of 1.50% per annum. An issuance fee equal to 0.125% per annum of the aggregate face amount of each outstanding letter of credit is payable to the account of the issuer of the related letter of credit. At December 31, 2019 , we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions in our LC Facility. At December 31, 2019 , we had $92 million of standby letters of credit outstanding under the LC Facility. Senior Secured Notes and Senior Unsecured Notes On August 26, 2019, we sold $600 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior secured first lien notes, which will mature on September 1, 2024 (the “2024 Senior Secured First Lien Notes”), $2.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior secured first lien notes, which will mature on January 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Secured First Lien Notes”) and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior secured first lien notes, which will mature on November 1, 2027 (the “2027 Senior Secured First Lien Notes”). We will pay interest on the 2024 Senior Secured First Lien Notes semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, which payments will commence on March 1, 2020. We will pay interest on the 2026 Senior Secured First Lien Notes semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, which payments will commence on January 1, 2020. We will pay interest on the 2027 Senior Secured First Lien Notes semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, which payments will commence on May 1, 2020. The proceeds from the sales of these notes were used, after payment of fees and expenses, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility, to fund the redemptions of all $500 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 4.750% senior secured first lien notes due 2020, all $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.000% senior secured first lien notes due 2020, all $850 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 4.500% senior secured first lien notes due 2021 and all $1.05 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 4.375% senior secured first lien notes due 2021. In connection with the redemptions, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $180 million in the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to the difference between the redemption prices and the par values of the notes, as well as the write-off of the associated unamortized issuance costs. On February 5, 2019, we sold $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.250% senior secured second lien notes, which will mature on February 1, 2027 (the “2027 Senior Secured Second Lien Notes”). We will pay interest on the 2027 Senior Secured Second Lien Notes semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, which payments commenced on August 1, 2019. The proceeds from the sale of the 2027 Senior Secured Second Lien Notes were used, after payment of fees and expenses, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility, to fund the redemption of all $300 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.750% senior notes due 2020 and all $750 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 7.500% senior secured second lien notes due 2022, as well as the repayment upon maturity of all $468 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5.500% senior unsecured notes due March 1, 2019. In connection with the redemptions, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $47 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily related to the difference between the redemption prices and the par values of the notes, as well as the write-off of the associated unamortized issuance costs. In December 2018 and November 2018, we purchased $22 million and $10 million , respectively, of aggregate principal amount of our 5.500% senior unsecured notes due 2019 for $22 million and $10 million , respectively. In August 2018, we purchased $38 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.875% senior unsecured notes due 2031 for $36 million , including $1 million in accrued and unpaid interest through the dates of purchase. In May 2018, we purchased $30 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.875% senior unsecured notes due 2031 for $28 million . In connection with the purchase, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018, primarily related to the write-off of associated unamortized note discount and issuance costs, partially offset by the difference between the purchase price and the par value of the notes. In March 2018, we purchased $28 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.750% senior unsecured notes due 2023 and $22 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.000% senior unsecured notes due 2025 for $51 million , including $1 million in accrued and unpaid interest through the dates of purchase. In connection with these purchases, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily related to the write-off of associated unamortized issuance costs. On June 14, 2017, we sold $830 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.625% senior secured first lien notes, which will mature on July 15, 2024 (the “2024 Secured First Lien Notes”). The proceeds from the sale of the 2024 Secured First Lien Notes were used, after payment of fees and expenses, together with cash on hand, to deposit with the trustee an amount sufficient to fund the redemption of all $900 million in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding floating rate senior secured notes due 2020 (the “2020 Floating Rate Notes”) on July 14, 2017, thereby fully discharging the 2020 Floating Rate Notes as of June 14, 2017. In connection with the redemption, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $26 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017, primarily related to the difference between the redemption price and the par value of the notes, as well as the write-off of associated unamortized note discounts and issuance costs. Also on June 14, 2017, THC Escrow Corporation III (“Escrow Corp.”), a Delaware corporation established for the purpose of issuing the securities referred to in this paragraph, issued $1.040 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior secured first lien notes due 2024 (the “Escrow Secured First Lien Notes”), $1.410 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior secured second lien notes due 2025 (the “Escrow Secured Second Lien Notes”) and $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.000% senior unsecured notes due 2025 (the “Escrow Unsecured Notes”). On July 14, 2017, we (i) assumed Escrow Corp.’s obligations with respect to the Escrow Secured Second Lien Notes and (ii) effected a mandatory exchange of all outstanding Escrow Secured First Lien Notes for a like principal amount of our newly issued 2024 Secured First Lien Notes. The proceeds from the sale of the Escrow Secured Second Lien Notes and Escrow Secured First Lien Notes were released from escrow on July 14, 2017 and were used, after payment of fees and expenses, to finance our redemption on July 14, 2017 of $1.041 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.250% senior secured notes due 2018 and $1.100 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5.000% senior unsecured notes due 2019. On August 1, 2017, we assumed Escrow Corp.’s obligations with respect to the Escrow Unsecured Notes. The proceeds from the sale of the Escrow Unsecured Notes were released from escrow on August 1, 2017 and were used, after payment of fees and expenses, to finance our redemption on August 1, 2017 of $500 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.000% senior unsecured notes due 2020. On September 11, 2017, we redeemed the remaining $250 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.000% senior unsecured notes due 2020 using cash on hand. As a result of the redemption activities in the three months ended September 30, 2017 discussed above, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $138 million in the period, primarily related to the difference between the redemption price and the par value of the notes, as well as the write-off of associated unamortized note discounts and issuance costs. All of our senior secured notes are guaranteed by certain of our wholly owned domestic hospital company subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of the capital stock and other ownership interests of those subsidiaries on either a first lien or second lien basis, as indicated in the table above. All of our senior secured notes and the related subsidiary guarantees are our and the subsidiary guarantors’ senior secured obligations. All of our senior secured notes rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior secured indebtedness. Our senior secured notes rank senior to any subordinated indebtedness that we or such subsidiary guarantors may incur; they are effectively senior to our and such subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future unsecured indebtedness and other liabilities to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the notes and the subsidiary guarantees; they are effectively subordinated to our and such subsidiary guarantors’ obligations under our Credit Agreement to the extent of the value of the collateral securing borrowings thereunder; and they are structurally subordinated to all obligations of our non-guarantor subsidiaries. The indentures setting forth the terms of our senior secured notes contain provisions governing our ability to redeem the notes and the terms by which we may do so. At our option, we may redeem our senior secured notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus the make-whole premium set forth in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date. Certain series of the senior secured notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at certain redemption prices set forth in the applicable indentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we may be required to purchase for cash all or any part of each series of our senior secured notes upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the applicable indentures) for a cash purchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. All of our senior unsecured notes are general unsecured senior debt obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness, but are effectively subordinated to our senior secured notes described above, the obligations of our subsidiaries and any obligations under our Credit Agreement to the extent of the value of the collateral. We may redeem any series of our senior unsecured notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus a make-whole premium specified in the applicable indenture, if any, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Covenants Credit Agreement. Our Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for an asset-backed facility, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio to be met if the designated excess availability under the revolving credit facility falls below $150 million , as well as limits on debt, asset sales and prepayments of certain other debt. The Credit Agreement also includes a provision, which we believe is customary in receivables-backed credit facilities, that gives our lenders the right to require that proceeds of collections of substantially all of our consolidated accounts receivable be applied directly to repay outstanding loans and other amounts that are due and payable under the Credit Agreement at any time that unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility is less than $150 million for three consecutive business days or if an event of default has occurred and is continuing thereunder. In that event, we would seek to re-borrow under the Credit Agreement to satisfy our operating cash requirements. Our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement is subject to conditions that we believe are customary in revolving credit facilities, including that no events of default then exist. Senior Secured Notes. The indentures governing our senior secured notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur liens, consummate asset sales, enter into sale and lease-back transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our or their assets, other than in certain transactions between one or more of our wholly owned subsidiaries. These restrictions, however, are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications. In particular, there are no restrictions on our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments, pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock, purchase or redeem capital stock, enter into transactions with affiliates or make advances to, or invest in, other entities (including unaffiliated entities). In addition, the indentures governing our senior secured notes contain a covenant that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will incur secured debt, unless at the time of and after giving effect to the incurrence of such debt, the aggregate amount of all such secured debt (including the aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes outstanding and any outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement at such time) does not exceed the amount that would cause the secured debt ratio (as defined in the indentures) to exceed 4.0 to 1.0. Senior Unsecured Notes. The indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain covenants and conditions that have, among other requirements, limitations on (1) liens on “principal properties” and (2) sale and lease-back transactions with respect to principal properties. A principal property is defined in the senior unsecured notes indentures as a hospital that has an asset value on our books in excess of 5% of our consolidated net tangible assets, as defined in such indentures. The above limitations do not apply, however, to (1) debt that is not secured by principal properties or (2) debt that is secured by principal properties if the aggregate of such secured debt does not exceed 15% of our consolidated net tangible assets, as further described in the indentures. The senior unsecured notes indentures also prohibit the consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all assets unless no event of default would result after giving effect to such transaction. Future Maturities Future long-term debt maturities, including finance lease obligations, as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Long-term debt, including finance lease obligations $ 14,937 $ 171 $ 112 $ 2,851 $ 1,903 $ 2,486 $ 7,414

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
GUARANTEES	GUARANTEES Consistent with our policy on physician relocation and recruitment, we provide income guarantee agreements to certain physicians who agree to relocate to fill a community need in the service area of one of our hospitals and commit to remain in practice in the area for a specified period of time. Under such agreements, we are required to make payments to the physicians in excess of the amounts they earn in their practices up to the amount of the income guarantee. The income guarantee periods are typically 12 months . If a physician does not fulfill his or her commitment period to the community, which is typically three years subsequent to the guarantee period, we seek recovery of the income guarantee payments from the physician on a prorated basis. We also provide revenue collection guarantees to hospital-based physician groups providing certain services at our hospitals with terms generally ranging from one to three years . At December 31, 2019 , the maximum potential amount of future payments under our income guarantees to certain physicians who agree to relocate and revenue collection guarantees to hospital-based physician groups providing certain services at our hospitals was $133 million . We had a total liability of $107 million recorded for these guarantees included in other current liabilities at December 31, 2019 . At December 31, 2019 , we also had issued guarantees of the indebtedness and other obligations of our investees to third parties, the maximum potential amount of future payments under which was approximately $25 million . Of the total, $8 million relates to the obligations of consolidated subsidiaries, which obligations are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 .

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Share-Based Compensation Plans In recent years, we have granted options and restricted stock units to certain of our employees and directors pursuant to our stock incentive plans. Options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant and generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. A restricted stock unit is a contractual right to receive one share of our common stock in the future, and the fair value of the restricted stock unit is based on our share price on the grant date. Typically, options and time-based restricted stock units vest one-third on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant; however, certain special retention awards may have different vesting terms. In addition, we grant performance-based options and performance-based restricted stock units that vest subject to the achievement of specified performance goals within a specified time frame. At December 31, 2019 , assuming outstanding performance-based restricted stock units and options for which performance has not yet been determined will achieve target performance, approximately 8.2 million shares of common stock were available under our 2019 Stock Incentive Plan for future stock option grants and other equity incentive awards, including restricted stock units. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 include $42 million , $46 million and $59 million , respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to our stock-based compensation arrangements. The table below shows certain stock option and restricted stock unit grants and other awards that comprise the stock-based compensation expense recorded in the year ended December 31, 2019 . Compensation cost is measured by the fair value of the awards on their grant dates and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, whether or not the awards had any intrinsic value during the period. Grant Date Awards Exercise Price Per Share Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date Stock-Based Compensation Expense for Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In Thousands) (In Millions) Stock Options: February 27, 2019 210 $ 28.26 $ 12.49 $ 1 February 28, 2018 442 $ 20.60 $ 8.83 1 March 1, 2017 821 $ 18.99 $ 8.52 1 Restricted Stock Units: July 9, 2019 94 $ 18.55 1 May 3, 2019 100 $ 16.18 2 February 27, 2019 800 $ 28.26 9 January 31, 2019 318 $ 21.99 2 June 28, 2018 51 $ 34.61 1 March 29, 2018 293 $ 24.25 4 February 28, 2018 204 $ 20.60 2 March 1, 2017 383 $ 18.99 2 August 25, 2014 456 $ 59.90 3 Other grants 2 USPI Management Equity Plan 11 $ 42 Pursuant to the terms of our stock-based compensation plans, awards granted under the plan vest and may be exercised as determined by the human resources committee of our board of directors. In the event of a change in control, the human resources committee of our board of directors may, at its sole discretion without obtaining shareholder approval, accelerate the vesting or performance periods of the awards. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Life (In Millions) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,435,921 $ 22.87 Granted 1,396,307 18.24 Exercised (20,400 ) 4.56 Forfeited/Expired (247,006 ) 24.37 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,564,822 $ 20.35 Granted 635,196 21.33 Exercised (619,849 ) 18.19 Forfeited/Expired (317,426 ) 35.30 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 2,262,743 $ 19.12 Granted 230,713 28.28 Exercised (306,427 ) 18.05 Forfeited/Expired (226,037 ) 20.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,960,992 $ 20.24 $ 35 6.1 years Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 1,960,992 $ 20.24 $ 35 6.1 years Exercisable at December 31, 2019 454,360 $ 17.26 $ 9 2.7 years There were 306,427 stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2019 with an aggregated intrinsic value of approximately $3 million , and 619,849 stock options exercised in 2018 with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $4 million . There were 230,713 performance-based stock options granted in the year ended December 31, 2019 , and 635,196 performance-based stock options granted in the year ended 2018 . On March 29, 2019 , we granted an aggregate of 7,862 performance-based stock options to a senior officer. The options will all vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the achievement of a closing stock price of at least $36.05 (a 25% premium above the March 29, 2019 grant-date closing stock price of $28.84 ) for at least 20 consecutive trading days within three years of the grant date, and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. On February 27, 2019 , we granted to certain of our senior officers an aggregate of 222,851 performance-based stock options. The options will all vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the achievement of a closing stock price of at least $35.33 (a 25% premium above the February 27, 2019 grant-date closing stock price of $28.26 ) for at least 20 consecutive trading days within three years of the grant date, and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. On May 31, 2018 , we granted new senior officers 31,184 performance-based stock options. The options will all vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to achieving a closing stock price of at least $44.29 (a 25% premium above the May 31, 2018 grant-date closing stock price of $35.43 ) for at least 20 consecutive trading days within three years of the grant date, and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. On February 28, 2018 , we granted to certain of our senior officers an aggregate of 604,012 performance-based stock options. The stock options will all vest on the third anniversary of the grant date because, in the three months ended June 30, 2018, the requirement that our stock close at a price of at least $25.75 (a 25% premium above the February 28, 2018 grant-date closing stock price of $20.60 ) for at least 20 consecutive trading days within three years of the grant date was met; these options will expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. At December 31, 2019 , there were $4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years . The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options we granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $12.50 and $9.16 per share, respectively. These fair values were calculated based on each grant date, using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: February 27, February 28, 2019 2018 Expected volatility 48% 46% Expected dividend yield 0% 0% Expected life 6.2 years 6.2 years Expected forfeiture rate 0% 0% Risk-free interest rate 2.53% 2.72% The expected volatility used for the 2019 and 2018 Monte Carlo simulations incorporates historical volatility based on an analysis of historical prices of our stock. The expected volatility reflects the historical volatility for a duration consistent with the expected life of the options; it does not consider the implied volatility from open-market exchanged options due to the limited trading activity and the transient nature of factors impacting our stock price volatility. The historical share-price volatility for 2019 and 2018 excludes the movements in our stock price for the period from August 15, 2017 through November 30, 2017 due to impact that the announcement of the departure of certain board members and officers, as well as reports that we were exploring a potential sale of the company, had on our stock price during that time. The risk-free interest rates are based on zero-coupon United States Treasury yields in effect at the date of grant consistent with the expected exercise time frames. The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options at December 31, 2019 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $16.43 to $19.759 1,224,289 5.2 years $ 18.14 408,526 $ 16.43 $19.76 to $35.430 736,703 7.5 years 23.74 45,834 24.63 1,960,992 6.1 years $ 20.24 454,360 $ 17.26 As of December 31, 2019 , 61.2% of all our outstanding options were held by current employees and 38.8% were held by former employees. Of our outstanding options, 100% were in-the-money, that is, they had exercise price less than the $38.03 market price of our common stock on December 31, 2019 . There were no options out-of-the-money. In-the-Money Options Out-of-the-Money Options All Options Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total Current employees 1,199,274 61.2 % — — % 1,199,274 61.2 % Former employees 761,718 38.8 % — — % 761,718 38.8 % Totals 1,960,992 100.0 % — — % 1,960,992 100.0 % % of all outstanding options 100.0 % — % 100.0 % Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Unvested at December 31, 2016 3,174,533 $ 38.75 Granted 714,018 18.25 Vested (1,397,953 ) 35.50 Forfeited (236,610 ) 32.13 Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,253,988 $ 35.20 Granted 765,184 24.74 Vested (995,331 ) 32.63 Forfeited (139,711 ) 36.01 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,884,130 $ 32.25 Granted 1,481,021 27.87 Vested (1,562,191 ) 36.45 Forfeited (339,461 ) 24.74 Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,463,499 $ 25.08 In the year ended December 31, 2019 , we granted an aggregate of 1,481,021 restricted stock units. Of these, 337,848 will vest and be settled ratably over a three -year period from the grant date, 566,172 will vest and be settled ratably over 9 quarterly periods from the grant date, and 353,354 will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, in May 2019, we made an annual grant of 100,444 restricted stock units to our non-employee directors for the 2019-2020 board service year, which units vested immediately and will settle in shares of our common stock on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. The board of directors appointed two new members, one in August 2019 and one in October 2019. We made initial grants totaling 5,569 restricted stock units to these directors, as well as prorated annual grants totaling 13,257 restricted stock units. Both the initial grants and the annual grants vested immediately, however, the initial grants settle upon separation from the board, while the annual grants settle on the third anniversary of the grant date. We also granted 7,427 additional restricted stock units that vested and settled immediately as a result of our level of achievement with respect to a performance goal on a 2013 grant and 96,950 additional restricted stock units as a result of our level of achievement with respect to a performance goal on 2014 grants. In the year ended December 31, 2018 , we granted 765,184 restricted stock units, of which 288,325 will vest and be settled ratably over a three -year period from the grant date, 339,806 will vest and be settled ratably over two-year period from the grant date, and 60,963 will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, in May 2018, we made an annual grant of 54,198 restricted stock units to our non-employee directors for the 2018-2019 board service year, which units vested immediately and will settle in shares of our common stock on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. Because the board of directors appointed two new members in May 2018, we made initial grants totaling 3,670 restricted stock units to these directors, as well as prorated annual grants totaling 12,154 restricted stock units. Both the initial grants and the annual grants vested immediately, however, the initial grants will not settle until the directors’ separation from the board, while the annual grants settle on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, we granted 6,068 performance-based restricted stock units to certain of our senior officers; the vesting of these restricted stock units is contingent on our achievement of specified three-year performance goals for the years 2018 to 2020. Provided the goals are achieved, the performance-based restricted stock units will vest and settle on the third anniversary of the grant date. The actual number of performance-based restricted stock units that could vest will range from 0% to 200% of the 6,068 units granted, depending on our level of achievement with respect to the performance goals. As of December 31, 2019 , there were $25 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years . USPI Management Equity Plan As described in Note 25, USPI’s prior equity compensation plan was terminated in February 2020, and in accordance with the terms of that plan, all vested options or shares of USPI stock acquired upon exercise of an option will be repurchased by USPI at their estimated fair value. At December 31, 2019 , USPI maintained a separate management equity plan whereby it had granted non-qualified options to purchase nonvoting shares of USPI’s outstanding common stock to eligible plan participants, allowing the recipient to participate in incremental growth in the value of USPI from the applicable grant date. Under this plan, the total pool of options consisted of approximately 10% of USPI’s fully diluted outstanding common stock. Options had an exercise price equal to the estimated fair market value of USPI’s common stock on the date of grant. The option awards were structured such that they had a three or four year vesting period in which half of the award vested in equal pro-rata amounts over the applicable vesting period and the remaining half vested at the end of the applicable three or four year period. Any unvested awards were forfeited upon the participant’s termination of service with USPI, and vested options were required to have been exercised within 90 days of termination. Once an award was exercised and the requisite holding period met, the participant was eligible to sell the underlying shares to USPI at their estimated fair market value. Payment for USPI’s purchase of any eligible nonvoting common shares could be made in cash or in shares of Tenet’s common stock. The accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 2019 , 2018 and 2017 includes $11 million , $18 million and $13 million , respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to USPI’s management equity plan. Employee Stock Purchase Plan We have an employee stock purchase plan under which we are currently authorized to issue up to 5,062,500 shares of common stock to our eligible employees. As of December 31, 2019 , there were approximately 3.0 million shares available for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan. Under the terms of the plan, eligible employees may elect to have between 1% and 10% of their base earnings withheld each quarter to purchase shares of our common stock. Shares are purchased at a price equal to 95% of the closing price on the last day of the quarter. The plan requires a one-year holding period for all shares issued. The holding period does not apply upon termination of employment. Under the plan, no individual may purchase, in any year, shares with a fair market value in excess of $25,000 . The plan is currently not considered to be compensatory. We sold the following numbers of shares under our employee stock purchase plan in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of shares 215,422 228,045 395,957 Weighted average price $ 24.44 $ 22.96 $ 17.28 Employee Retirement Plans Substantially all of our employees, upon qualification, are eligible to participate in one of our defined contribution 401(k) plans. Under the plans, employees may contribute a portion of their eligible compensation, and we match such contributions annually up to a maximum percentage for participants actively employed, as defined by the plan documents. Employer matching contributions will vary by plan. Plan expenses, primarily related to our contributions to the plans, were $127 million , $99 million and $128 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Such amounts are reflected in salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We maintain three frozen non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (“SERPs”) that provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our current and former executives. These plans are not funded, and plan obligations for these plans are paid from our working capital. Pension benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation. Upon completing the acquisition of Vanguard Health Systems, Inc. on October 1, 2013, we assumed a frozen qualified defined benefit plan (“DMC Pension Plan”) covering substantially all of the employees of our Detroit market that were hired prior to June 1, 2003. The benefits paid under the DMC Pension Plan are primarily based on years of service and final average earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Society of Actuaries issued a new mortality base table (Pri-2012), which we incorporated into the estimates of our defined benefit plan obligations at December 31, 2019 . During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Society of Actuaries issued new mortality improvement scales (MP-2019 and MP‑2018, respectively), which we incorporated into the estimates of our defined benefit plan obligations at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . These changes to our mortality assumptions decreased our projected benefit obligations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 by approximately $14 million and $4 million , respectively. The following tables summarize the balance sheet impact, as well as the benefit obligations, funded status and rate assumptions associated with the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan based on actuarial valuations prepared as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 2018 Reconciliation of funded status of plans and the amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Projected benefit obligations (1) Beginning obligations $ (1,301 ) $ (1,455 ) Service cost — (2 ) Interest cost (58 ) (56 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (132 ) 90 Benefits paid 123 122 Special termination benefit costs (1 ) — Ending obligations (1,369 ) (1,301 ) Fair value of plans assets Beginning plan assets 731 850 Gain (loss) on plan assets 128 (65 ) Employer contribution 33 47 Benefits paid (102 ) (101 ) Ending plan assets 790 731 Funded status of plans $ (579 ) $ (570 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Other current liability $ (19 ) $ (49 ) Other long-term liability $ (560 ) $ (521 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 323 $ 281 SERP Assumptions: Discount rate 3.50 % 4.50 % Compensation increase rate 3.00 % 3.00 % Measurement date December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 DMC Pension Plan Assumptions: Discount rate 3.60 % 4.62 % Compensation increase rate Frozen Frozen Measurement date December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (1) The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $1.367 billion and $1.299 billion , respectively. The components of net periodic benefit costs and related assumptions are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service costs $ — $ 2 $ 2 Interest costs 58 56 62 Expected return on plan assets (46 ) (54 ) (50 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 10 14 14 Special termination benefit costs 1 — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 23 $ 18 $ 28 SERP Assumptions: Discount rate 4.50 % 3.75 % 4.25 % Long-term rate of return on assets n/a n/a n/a Compensation increase rate 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Measurement date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 Census date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 DMC Pension Plan Assumptions: Discount rate 4.62 % 4.00 % 4.42 % Long-term rate of return on assets 6.50 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Compensation increase rate Frozen Frozen Frozen Measurement date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 Census date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 Net periodic benefit costs for the current year are based on assumptions determined at the valuation date of the prior year for the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 discussed in Note 1, we recognized service costs in salaries, wages and benefits expense, and recognized other components of net periodic benefit cost in other non-operating expense, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recorded gain (loss) adjustments of $(42) million , $(15) million and $56 million in other comprehensive income (loss) in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, to recognize changes in the funded status of our SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan. Changes in the funded status are recorded as a direct increase or decrease to shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive loss. Net actuarial gains (losses) of $(52) million , $(29) million and $42 million were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and the amortization of net actuarial loss of $10 million , $14 million and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Cumulative net actuarial losses of $323 million , $281 million and $266 million as of December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and unrecognized prior service costs of less than $1 million as of each of the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, the DMC Pension Plan considers the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns on each asset class. The expected return for each asset class is then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio. The weighted-average asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2019 , were as follows: Asset Category Target Actual Cash and cash equivalents 2 % 2 % U.S. government obligations — % 2 % Equity securities 65 % 64 % Debt securities 33 % 32 % Alternative investments — % — % The DMC Pension Plan assets are invested in separately managed portfolios using investment management firms. The objective for all asset categories is to maximize total return without assuming undue risk exposure. The DMC Pension Plan maintains a well-diversified asset allocation that best meets these objectives. The DMC Pension Plan assets are largely comprised of equity securities, which include companies with various market capitalization sizes in addition to international and convertible securities. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds. Debt securities include domestic and foreign government obligations, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. Under the investment policy of the DMC Pension Plan, investments in derivative securities are not permitted for the sole purpose of speculating on the direction of market interest rates. Included in this prohibition are leveraging, shorting, swaps, futures, options, forwards and similar strategies. In each investment account, the DMC Pension Plan investment managers are responsible for monitoring and reacting to economic indicators, such as gross domestic product, consumer price index and U.S. monetary policy that may affect the performance of their account. The performance of all managers and the aggregate asset allocation are formally reviewed on a quarterly basis, with a rebalancing of the asset allocation occurring at least once per year. The current asset allocation objective is to maintain a certain percentage with each class allowing for a 10% deviation from the target. The following tables summarize the DMC Pension Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements are determined. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We consider a security that trades at least weekly to have an active market. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 37 $ 37 $ — $ — U.S. government obligations 9 9 — — Equity securities 461 461 — — Fixed income funds 283 283 — — Futures contracts — — — — $ 790 $ 790 $ — $ — December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 33 $ 33 $ — $ — U.S. government obligations 9 9 — — Equity securities 423 423 — — Fixed income funds 262 262 — — Futures contracts $ 4 $ 4 $ 731 $ 731 $ — $ — The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments to be made from the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan, a portion of which will be funded from plan assets, for the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter: Years Ending December 31, Five Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Estimated benefit payments $ 876 $ 85 $ 87 $ 89 $ 89 $ 90 $ 436 The SERP and DMC Pension Plan obligations of $579 million at December 31, 2019 are classified in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as an other current liability ( $19 million ) and defined benefit plan obligations ( $560 million ) based on an estimate of the expected payment patterns. We expect to make total contributions to the plans of approximately $19 million for the year ending December 31, 2020 .

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT The principal components of property and equipment are shown in the following table. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, assets under capital leases were included with buildings and improvements and with equipment in the following table. December 31, 2019 2018 Land $ 602 $ 613 Buildings and improvements 6,856 6,920 Construction in progress 184 199 Equipment 4,173 4,482 Finance lease assets 561 — 12,376 12,214 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,498 ) (5,221 ) Net property and equipment $ 6,878 $ 6,993 Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization and impairment write-downs related to assets held and used.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table provides information on changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2019 and 2018 : 2019 2018 Hospital Operations and other As of January 1: Goodwill $ 5,410 $ 5,406 Accumulated impairment losses (2,430 ) (2,430 ) Total 2,980 2,976 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments — 1 Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities (72 ) 3 Total $ 2,908 $ 2,980 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 5,338 $ 5,410 Accumulated impairment losses (2,430 ) (2,430 ) Total $ 2,908 $ 2,980 2019 2018 Ambulatory Care As of January 1: Goodwill $ 3,696 $ 3,437 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total 3,696 3,437 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments 43 219 Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities — 40 Total $ 3,739 $ 3,696 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 3,739 $ 3,696 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total $ 3,739 $ 3,696 2019 2018 Conifer As of January 1: Goodwill $ 605 $ 605 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total 605 605 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments — — Total $ 605 $ 605 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 605 $ 605 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total $ 605 $ 605 The following table provides information regarding other intangible assets, which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2019 and 2018 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value At December 31, 2019: Capitalized software costs $ 1,616 $ (912 ) $ 704 Trade names 102 — 102 Contracts 869 (94 ) 775 Other 107 (86 ) 21 Total $ 2,694 $ (1,092 ) $ 1,602 At December 31, 2018: Capitalized software costs $ 1,667 $ (858 ) $ 809 Trade Names 102 — 102 Contracts 871 (76 ) 795 Other 104 (79 ) 25 Total $ 2,744 $ (1,013 ) $ 1,731 Estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives as of December 31, 2019 is as follows: Total Years Ending December 31, Later Years 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Amortization of intangible assets $ 1,037 $ 156 $ 142 $ 130 $ 122 $ 104 $ 383 We recognized amortization expense of $188 million , $185 million and $172 million in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS The principal components of investments and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Marketable securities $ 2 $ 40 Equity investments in unconsolidated healthcare entities 978 956 Total investments 980 996 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 36 30 Long-term deposits 59 44 California provider fee program receivables 213 231 Operating lease assets 912 — Land held for expansion, other long-term receivables and other assets 169 155 Investments and other assets $ 2,369 $ 1,456

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Our accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 Adjustments for defined benefit plans $ (257 ) $ (223 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (257 ) $ (223 ) The tax benefits allocated to the adjustments for our defined benefit plans was approximately $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 , and the tax benefits allocated to the adjustments for our defined benefit plans and foreign currency translation adjustments were approximately $3 million and $3 million , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018 . As discussed in Note 1, we recorded cumulative effect adjustments of $36 million and $7 million upon the adoptions of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01 , respectively, effective January 1, 2018.

NET OPERATING REVENUES

NET OPERATING REVENUES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
NET OPERATING REVENUES	CONTRACT BALANCES Hospital Operations and Other Segment Amounts related to services provided to patients for which we have not billed and that do not meet the conditions of unconditional right to payment at the end of the reporting period are contract assets. For our Hospital Operations and other segment, our contract assets consist primarily of services that we have provided to patients who are still receiving inpatient care in our facilities at the end of the reporting period. Our Hospital Operations and other segment’s contract assets are included in other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. The opening and closing balances of contract assets for our Hospital Operations and other segment are as follows: December 31, 2018 $ 169 December 31, 2019 170 Increase/(decrease) $ 1 January 1, 2018 $ 171 December 31, 2018 169 Increase/(decrease) $ (2 ) Approximately 85% of our Hospital Operations and other segment’s contract assets meet the conditions for unconditional right to payment and are reclassified to patient receivables within 90 days. Conifer Segment Conifer enters into contracts with customers to sell revenue cycle management and other services, such as value-based care, consulting and project services. The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts vary. In some cases, customers are invoiced in advance and (for other than fixed-price fee arrangements) a true-up to the actual fee is included on a subsequent invoice. In other cases, payment is due in arrears. In addition, some contracts contain performance incentives, penalties and other forms of variable consideration. When the timing of Conifer’s delivery of services is different from the timing of payments made by the customers, Conifer recognizes either unbilled revenue (performance precedes contractual right to invoice the customer) or deferred revenue (customer payment precedes Conifer service performance). In the following table, customers that prepay prior to obtaining control/benefit of the service are represented by deferred contract revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. Unbilled revenue represents arrangements in which Conifer has provided services to and the customer has obtained control/benefit of services prior to the contractual invoice date. Contracts with payment in arrears are recognized as receivables in the month the service is performed. The opening and closing balances of Conifer’s receivables, contract asset, and current and long-term contract liabilities are as follows: Contract Liability- Contract Liability- Contract Asset- Current Long-Term Receivables Unbilled Revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue December 31, 2018 $ 42 $ 11 $ 61 $ 20 December 31, 2019 26 11 61 18 Increase/(decrease) $ (16 ) $ — $ — $ (2 ) January 1, 2018 $ 89 $ 10 $ 80 $ 21 December 31, 2018 42 11 61 20 Increase/(decrease) $ (47 ) $ 1 $ (19 ) $ (1 ) The difference between the opening and closing balances of Conifer’s contract assets and contract liabilities are primarily related to prepayments for those customers who are billed in advance, changes in estimates related to metric-based services, and up-front integration services that are typically not distinct and are, therefore, recognized over the performance obligation period to which they relate. Our Conifer segment’s receivables and contract assets are reported as part of other current assets in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our Conifer segment’s current and long-term contract liabilities are reported as part of other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of revenue Conifer recognized in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 that was included in the opening current deferred revenue liability was $61 million and $72 million , respectively. This revenue consists primarily of prepayments for those customers who are billed in advance, changes in estimates related to metric-based services, and up-front integration services that are recognized over the services period. Contract Costs We have elected to apply the practical expedient provided by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 340-40-25-4 and expense as incurred the incremental customer contract acquisition costs for contracts in which the amortization period of the asset is one year or less. However, incremental costs incurred to obtain and fulfill customer contracts for which the amortization period of the asset is longer than one year, which consist primarily of Conifer deferred contract setup costs, are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related contract. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recognized amortization expense of $5 million , $11 million and 10 million , respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the unamortized customer contract costs were $25 million and $28 million Net operating revenues for our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments primarily consist of net patient service revenues, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact and other uninsured discount and charity programs. Net operating revenues for our Conifer segment primarily consist of revenues from providing revenue cycle management services to healthcare systems, as well as individual hospitals, physician practices, self-insured organizations, health plans and other entities. The table below shows our sources of net operating revenues less provision for doubtful accounts and implicit price concessions from continuing operations: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Hospital Operations and other: Net patient service revenues from hospitals and related Medicare $ 2,888 $ 2,882 $ 3,243 Medicaid 1,193 1,294 1,304 Managed care 9,516 9,213 9,583 Uninsured 92 96 91 Indemnity and other 679 596 608 Total 14,368 14,081 14,829 Other revenues (1) 1,154 1,204 1,431 Hospital Operations and other total prior to 15,522 15,285 16,260 Ambulatory Care 2,158 2,085 1,940 Conifer 1,372 1,533 1,597 Inter-segment eliminations (573 ) (590 ) (618 ) Net operating revenues $ 18,479 $ 18,313 $ 19,179 (1) Primarily physician practices revenues. Adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances, principally related to Medicare and Medicaid, increased revenues in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 by $27 million , $24 million and $35 million , respectively. Estimated cost report settlements and valuation allowances are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 3). We believe that we have made adequate provision for any adjustments that may result from final determination of amounts earned under all the above arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid. The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Ambulatory Care segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net patient service revenues $ 2,040 $ 1,965 $ 1,816 Management fees 95 92 93 Revenue from other sources 23 28 31 Net operating revenues $ 2,158 $ 2,085 $ 1,940 The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Conifer segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenue cycle services – Tenet $ 556 $ 568 $ 583 Revenue cycle services – other customers 713 855 891 Other services – Tenet 17 22 35 Other services – other customers 86 88 88 Net operating revenues $ 1,372 $ 1,533 $ 1,597 Other services represent approximately 8% of Conifer’s revenue and include value-based care services, consulting services and other client-defined projects. Performance Obligations The following table includes Conifer’s revenue that is expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, at the end of the reporting period. The amounts in the table primarily consist of revenue cycle management fixed fees, which are typically recognized ratably as the performance obligation is satisfied. The estimated revenue does not include volume or contingency based contracts, performance incentives, penalties or other variable consideration that is considered constrained. Conifer’s contract with Catholic Health Initiatives (“CHI”), a minority interest owner of Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, represents the majority of the fixed-fee revenue related to remaining performance obligations. Conifer’s contract term with CHI ends December 31, 2032. Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Performance obligations $ 7,347 $ 601 $ 598 $ 598 $ 597 $ 550 $ 4,403

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND G

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property and Professional and General Liablity Insurance [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE	PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Property Insurance We have property, business interruption and related insurance coverage to mitigate the financial impact of catastrophic events or perils that is subject to deductible provisions based on the terms of the policies. These policies are on an occurrence basis. For the policy period April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020, we have coverage totaling $850 million per occurrence, after deductibles and exclusions, with annual aggregate sub-limits of $100 million for floods, $200 million for earthquakes and a per-occurrence sub-limit of $200 million for named windstorms with no annual aggregate. With respect to fires and other perils, excluding floods, earthquakes and named windstorms, the total $850 million limit of coverage per occurrence applies. Deductibles are 5% of insured values up to a maximum of $40 million for California earthquakes, $25 million for floods and named windstorms, and 2% of insured values for New Madrid fault earthquakes, with a maximum per claim deductible of $25 million . Floods and certain other covered losses, including fires and other perils, have a minimum deductible of $1 million . Professional and General Liability Reserves We are self-insured for the majority of our professional and general liability claims and purchase insurance from third-parties to cover catastrophic claims. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the aggregate current and long-term professional and general liability reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were $915 million and $882 million , respectively. These reserves include the reserves recorded by our captive insurance subsidiaries and our self-insured retention reserves recorded based on modeled estimates for the portion of our professional and general liability risks, including incurred but not reported claims, for which we do not have insurance coverage. We estimated the reserves for losses and related expenses using expected loss-reporting patterns discounted to their present value under a risk-free rate approach using a Federal Reserve seven-year maturity rate of 1.83% , 2.59% and 2.33% at December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. If the aggregate limit of any of our professional and general liability policies is exhausted, in whole or in part, it could deplete or reduce the limits available to pay any other material claims applicable to that policy period. Included in other operating expenses, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations is malpractice expense of $374 million , $388 million and $303 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, of which $155 million , $176 million and $61 million , respectively, related to adverse development for prior years.

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS	CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS We operate in a highly regulated and litigious industry. Healthcare companies are subject to numerous investigations by various governmental agencies. Further, private parties have the right to bring qui tam or “whistleblower” lawsuits against companies that allegedly submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the government and, in some states, private payers. We and our subsidiaries have received inquiries in recent years from government agencies, and we may receive similar inquiries in future periods. We are also subject to class action lawsuits, employment-related claims and other legal actions in the ordinary course of business. Some of these actions may involve large demands, as well as substantial defense costs. We cannot predict the outcome of current or future legal actions against us or the effect that judgments or settlements in such matters may have on us. We are also subject to a non-prosecution agreement (“NPA”). If we fail to comply with this agreement, we could be subject to criminal prosecution, substantial penalties and exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs, any of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We record accruals for estimated losses relating to claims and lawsuits when available information indicates that a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss or a range of loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of the probability of a loss and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. These determinations are updated at least quarterly and are adjusted to reflect the effects of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and technical experts, and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter, but are subject to significant uncertainty regarding numerous factors that could affect the ultimate loss levels. If a loss on a material matter is reasonably possible and estimable, we disclose an estimate of the loss or a range of loss. In cases where we have not disclosed an estimate, we have concluded that the loss is either not reasonably possible or the loss, or a range of loss, is not reasonably estimable, based on available information. Given the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, especially those involving governmental agencies, and the indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, there is significant uncertainty as to the ultimate liability we may incur from these matters, and an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. Shareholder Derivative Litigation In January 2017, the Dallas County District Court consolidated two previously disclosed shareholder derivative lawsuits filed on behalf of the Company by purported shareholders of the Company’s common stock against current and former officers and directors into a single matter captioned In re Tenet Healthcare Corporation Shareholder Derivative Litigation . The plaintiffs filed a consolidated shareholder derivative petition in February 2017. The consolidated shareholder derivative petition alleged that false or misleading statements or omissions concerning the Company’s financial performance and compliance policies, specifically with respect to the previously disclosed civil qui tam litigation and parallel criminal investigation of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (together, the “Clinica de la Mama matters”), caused the price of the Company’s common stock to be artificially inflated. In addition, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants violated GAAP by failing to disclose an estimate of the possible loss or a range of loss related to the Clinica de la Mama matters. The plaintiffs claimed that they did not make demand on the Company’s board of directors to bring the lawsuit because such a demand would have been futile. In May 2018, the judge in the consolidated shareholder derivative litigation entered an order lifting the previous year-long stay of the matter and, in July 2018, the defendants filed pleadings seeking dismissal of the lawsuit. In October 2018, the judge granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, but also agreed to give the plaintiffs 30 days to replead their complaint. In January 2019, the court issued a final judgment and order of dismissal after the plaintiffs elected not to replead. In February 2019, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of the court’s ruling that dismissal was appropriate because the plaintiffs failed to adequately plead that a pre-suit demand on the Company’s board of directors, a precondition to their action, should be excused as futile. The parties’ appellate briefs have been filed, and oral arguments were held on February 5, 2020. The parties are awaiting the court’s ruling. The defendants intend to continue to vigorously contest the plaintiffs’ allegations in this matter. Antitrust Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Registered Nurses in San Antonio In Maderazo, et al. v. VHS San Antonio Partners, L.P. d/b/a Baptist Health Systems, et al. , filed in June 2006 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, a purported class of registered nurses employed by three unaffiliated San Antonio-area hospital systems alleged those hospital systems, including our Baptist Health System, and other unidentified San Antonio regional hospitals violated Section §1 of the federal Sherman Act by conspiring to depress nurses’ compensation and exchanging compensation-related information among themselves in a manner that reduced competition and suppressed the wages paid to such nurses. The suit sought unspecified damages (subject to trebling under federal law), interest, costs and attorneys’ fees. In January 2019, the district court issued an opinion denying the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The plaintiffs’ subsequent appeal of the district court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit was denied in March 2019. In April 2019, the appellate court denied the plaintiffs’ request for additional review of the district court’s ruling, and we learned in August 2019 that the plaintiffs did not request further review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The plaintiffs advised the court that they were proceeding on behalf of the three named individuals. On November 20, 2019, at court-ordered mediation, the parties entered into a confidential settlement to resolve the three plaintiffs’ individual claims for an immaterial amount. In January 2020, the parties executed a settlement agreement, which the court approved, and the case was dismissed. Government Investigation of Detroit Medical Center Detroit Medical Center (“DMC”) is subject to an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for potential violations of the Stark law, the Medicare and Medicaid anti-kickback and anti-fraud and abuse amendments codified under Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act (the “Anti-kickback Statute”), and the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) related to DMC’s employment of nurse practitioners and physician assistants (“Mid-Level Practitioners”) from 2006 through 2017. As previously disclosed, a media report was published in August 2017 alleging that 14 Mid-Level Practitioners were terminated by DMC earlier in 2017 due to compliance concerns. We are cooperating with the investigation and continue to produce documents on a schedule agreed upon with the DOJ. Because the government’s review is in its preliminary stages, we are unable to determine the potential exposure, if any, at this time. Oklahoma Surgical Hospital Qui Tam Action In May 2016, a relator filed a qui tam lawsuit under seal in the Western District of Oklahoma against, among other parties, (i) Oklahoma Center for Orthopaedic & Multispecialty Surgery (“OCOM”), a surgical hospital jointly owned by USPI, a healthcare system partner and physicians, (ii) Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists, an independent physician practice group, (iii) Tenet, and (iv) other related entities and individuals. The complaint alleges various violations of the FCA, the Anti-kickback Statute, the Stark law and the Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act. In May 2018, Tenet and its affiliates learned that they were parties to the suit when the court unsealed the complaint and the DOJ declined to intervene with respect to the issues involving Tenet, USPI, OCOM and individually named employees. In June 2018, the relator filed an amended complaint more fully describing the claims and adding additional defendants. Tenet, USPI, OCOM and individually named employees filed motions to dismiss the case in October 2018, but the court has not yet ruled on the motions. The litigation is currently stayed while the parties work to finalize the resolution described below. Pursuant to the obligations under our NPA, we reported the unsealed qui tam action to the DOJ and began investigating the claims contained in the amended complaint and cooperating fully with the DOJ. We began discussing potential resolution of these matters with the DOJ and the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG”) during the three months ended September 30, 2019. In October 2019, we reached an agreement in principle with the DOJ to resolve the qui tam lawsuit and related investigations for approximately $66 million , subject to further approvals by the DOJ and other government agencies. In the three months ended September 30, 2019, we established a reserve of $68 million for this matter, which includes an estimate of the relator’s attorney’s fees and certain other costs to be paid by us. In the three months ended December 31, 2019, we increased the reserve for this matter by an additional $1 million to reflect updated information on the other costs to be paid by us. Any final resolution remains subject to negotiation and final approval of a settlement agreement with the DOJ and any other definitive documentation required by OIG or other government agencies. We believe this could be completed as early as the second quarter of 2020, at which time the monetary component of the resolution would be paid. Other Matters On July 1, 2019, certain of the entities that purchased the operations of Hahnemann University Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia from us commenced Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As previously disclosed in our Form 8-K filed September 1, 2017, the purchasers assumed our funding obligations under the Pension Fund for Hospital and Health Care Employees of Philadelphia and Vicinity (the “Fund”), a pension plan related to the operations at Hahnemann University Hospital and, pursuant to rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, under certain circumstances we could become liable for withdrawal liability in the event a withdrawal is triggered with respect to the Fund. In July 2019, the Fund notified us of a withdrawal liability assessment of approximately $63 million . We dispute and are contesting this assessment in accordance with applicable law. We are also subject to claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including potential claims related to, among other things, the care and treatment provided at our hospitals and outpatient facilities, the application of various federal and state labor laws, tax audits and other matters. Although the results of these claims and lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these ordinary course claims and lawsuits will not have a material effect on our business or financial condition. New claims or inquiries may be initiated against us from time to time. These matters could (1) require us to pay substantial damages or amounts in judgments or settlements, which, individually or in the aggregate, could exceed amounts, if any, that may be recovered under our insurance policies where coverage applies and is available, (2) cause us to incur substantial expenses, (3) require significant time and attention from our management, and (4) cause us to close or sell hospitals or otherwise modify the way we conduct business. The following table presents reconciliations of the beginning and ending liability balances in connection with legal settlements and related costs recorded in continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . No amounts were recorded in discontinued operations in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 periods. Balances at Beginning of Period Litigation and Investigation Costs Cash Payments Other Balances at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 8 $ 141 $ (55 ) $ (8 ) $ 86 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 12 $ 38 $ (41 ) $ (1 ) $ 8 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 12 $ 23 $ (23 ) $ — $ 12 For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recorded net costs of $141 million , $38 million and $23 million , respectively, in connection with significant legal proceedings and governmental investigations.

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTER

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES	REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES As part of the acquisition of United Surgical Partners International, Inc., we entered into a put/call agreement (the “Put/Call Agreement”) with respect to the equity interests in USPI held by our joint venture partners. In April 2016, we paid $127 million to purchase shares put to us according to the Put/Call Agreement, which increased our ownership interest in USPI to approximately 56.3% . On May 1, 2017, we amended and restated the Put/Call Agreement to provide for, among other things, the acceleration of our acquisition of certain shares of USPI. Under the terms of the amendment, we paid Welsh Carson, on July 3, 2017, $716 million for the purchase of these shares, which increased our ownership interest in USPI to 80.0% , as well as the final adjustment to the 2016 purchase price. In April 2018, we paid $630 million for the purchase of an additional 15% ownership interest in USPI and the final adjustment to the 2017 purchase price, which increased our ownership interest in USPI to 95% . In addition, we entered into a separate put call agreement (the “Baylor Put/Call Agreement”) with Baylor University Medical Center (“Baylor”) that contains put and call options with respect to the 5% ownership interest in USPI held by Baylor. Each year starting in 2021, Baylor may put up to one-third of their total shares in USPI held as of April 1, 2017. In each year that Baylor does not put the full 33.3% of USPI’s shares allowable, we may call the difference between the number of shares Baylor put and the maximum number of shares they could have put that year. In addition, the Baylor Put/Call Agreement contains a call option pursuant to which we have the ability to acquire all of Baylor’s ownership interest by 2024. We have the ability to choose whether to settle the purchase price for the Baylor put/call in cash or shares of our common stock. Based on the nature of these put/call structures, the minority shareholders’ interests in USPI are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . The following table shows the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries during the years ended 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 2018 Balances at beginning of period $ 1,420 $ 1,866 Net income 192 190 Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (145 ) (142 ) Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests 18 173 Purchases and sales of businesses and noncontrolling interests, net 21 (667 ) Balances at end of period $ 1,506 $ 1,420 Our redeemable noncontrolling interests balances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 in the table above were comprised of $383 million and $431 million , respectively, from our Hospital Operations and other segment, $777 million and $713 million , respectively, from our Ambulatory Care segment, and $346 million and $276 million , respectively, from our Conifer segment. Our net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations were comprised of $(37) million and $(25) million , respectively, from our Hospital Operations and other segment, $159 million and $151 million , respectively, from our Ambulatory Care segment, and $70 million and $64 million , respectively, from our Conifer segment.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current tax expense (benefit): Federal $ (6 ) $ (6 ) $ (4 ) State 26 33 23 20 27 19 Deferred tax expense (benefit): Federal 134 159 202 State (1 ) (10 ) (2 ) 133 149 200 $ 153 $ 176 $ 219 A reconciliation between the amount of reported income tax expense and the amount computed by multiplying income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by the statutory federal income tax rate is shown below. State income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes $2 million of expense related to the write-off of expired or worthless unutilized state net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets for which a full valuation allowance had been provided in prior years. A corresponding tax benefit of $2 million is included for the year ended December 31, 2019 to reflect the reduction in the valuation allowance. Foreign pre-tax loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $6 million . Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax expense (benefit) at statutory federal rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 $ 62 $ 134 $ (35 ) State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 20 23 4 Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit 2 9 28 Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests (79 ) (70 ) (113 ) Nondeductible goodwill 4 8 109 Nondeductible executive compensation 6 4 — Nondeductible litigation costs 7 — — Expired charitable contribution carryforward 8 — — Impact of decrease in federal tax rate on deferred taxes — (1 ) 246 Reversal of permanent reinvestment assumption and other adjustments related to divestiture of foreign subsidiary — (6 ) (30 ) Stock-based compensation tax deficiencies 4 5 15 Changes in valuation allowance (including impact of decrease in federal tax rate) 133 76 — Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest (14 ) (1 ) (6 ) Prior-year provision to return adjustments and other changes in deferred taxes (3 ) (5 ) 4 Other items 3 — (3 ) Income tax expense $ 153 $ 176 $ 219 In December 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including but not limited to (1) reducing the corporate federal tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate effective January 1, 2018, (2) repealing the corporate alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) and changing how existing AMT credits may be realized, (3) creating a new limitation on the deductibility of interest expense, (4) allowing full expensing of certain capital expenditures, and (5) denying deductions for performance-based compensation paid to certain key executives. International provisions in the Tax Act have not had, and are not expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s taxes. As a result of the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% under the Tax Act, we revalued our net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017, resulting in a reduction in the value of our net deferred tax assets by approximately $251 million . For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $252 million as a provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act, including the decrease in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Approximately $6 million of the total $252 million increase in income tax expense is included in the net change in valuation allowance, with the remaining $246 million shown in the table above. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $1 million of tax benefit upon finalizing our accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act based on actual 2017 federal and state income tax filings. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes. The following table discloses those significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, including any valuation allowance: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Depreciation and fixed-asset differences $ — $ 282 $ — $ 297 Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges 14 — 24 — Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments) 165 — 155 — Accruals for retained insurance risks 195 — 205 — Intangible assets — 356 — 341 Other long-term liabilities 35 — 39 — Benefit plans 274 — 255 — Other accrued liabilities 45 — 32 — Investments and other assets — 95 — 83 Interest expense limitation 219 — 89 — Net operating loss carryforwards 179 — 266 — Stock-based compensation 19 — 24 — Other items 45 34 88 32 1,190 767 1,177 753 Valuation allowance (281 ) — (148 ) — $ 909 $ 767 $ 1,029 $ 753 Below is a reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities and the corresponding amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred income tax assets $ 169 $ 312 Deferred tax liabilities (27 ) (36 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 142 $ 276 During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the valuation allowance increased by $133 million , including an increase of $130 million due to limitations on the tax deductibility of interest expense , a decrease of $2 million due to the expiration or worthlessness of unutilized state net operating loss carryovers, and an increase of $5 million due to changes in expected realizability of deferred tax assets. The balance in the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2019 was $281 million . During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the valuation allowance increased by $76 million , including an increase of $89 million due to limitations on deductions of interest expense, a decrease of $9 million due to the expiration or worthlessness of unutilized state net operating loss carryovers, and a decrease of $4 million due to changes in expected realizability of deferred tax assets. The remaining balance in the valuation allowance at December 31, 2018 was $148 million . During the year ended December 31, 2017, we had no net change in the valuation allowance, but there was a decrease of $28 million due to the expiration or worthlessness of unutilized state net operating loss carryovers, an increase of $6 million due to the decrease in the federal tax rate, and an increase of $22 million due to changes in expected realizability of deferred tax assets. The remaining balance in the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017 was $72 million . Federal and state deferred tax assets relating to interest expense limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 163(j) have a full valuation allowance because the interest expense carryovers are not expected to be utilized in the foreseeable future. We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740-10-25, which prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The following table summarizes the total changes in unrecognized tax benefits in continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . There were no such changes in discontinued operations. The additions and reductions for tax positions include the impact of items for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Such amounts include unrecognized tax benefits that have impacted deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Continuing Operations Balance At December 31, 2016 $ 35 Additions for prior-year tax positions 31 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (15 ) Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (5 ) Balance At December 31, 2017 $ 46 Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (1 ) Balance At December 31, 2018 $ 45 Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (14 ) Balance At December 31, 2019 $ 31 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 was $31 million , of which $29 million , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2019 includes a benefit of $11 million in continuing operations attributable to a decrease in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 was $45 million , of which $43 million , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2018 includes a benefit of $1 million in continuing operations attributable to a decrease in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017 was $46 million , of which $44 million , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a benefit of $5 million in continuing operations attributable to a decrease in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects. Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 were zero . The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed audits of our tax returns for all tax years ended on or before December 31, 2007. All disputed issues with respect to these audits have been resolved and all related tax assessments (including interest) have been paid. Our tax returns for years ended after December 31, 2007 and USPI’s tax returns for years ended after December 31, 2015 remain subject to audit by the IRS. As of December 31, 2019 , no significant changes in unrecognized federal and state tax benefits are expected in the next 12 months as a result of the settlement of audits, the filing of amended tax returns or the expiration of statutes of limitations. At December 31, 2019 , our carryforwards available to offset future taxable income consisted of (1) federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $600 million pre-tax expiring in 2032 to 2034 , (2) general business credit carryforwards of approximately $25 million expiring in 2023 through 2039, and (3) state NOL carryforwards of approximately $3.5 billion expiring in 2020 through 2039 for which the associated deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, is $25 million . Our ability to utilize NOL carryforwards to reduce future taxable income may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code if certain ownership changes in our company occur during a rolling three -year period. These ownership changes include purchases of common stock under share repurchase programs , the offering of stock by us, the purchase or sale of our stock by 5% shareholders, as defined in the Treasury regulations, or the issuance or exercise of rights to acquire our stock. If such ownership changes by 5% shareholders result in aggregate increases that exceed 50 percentage points during the three -year period, then Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of our taxable income that may be offset by the NOL carryforwards or tax credit carryforwards at the time of ownership change.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHAR

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share calculations for our continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Net income available (loss attributable) to our common shareholders is expressed in millions and weighted average shares are expressed in thousands. Net Income Available (Loss Attributable) to Common Shareholders (Numerator) Weighted Average Shares (Denominator) Per-Share Amount Year Ended December 31, 2019 Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share $ (243 ) 103,398 $ (2.35 ) Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — — — Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share $ (243 ) 103,398 $ (2.35 ) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share $ 108 102,110 $ 1.06 Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — 1,771 (0.02 ) Net income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share $ 108 103,881 $ 1.04 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share $ (704 ) 100,592 $ (7.00 ) Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — — — Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share $ (704 ) 100,592 $ (7.00 ) All potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017 because we did not report income from continuing operations available to common shareholders in those periods. In circumstances where we do not have income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, the effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive securities is anti-dilutive, that is, a loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders has the effect of making the diluted loss per share less than the basic loss per share. Had we generated income from continuing operations available to common shareholders in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017 , the effect (in thousands) of employee stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units on the diluted shares calculation would have been an increase in shares of 1,457 and 788 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017 , respectively.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Our non-financial assets and liabilities not permitted or required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis typically relate to long-lived assets held and used, long-lived assets held for sale and goodwill. We are required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements as part of our financial statements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The following tables present this information and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair values. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which generally are not applicable to non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as definitive sales agreements, appraisals or established market values of comparable assets. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability, such as internal estimates of future cash flows. December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-lived assets held for sale $ 387 $ — $ 387 $ — December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-lived assets held for sale $ 39 $ — $ 39 $ — Long-lived assets held and used $ 130 $ — $ 130 $ — As described in Note 6 , in the year ended December 31, 2019 , we recorded impairment charges in continuing operations of $26 million to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for certain of our Memphis-area facilities and $16 million of other impairment charges. In the year ended December 31, 2018 , we recorded impairment charges in continuing operations of $40 million for the write-down of buildings and other long-lived assets to their estimated fair values at two hospitals. We also recorded $24 million to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for certain of our Chicago-area facilities, as well as $9 million of impairment charges to write-down assets held for sale to their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, for Aspen and $4 million related to other impairment charges. The fair value of our long-term debt (except for borrowings under the Credit Agreement) is based on quoted market prices (Level 1). The inputs used to establish the fair value of the borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement are considered to be Level 2 inputs, which include inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the estimated fair value of our long-term debt was approximately 106.4% and 97.3% , respectively, of the carrying value of the debt.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS During the year ended December 31, 2019 , we acquired ten outpatient businesses (all of which are owned by USPI), and various physician practices. The fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisitions (the “purchase price”) was $25 million . During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we acquired ten outpatient businesses (all of which are owned by USPI), three off-campus emergency departments and various physician practices. The fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisitions (the “purchase price”) was $113 million . During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we acquired eight outpatient businesses (all of which are owned by USPI) and various physician practices. The fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisitions (the “purchase price”) was $50 million . We are required to allocate the purchase prices of acquired businesses to assets acquired or liabilities assumed and, if applicable, noncontrolling interests based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price allocated over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. The purchase price allocations for certain acquisitions completed in 2019 is preliminary. We are in process of finalizing the purchase price allocations, including valuations of the acquired property and equipment, other intangible assets and noncontrolling interests for some of our 2019 acquisitions; therefore, those purchase price allocations are subject to adjustment once the valuations are completed. Preliminary or final purchase price allocations for all the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Current assets $ 16 $ 6 $ 7 Property and equipment 20 19 9 Other intangible assets 4 9 8 Goodwill 43 220 91 Other long-term assets, including previously held equity method investments 24 (18 ) (3 ) Current liabilities (16 ) — (8 ) Long-term liabilities (35 ) (15 ) (2 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries (18 ) (21 ) (29 ) Noncontrolling interests (7 ) (85 ) (18 ) Cash paid, net of cash acquired (25 ) (113 ) (50 ) Gains on consolidations $ 6 $ 2 $ 5 The goodwill generated from these transactions, the majority of which will not be deductible for income tax purposes, can be attributed to the benefits that we expect to realize from operating efficiencies and growth strategies. The goodwill total of $43 million from acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2019 was recorded in our Ambulatory Care segment. Approximately $6 million , $10 million and $6 million in transaction costs related to prospective and closed acquisitions were expensed during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and are included in impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recognized gains totaling $6 million , $2 million and $5 million , respectively, associated with stepping up our ownership interests in previously held equity investments, which we began consolidating after we acquired controlling interests.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION Our business consists of our Hospital Operations and other segment, our Ambulatory Care segment and our Conifer segment. The factors for determining the reportable segments include the manner in which management evaluates operating performance combined with the nature of the individual business activities. Our Hospital Operations and other segment is comprised of our acute care and specialty hospitals, ancillary outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, micro-hospitals and physician practices. As described in Note 5 , certain of our facilities were classified as held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 . At December 31, 2019 , our subsidiaries operated 65 hospitals serving primarily urban and suburban communities in nine states. Our Ambulatory Care segment is comprised of the operations of USPI and included nine Aspen facilities in the United Kingdom until their divestiture effective August 17, 2018. At December 31, 2019 , USPI had interests in 260 ambulatory surgery centers, 39 urgent care centers operated under the CareSpot brand, 23 imaging centers and 24 surgical hospitals in 27 states. At December 31, 2019 , we owned 95% of USPI. Our Conifer segment provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, healthcare systems, physician practices, employers and other customers . At December 31, 2019 , Conifer provided services to approximately 660 Tenet and non-Tenet hospitals and other clients nationwide. In 2012, we entered into agreements documenting the terms and conditions of various services Conifer provides to Tenet hospitals, as well as certain administrative services our Hospital Operations and other segment provides to Conifer. The pricing terms for the services provided by each party to the other under these contracts were based on estimated third-party pricing terms in effect at the time the agreements were signed. At December 31, 2019 , we owned 76.2% of Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, which is the principal subsidiary of Conifer Holdings, Inc. The following table includes amounts for each of our reportable segments and the reconciling items necessary to agree to amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations: December 31, December 31, December 31, Assets: Hospital Operations and other $ 16,182 $ 15,684 $ 16,466 Ambulatory Care 6,195 5,711 5,822 Conifer 974 1,014 1,097 Total $ 23,351 $ 22,409 $ 23,385 Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Capital expenditures: Hospital Operations and other $ 572 $ 527 $ 625 Ambulatory Care 75 68 60 Conifer 23 22 22 Total $ 670 $ 617 $ 707 Net operating revenues: Hospital Operations and other total prior to inter-segment eliminations $ 15,522 $ 15,285 $ 16,260 Ambulatory Care 2,158 2,085 1,940 Conifer Tenet 573 590 618 Other clients 799 943 979 Total Conifer revenues 1,372 1,533 1,597 Inter-segment eliminations (573 ) (590 ) (618 ) Total $ 18,479 $ 18,313 $ 19,179 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates: Hospital Operations and other $ 15 $ 10 $ 4 Ambulatory Care 160 140 140 Total $ 175 $ 150 $ 144 Adjusted EBITDA: Hospital Operations and other $ 1,425 $ 1,411 $ 1,462 Ambulatory Care 895 792 699 Conifer 386 357 283 Total $ 2,706 $ 2,560 $ 2,444 Depreciation and amortization: Hospital Operations and other $ 733 $ 685 $ 736 Ambulatory Care 72 68 84 Conifer 45 49 50 Total $ 850 $ 802 $ 870 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,706 $ 2,560 $ 2,444 Income (loss) from divested and closed businesses (2 ) 9 (41 ) Depreciation and amortization (850 ) (802 ) (870 ) Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs (185 ) (209 ) (541 ) Litigation and investigation costs (141 ) (38 ) (23 ) Interest expense (985 ) (1,004 ) (1,028 ) Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt (227 ) 1 (164 ) Other non-operating expense, net (5 ) (5 ) (22 ) Net gains (losses) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities (15 ) 127 144 Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes $ 296 $ 639 $ (101 )

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Recently Issued Accounting Standards In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”), which applies to all entities that are required to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in ASU 2018-13, which remove, modify or add certain disclosure requirements as part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of the notes to the financial statements, are effective for us beginning in 2020. The adoption of this guidance will not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Also in August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans –General (Subtopic 715-20) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans” (“ASU 2018-14”), which applies to all employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in ASU 2018-14, which remove, modify or add certain disclosure requirements as part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of the notes to the financial statements, are effective for us beginning in 2021. The adoption of this guidance will not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” (“ASU 2018-14”), which applies to all entities that are a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The amendments in ASU 2018-14, which align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, are effective for us beginning in 2020. We do not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which applies to entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. We will adopt ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to increase accumulated deficit by $15 million to $20 million . We do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2019, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption. Effective January 1, 2018, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-01, and we early adopted ASU 2018-02. Also effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” and ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash,” both of which were applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented and did not have any effect on our statements of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2017, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2016-09 and early adopted ASU 2017-07. We also early adopted ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” (“ASU 2017‑04”) for our annual goodwill impairment tests for the year ended December 31, 2017. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 modified the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity no longer determines goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Because these amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, they should reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. Our adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	SUBSEQUENT EVENT Termination of USPI Management Equity Plan and Adoption of USPI Restricted Stock Plan As described in Note 10 , USPI previously maintained a management equity plan whereby it had granted non-qualified options to purchase nonvoting shares of USPI’s outstanding common stock to eligible plan participants. In February 2020, the plan and all unvested options granted under the plan were terminated in accordance with the terms of the plan. In the first quarter of 2020, USPI will repurchase all vested options and all shares of USPI stock acquired upon exercise of an option. All participants in the plan will receive fair market value for any such vested options or shares; all unvested options under the plan were canceled. USPI will pay approximately $35 million to eligible plan participants in connection with the repurchase of eligible securities.

Supplemental Financial Informat

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Information	SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Year Ended December 31, 2019 First Second Third Fourth Net operating revenues $ 4,545 $ 4,560 $ 4,568 $ 4,806 Net income (loss) $ 65 $ 112 $ (152 ) $ 129 Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders $ (19 ) $ 17 $ (232 ) $ 2 Earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders: Basic $ (0.18 ) $ 0.17 $ (2.24 ) $ 0.02 Diluted $ (0.18 ) $ 0.16 $ (2.24 ) $ 0.02 Year Ended December 31, 2018 First Second Third Fourth Net operating revenues $ 4,699 $ 4,506 $ 4,489 $ 4,619 Net income $ 191 $ 108 $ 65 $ 102 Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders $ 99 $ 26 $ (9 ) $ (5 ) Earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders: Basic $ 0.98 $ 0.25 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 ) Diluted $ 0.96 $ 0.25 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 ) Quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Reasons for this include, but are not limited to: overall revenue and cost trends, particularly the timing and magnitude of price changes; fluctuations in contractual allowances and cost report settlements and valuation allowances; managed care contract negotiations, settlements or terminations and payer consolidations; trends in patient accounts receivable collectability and associated implicit price concessions; fluctuations in interest rates; levels of malpractice insurance expense and settlement trends; impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill; restructuring charges; losses, costs and insurance recoveries related to natural disasters and other weather-related occurrences; litigation and investigation costs; acquisitions and dispositions of facilities and other assets; gains (losses) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities; income tax rates and deferred tax asset valuation allowance activity; changes in estimates of accruals for annual incentive compensation; the timing and amounts of stock option and restricted stock unit grants to employees and directors; gains (losses) from early extinguishment of debt; and changes in occupancy levels and patient volumes. Factors that affect service mix, revenue mix, patient volumes and, thereby, the results of operations at our hospitals and related healthcare facilities include, but are not limited to: changes in federal and state healthcare regulations; the business environment, economic conditions and demographics of local communities in which we operate; the number of uninsured and underinsured individuals in local communities treated at our hospitals; seasonal cycles of illness; climate and weather conditions; physician recruitment, satisfaction, retention and attrition; advances in technology and treatments that reduce length of stay; local healthcare competitors; utilization pressure by managed care organizations, as well as managed care contract negotiations or terminations; hospital performance data on quality measures and patient satisfaction, as well as standard charges for services; any unfavorable publicity about us, or our joint venture partners, that impacts our relationships with physicians and patients; and changing consumer behavior, including with respect to the timing of elective procedures. These considerations apply to year-to-year comparisons as well.

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Millions) Balance at Beginning of Period Costs and Expenses (1)(2) Deductions (3) Other Items (4)(5) Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year ended December 31, 2019 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 898 $ — $ — $ (898 ) $ — Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 1,031 $ 1,434 $ (1,445 ) $ (122 ) $ 898 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets: Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 148 $ 133 $ — $ — $ 281 Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 72 $ 76 $ — $ — $ 148 Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 72 $ — $ — $ — $ 72 (1) Includes amounts recorded in discontinued operations. (2) Before considering recoveries on accounts or notes previously written off. (3) Accounts written off. (4) Acquisition and divestiture activity in 2017. (5) Allowance for doubtful accounts eliminated in 2018 upon adoption of new accounting standard ASC 606.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tenet and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation, and we include the results of operations of businesses that are newly acquired in purchase transactions from their dates of acquisition. We account for significant investments in other affiliated companies using the equity method. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial and statistical data included in these notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our continuing operations, with dollar amounts expressed in millions (except per-share amounts). Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption. Our financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2019 were not modified for the application of the new lease accounting standard. The main difference between the guidance in ASU 2016-02 and previous accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we recorded $822 million of right-of-use assets, net of deferred rent, associated with operating leases in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, $147 million of current liabilities associated with operating leases in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet and $715 million of long-term liabilities associated with operating leases in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. We also recognized $1 million of cumulative effect adjustment that decreased accumulated deficit at January 1, 2019. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the FASB ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) using a modified retrospective method of application to all contracts existing on January 1, 2018. The core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 resulted in changes to our presentation and disclosure of revenue primarily related to uninsured or underinsured patients. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, a significant portion of our provision for doubtful accounts related to uninsured patients, as well as co-pays, co-insurance amounts and deductibles owed to us by patients with insurance. Under ASU 2014-09, the estimated uncollectable amounts due from these patients are generally considered implicit price concessions that are a direct reduction to net operating revenues, with a corresponding material reduction in the amounts presented separately as provision for doubtful accounts. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded approximately $1.422 billion of implicit price concessions as a direct reduction of net operating revenues that would have been recorded as provision for doubtful accounts prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. At January 1, 2018, we reclassified $171 million of revenues related to patients who were still receiving inpatient care in our facilities at that date from accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, to contract assets, which are included in other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 also resulted in changes to our presentation and disclosure of customer contract assets and liabilities and the assessment of variable consideration under customer contracts, which are further discussed in Note 4. Also effective January 1, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” (“ASU 2018-02”), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) and requires certain disclosures about stranded income tax effects. We applied the amendments in ASU 2018-02 in the period of adoption, resulting in a reclassification that decreased accumulated deficit and increased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $36 million of stranded income tax effects in the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) effective January 1, 2018, which supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (that is, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities (including other ownership interests, such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to decrease accumulated deficit by $7 million for unrealized gains on equity securities.
Reclassifications	Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. In our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, electronic health record incentives have been reclassified to other operating expenses, net, as they are no longer significant enough to present separately. In our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, purchases of marketable securities have been reclassified from other items, net within cash flows from investing activities to purchases of marketable securities and equity investments.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and these accompanying notes. We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates we use. In general, we base the estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable given the particular circumstances in which we operate. Although we believe all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, actual results may vary from those estimates. Financial and statistical information we report to other regulatory agencies may be prepared on a basis other than GAAP or using different assumptions or reporting periods and, therefore, may vary from amounts presented herein. Although we make every effort to ensure that the information we report to those agencies is accurate, complete and consistent with applicable reporting guidelines, we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information they make available to the public.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies During the year ended December 31, 2019, we formed our Global Business Center (“GBC”) in the Republic of the Philippines. The GBC’s accounts are measured in its local currency (the Philippine peso) and then translated into U.S. dollars. We divested European Surgical Partners Limited (“Aspen”) in August 2018; prior to that time, Aspen’s accounts were measured in its local currency (the pound sterling) and then translated into U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated using the current rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Results of operations denominated in foreign currency are translated using the average rates prevailing throughout the period of operations. Translation gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates are accumulated in shareholders’ equity.
Net Operating Revenues	Net Operating Revenues ASU 2014-09 was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue, to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue recognition requirements, and to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues. Our adoption of ASU 2014-09 was accomplished using a modified retrospective method of application, and our accounting policies related to revenues were revised accordingly effective January 1, 2018, as discussed below. We recognize net operating revenues in the period in which we satisfy our performance obligations under contracts by transferring services to our customers. Net operating revenues are recognized in the amounts we expect to be entitled to, which are the transaction prices allocated for the distinct services. Net operating revenues for our Hospital Operations and other and Ambulatory Care segments primarily consist of net patient service revenues, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact with Uninsured Patients (“ Compact ”) and other uninsured discount and charity programs. Net operating revenues for our Conifer segment primarily consist of revenues from providing revenue cycle management services to healthcare systems, as well as individual hospitals, physician practices, self-insured organizations, health plans and other entities. Net Patient Service Revenues— We report net patient service revenues at the amounts that reflect the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from patients, third-party payers (including managed care payers and government programs) and others, and they include variable consideration for retroactive revenue adjustments due to settlement of audits, reviews and investigations. Generally, we bill our patients and third-party payers several days after the services are performed or shortly after discharge. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. We determine performance obligations based on the nature of the services we provide. We recognize revenues for performance obligations satisfied over time based on actual charges incurred in relation to total expected charges. We believe that this method provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services over the term of performance obligations based on the inputs needed to satisfy the obligations. Generally, performance obligations satisfied over time relate to patients in our hospitals receiving inpatient acute care services. We measure performance obligations from admission to the point when there are no further services required for the patient, which is generally the time of discharge. We recognize revenues for performance obligations satisfied at a point in time, which generally relate to patients receiving outpatient services, when: (1) services are provided; and (2) we do not believe the patient requires additional services. Because our patient service performance obligations relate to contracts with a duration of less than one year, we have elected to apply the optional exemption provided in ASC 606-10-50-14(a) and, therefore, we are not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations referred to above are primarily related to inpatient acute care services at the end of the reporting period. The performance obligations for these contracts are generally completed when the patients are discharged, which generally occurs within days or weeks of the end of the reporting period. We determine the transaction price based on gross charges for services provided, reduced by contractual adjustments provided to third-party payers, discounts provided to uninsured patients in accordance with our Compact , and implicit price concessions provided primarily to uninsured patients. We determine our estimates of contractual adjustments and discounts based on contractual agreements, our discount policies and historical experience. We determine our estimate of implicit price concessions based on our historical collection experience with these classes of patients using a portfolio approach as a practical expedient to account for patient contracts as collective groups rather than individually. The financial statement effects of using this practical expedient are not materially different from an individual contract approach. Gross charges are retail charges. They are not the same as actual pricing, and they generally do not reflect what a hospital is ultimately paid and, therefore, are not displayed in our consolidated statements of operations. Hospitals are typically paid amounts that are negotiated with insurance companies or are set by the government. Gross charges are used to calculate Medicare outlier payments and to determine certain elements of payment under managed care contracts (such as stop-loss payments). Because Medicare requires that a hospital’s gross charges be the same for all patients (regardless of payer category), gross charges are what hospitals charge all patients prior to the application of discounts and allowances. Revenues under the traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid programs are based primarily on prospective payment systems. Retrospectively determined cost-based revenues under these programs, which were more prevalent in earlier periods, and certain other payments, such as Indirect Medical Education, Direct Graduate Medical Education, disproportionate share hospital and bad debt expense reimbursement, which are based on our hospitals’ cost reports, are estimated using historical trends and current factors. Cost report settlements under these programs are subject to audit by Medicare and Medicaid auditors and administrative and judicial review, and it can take several years until final settlement of such matters is determined and completely resolved. Because the laws, regulations, instructions and rule interpretations governing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement are complex and change frequently, the estimates we record could change by material amounts. We have a system and estimation process for recording Medicare net patient service revenue and estimated cost report settlements. As a result, we record accruals to reflect the expected final settlements on our cost reports. For filed cost reports, we record the accrual based on those cost reports and subsequent activity, and record a valuation allowance against those cost reports based on historical settlement trends. The accrual for periods for which a cost report is yet to be filed is recorded based on estimates of what we expect to report on the filed cost reports, and a corresponding valuation allowance is recorded as previously described. Cost reports generally must be filed within five months after the end of the annual cost reporting period. After the cost report is filed, the accrual and corresponding valuation allowance may need to be adjusted. Settlements with third-party payers for retroactive revenue adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care using the most likely outcome method. These settlements are estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement with the payer, correspondence from the payer and our historical settlement activity, including an assessment to ensure that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the retroactive adjustment is subsequently resolved. Estimated settlements are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known (that is, new information becomes available), or as years are settled or are no longer subject to such audits, reviews and investigations. Revenues under managed care plans are based primarily on payment terms involving predetermined rates per diagnosis, per-diem rates, discounted fee-for-service rates and/or other similar contractual arrangements. These revenues are also subject to review and possible audit by the payers, which can take several years before they are completely resolved. The payers are billed for patient services on an individual patient basis. An individual patient’s bill is subject to adjustment on a patient-by-patient basis in the ordinary course of business by the payers following their review and adjudication of each particular bill. We estimate the discounts for contractual allowances at the individual hospital level utilizing billing data on an individual patient basis. At the end of each month, on an individual hospital basis, we estimate our expected reimbursement for patients of managed care plans based on the applicable contract terms. Contractual allowance estimates are periodically reviewed for accuracy by taking into consideration known contract terms, as well as payment history. We believe our estimation and review process enables us to identify instances on a timely basis where such estimates need to be revised. We do not believe there were any adjustments to estimates of patient bills that were material to our revenues. In addition, on a corporate-wide basis, we do not record any general provision for adjustments to estimated contractual allowances for managed care plans. Managed care accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through implicit price concessions based on historical collection trends for these payers and other factors that affect the estimation process. We know of no claims, disputes or unsettled matters with any payer that would materially affect our revenues for which we have not adequately provided in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payers are responsible for related co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles, which vary in amount. We also provide services to uninsured patients and offer uninsured patients a discount from standard charges. We estimate the transaction price for patients with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles and for those who are uninsured based on historical collection experience and current market conditions. Under our Compact and other uninsured discount programs, the discount offered to certain uninsured patients is recognized as a contractual allowance, which reduces net operating revenues at the time the self-pay accounts are recorded. The uninsured patient accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value at the time they are recorded through implicit price concessions based on historical collection trends for self-pay accounts and other factors that affect the estimation process. There are various factors that can impact collection trends, such as changes in the economy, which in turn have an impact on unemployment rates and the number of uninsured and underinsured patients, the volume of patients through our emergency departments, the increased burden of co-pays, co-insurance amounts and deductibles to be made by patients with insurance, and business practices related to collection efforts. These factors continuously change and can have an impact on collection trends and our estimation process. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are generally recorded as adjustments to net patient service revenues in the period of the change. We have provided implicit price concessions, primarily to uninsured patients and patients with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. The implicit price concessions included in estimating the transaction price represent the difference between amounts billed to patients and the amounts we expect to collect based on our collection history with similar patients. Although outcomes vary, our policy is to attempt to collect amounts due from patients, including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles due from patients with insurance, at the time of service while complying with all federal and state statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (“EMTALA”). Generally, as required by EMTALA, patients may not be denied emergency treatment due to inability to pay. Therefore, services, including the legally required medical screening examination and stabilization of the patient, are performed without delaying to obtain insurance information. In non-emergency circumstances or for elective procedures and services, it is our policy to verify insurance prior to a patient being treated; however, there are various exceptions that can occur. Such exceptions can include, for example, instances where (1) we are unable to obtain verification because the patient’s insurance company was unable to be reached or contacted, (2) a determination is made that a patient may be eligible for benefits under various government programs, such as Medicaid or Victims of Crime, and it takes several days or weeks before qualification for such benefits is confirmed or denied, and (3) under physician orders we provide services to patients that require immediate treatment. We also provide charity care to patients who are financially unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Most patients who qualify for charity care are charged a per-diem amount for services received, subject to a cap. Except for the per-diem amounts, our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues. Patient advocates from Conifer’s Medical Eligibility Program screen patients in the hospital to determine whether those patients meet eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs. They also expedite the process of applying for these government programs. Conifer Revenues— Our Conifer segment recognizes revenue from its contracts when Conifer’s performance obligations are satisfied, which is generally as services are rendered. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Conifer expects to be entitled. At contract inception, Conifer assesses the services specified in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each distinct contracted service. Conifer identifies the performance obligations and considers all the services provided under the contract. Conifer generally considers the following distinct services as separate performance obligations: • revenue cycle management services; • value-based care services; • patient communication and engagement services; • consulting services; and • other client-defined projects. Conifer’s contracts generally consist of fixed-price, volume-based or contingency-based fees. Conifer’s long-term contracts typically provide for Conifer to deliver recurring monthly services over a multi-year period. The contracts are typically priced such that Conifer’s monthly fee to its customer represents the value obtained by the customer in the month for those services. Such multi-year service contracts may have upfront fees related to transition or integration work performed by Conifer to set up the delivery for the ongoing services. Such transition or integration work typically does not result in a separately identifiable obligation; thus, the fees and expenses related to such work are deferred and recognized over the life of the related contractual service period. Revenue for fixed-priced contracts is typically recognized at the time of billing unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned or Conifer’s obligations are fulfilled in a different pattern. Revenue for volume-based contracts is typically recognized as the services are being performed at the contractually billable rate, which is generally a percentage of collections or a percentage of client net patient revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We treat highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were $262 million and $411 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , our book overdrafts were $246 million and $288 million , respectively, which were classified as accounts payable. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , $176 million and $177 million , respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our captive insurance subsidiaries, and $2 million and $8 million , respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our health plan-related businesses. At December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we had $136 million , $135 million and $117 million , respectively, of property and equipment purchases accrued for items received but not yet paid. Of these amounts, $119 million , $114 million and $79 million , respectively, were included in accounts payable. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recorded non-cancellable capital (finance) leases of $141 million , $149 million and $162 million , respectively, primarily for equipment.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities	Investments in Debt and Equity Securities Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we classified investments in debt and equity securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio. We carried securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We reported their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determined that a loss was other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We included realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we classify investments in debt securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio, but these classifications are no longer applicable to equity securities. At December 31, 2019 , we had no significant investments in debt securities classified as either held-to-maturity or trading. We carry debt securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We report their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determine that a loss is other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We carry equity securities at fair value, and we report their unrealized gains and losses in other non-operating expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. We include realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates We control 238 of the facilities within our Ambulatory Care segment and, therefore, consolidate their results. We account for many of the facilities our Ambulatory Care segment operates ( 108 of 346 at December 31, 2019 ), as well as additional companies in which our Hospital Operations and other segment holds ownership interests, under the equity method as investments in unconsolidated affiliates and report only our share of net income as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Summarized financial information for these equity method investees is included in the following table; among the equity method investees are four North Texas hospitals in which we held minority interests and that were operated by our Hospital Operations and other segment through the divestiture of these investments effective March 1, 2018. We recorded a gain of $11 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to the sales of our minority interest in these hospitals. For investments acquired during the reported periods, amounts reflect 100% of the investee’s results beginning on the date of our acquisition of the investment. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 1,180 $ 842 $ 805 Noncurrent assets $ 1,042 $ 662 $ 1,223 Current liabilities $ (372 ) $ (313 ) $ (354 ) Noncurrent liabilities $ (739 ) $ (430 ) $ (389 ) Noncontrolling interests $ (579 ) $ (530 ) $ (490 ) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net operating revenues $ 2,680 $ 2,469 $ 2,907 Net income $ 765 $ 599 $ 558 Net income attributable to the investees $ 499 $ 372 $ 363 Our equity method investment that contributes the most to our equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is Texas Health Ventures Group, LLC (“THVG”), which is operated by USPI. THVG represented $79 million of the total $175 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019 , $70 million of the total $150 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $69 million of the total $144 million equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates we recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 .
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Additions and improvements to property and equipment exceeding established minimum amounts with a useful life greater than one year are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. We use the straight-line method of depreciation for buildings, building improvements and equipment. The estimated useful life for buildings and improvements is primarily 15 to 40 years , and for equipment three to 15 years . Newly constructed hospitals are usually depreciated over 50 years . Interest costs related to construction projects are capitalized. In the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , capitalized interest was $11 million , $7 million and $15 million , respectively. We evaluate our long-lived assets for possible impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related group of assets, may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, we calculate the amount of an impairment if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The fair value of the assets is estimated based on appraisals, established market values of comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows expected to result from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. The estimates of these future cash flows are based on assumptions and projections we believe to be reasonable and supportable. They require our subjective judgments and take into account assumptions about revenue and expense growth rates. These assumptions may vary by type of facility and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals or outpatient facilities, depending on their circumstances. We report long-lived assets to be disposed of at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs to sell. In such circumstances, our estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows.
Leases	Leases ASU 2016-02 was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Our adoption of ASU 2016-02 was accomplished using a modified retrospective method of application, and our accounting policies related to leases were revised accordingly effective January 1, 2019, as discussed below. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract. Our right-of-use assets represent our right to use the underlying assets for the lease term and our lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use our estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. For our Hospital Operations and other and Conifer segments, we estimate our incremental borrowing rates for our portfolio of leases using documented rates included in our recent equipment finance leases or, if applicable, recent secured debt issuances that correspond to various lease terms. We also give consideration to information obtained from our bankers, our secured debt fair value and publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics. For our Ambulatory Care segment, we estimate an incremental borrowing rate for each center by utilizing historical and projected financial data, estimating a hypothetical credit rating using publicly available market data and adjusting the market data to reflect the effects of collateralization. Our operating leases are primarily for real estate, including off-campus outpatient facilities, medical office buildings, and corporate and other administrative offices, as well as medical and office equipment. Our finance leases are primarily for medical equipment and information technology and telecommunications assets. Our real estate lease agreements typically have initial terms of five to 10 years , and our equipment lease agreements typically have initial terms of three years . We do not record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”) in our consolidated balance sheets. Our real estate leases may include one or more options to renew, with renewals that can extend the lease term from five to 10 years . The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. In general, we do not consider renewal options to be reasonably likely to be exercised, therefore, renewal options are generally not recognized as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The useful life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. The majority of our medical equipment leases have terms of three years with a bargain purchase option that is reasonably certain of exercise, so these assets are depreciated over their useful life, typically ranging from five to seven years . Similarly, some of our leases of information technology and telecommunications assets include a transfer of title and, therefore, have useful lives of 15 years . Certain of our lease agreements for real estate include payments based on actual common area maintenance expenses and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. These variable lease payments are recognized in other operating expenses, net, but are not included in the right-of-use asset or liability balances. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants. We have elected the practical expedient that allows lessees to choose to not separate lease and non-lease components by class of underlying asset and are applying this expedient to all relevant asset classes. We have also elected the practical expedient package to not reassess at adoption (i) expired or existing contracts for whether they are or contain a lease, (ii) the lease classification of any existing leases or (iii) initial indirect costs for existing leases.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	G oodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations and determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment tests performed at least annually. For goodwill, we perform the test at the reporting unit level when events occur that require an evaluation to be performed or at least annually. If we determine the carrying value of goodwill is impaired, or if the carrying value of a business that is to be sold or otherwise disposed of exceeds its fair value, we reduce the carrying value, including any allocated goodwill, to fair value. Estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals, depending on their circumstances. Other intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which ranges from three to 15 years , costs of acquired management and other contract service rights, most of which have indefinite lives, and miscellaneous intangible assets.
Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks	Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks We accrue for estimated professional and general liability claims, when they are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The accrual, which includes an estimate for incurred but not reported claims, is updated each quarter based on a model of projected payments using case-specific facts and circumstances and our historical loss reporting, development and settlement patterns and is discounted to its net present value using a risk-free discount rate of 1.83% at December 31, 2019 and 2.59% at December 31, 2018 . To the extent that subsequent claims information varies from our estimates, the liability is adjusted in the period such information becomes available. Malpractice expense is presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax receivables and liabilities and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the amounts that more likely than not will be sustained upon ultimate settlement with taxing authorities. Developing our provision for income taxes and analysis of uncertain tax positions requires significant judgment and knowledge of federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. We assess the realization of our deferred tax assets to determine whether an income tax valuation allowance is required. Based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, and the weight of that evidence to the extent such evidence can be objectively verified, we determine whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The main factors that we consider include: • Cumulative profits/losses in recent years, adjusted for certain nonrecurring items; • Income/losses expected in future years; • Unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels; • The availability, or lack thereof, of taxable income in prior carryback periods that would limit realization of tax benefits; and • The carryforward period associated with the deferred tax assets and liabilities. We consider many factors when evaluating our uncertain tax positions, and such judgments are subject to periodic review. Tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized in the period in which one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the more likely than not recognition threshold is satisfied; (2) the position is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine and challenge the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more likely than not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We primarily operate acute care hospitals and related healthcare facilities. Our Hospital Operations and other segment generated 81% , 80% and 82% of our net operating revenues net of implicit price concessions and provision for doubtful accounts in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At December 31, 2019 , each of our markets related to our general hospitals reported directly to our president and chief operating officer. Major decisions, including capital resource allocations, are made at the consolidated level, not at the market or hospital level. Our Hospital Operations and other segment is comprised of our acute care and specialty hospitals, ancillary outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, micro-hospitals and physician practices. As described in Note 5 , certain of our facilities were classified as held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 . Our Ambulatory Care segment is comprised of the operations of USPI and included nine Aspen facilities in the United Kingdom until their divestiture effective August 17, 2018. Our Conifer segment provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers and other customers . The factors for determining the reportable segments include the manner in which management evaluates operating performance combined with the nature of the individual business activities.
Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities	Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities We recognize costs associated with exit (including restructuring) or disposal activities when they are incurred and can be measured at fair value, rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan.
Recent Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”), which applies to all entities that are required to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in ASU 2018-13, which remove, modify or add certain disclosure requirements as part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of the notes to the financial statements, are effective for us beginning in 2020. The adoption of this guidance will not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Also in August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans –General (Subtopic 715-20) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans” (“ASU 2018-14”), which applies to all employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in ASU 2018-14, which remove, modify or add certain disclosure requirements as part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of the notes to the financial statements, are effective for us beginning in 2021. The adoption of this guidance will not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” (“ASU 2018-14”), which applies to all entities that are a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The amendments in ASU 2018-14, which align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, are effective for us beginning in 2020. We do not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which applies to entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. We will adopt ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to increase accumulated deficit by $15 million to $20 million . We do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2019, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the period of adoption. Effective January 1, 2018, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-01, and we early adopted ASU 2018-02. Also effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” and ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash,” both of which were applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented and did not have any effect on our statements of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2017, as further discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2016-09 and early adopted ASU 2017-07. We also early adopted ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” (“ASU 2017‑04”) for our annual goodwill impairment tests for the year ended December 31, 2017. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 modified the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity no longer determines goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Because these amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, they should reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. Our adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	For investments acquired during the reported periods, amounts reflect 100% of the investee’s results beginning on the date of our acquisition of the investment. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current assets $ 1,180 $ 842 $ 805 Noncurrent assets $ 1,042 $ 662 $ 1,223 Current liabilities $ (372 ) $ (313 ) $ (354 ) Noncurrent liabilities $ (739 ) $ (430 ) $ (389 ) Noncontrolling interests $ (579 ) $ (530 ) $ (490 ) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net operating revenues $ 2,680 $ 2,469 $ 2,907 Net income $ 765 $ 599 $ 558 Net income attributable to the investees $ 499 $ 372 $ 363

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Accounts Receivable	The principal components of accounts receivable are shown in the table below: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Continuing operations: Patient accounts receivable $ 2,567 $ 2,427 Estimated future recoveries 162 148 Net cost reports and settlements receivable and valuation allowances 12 18 2,741 2,593 Discontinued operations 2 2 Accounts receivable, net $ 2,743 $ 2,595
Schedule of Estimated Costs for Charity Care and Self-Pay Patients	The following table shows our estimated costs (based on selected operating expenses, which include salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and other operating expenses and which exclude the costs of our health plan businesses) of caring for our uninsured and charity patients in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Estimated costs for: Uninsured patients $ 666 $ 640 $ 648 Charity care patients 156 124 121 Total $ 822 $ 764 $ 769

CONTRACT BALANCES (Tables)

CONTRACT BALANCES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Opening and Closing Balances of Contracts Assets and Liabilities	The opening and closing balances of contract assets for our Hospital Operations and other segment are as follows: December 31, 2018 $ 169 December 31, 2019 170 Increase/(decrease) $ 1 January 1, 2018 $ 171 December 31, 2018 169 Increase/(decrease) $ (2 ) The opening and closing balances of Conifer’s receivables, contract asset, and current and long-term contract liabilities are as follows: Contract Liability- Contract Liability- Contract Asset- Current Long-Term Receivables Unbilled Revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue December 31, 2018 $ 42 $ 11 $ 61 $ 20 December 31, 2019 26 11 61 18 Increase/(decrease) $ (16 ) $ — $ — $ (2 ) January 1, 2018 $ 89 $ 10 $ 80 $ 21 December 31, 2018 42 11 61 20 Increase/(decrease) $ (47 ) $ 1 $ (19 ) $ (1 )

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD F_2

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale and Components of Business that have Been Disposed of or have Been Classified as Held for Sale	Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019 were comprised of the following: Accounts receivable $ 108 Other current assets 24 Investments and other long-term assets 6 Property and equipment 184 Other intangible assets 23 Goodwill 42 Current liabilities (35 ) Long-term liabilities (9 ) Net assets held for sale $ 343 The following table provides information on significant components of our business that have been recently disposed of or are classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019 : Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Significant disposals: Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes Chicago area (includes a $14 million loss on sale in the 2019 period, $24 million of impairment charges in the 2018 period and $73 million of impairment charges in the 2017 period) $ (19 ) $ (41 ) $ (82 ) Total $ (19 ) $ (41 ) $ (82 ) Significant planned divestitures classified as held for sale: Income from continuing operations, before income taxes Memphis area (includes $26 million of impairment charges in the 2019 period) $ 8 $ 23 $ 33 Total $ 8 $ 23 $ 33

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases	The following table presents the components of our right-of-use assets and liabilities related to leases and their classification in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 : Component of Lease Balances Classification in Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Investments and other assets $ 912 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, at cost, less 407 Total leased assets $ 1,319 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Other current liabilities $ 159 Long-term Other long-term liabilities 858 Total operating lease liabilities 1,017 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current portion of long-term debt 143 Long-term Long-term debt, net of current portion 182 Total finance lease liabilities 325 Total lease liabilities $ 1,342
Schedule of Additional Information Related to Lease Expense, Terms and Discount Rates, and Cash Flow Information	The following table presents the components of our lease expense and their classification in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Year Ended Component of Lease Expense Classification on Consolidated Statements of Operations December 31, 2019 Operating lease expense Other operating expenses, net $ 211 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets Depreciation and amortization 85 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 15 Total finance lease expense 100 Variable and short term-lease expense Other operating expenses, net 133 Total lease expense $ 444 The weighted-average lease terms and discount rates for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: December 31, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 5.4 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 5.6 % Finance leases 5.5 % Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 197 Operating cash outflows from finance leases $ 18 Financing cash outflows from finance leases $ 151 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 249 Finance leases $ 141
Operating Lease Liability Maturity Schedule	Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are presented in the following table: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2020 $ 159 $ 143 $ 302 2021 180 96 276 2022 160 38 198 2023 140 10 150 2024 121 9 130 Later years 504 91 595 Total lease payments 1,264 387 1,651 Less: Imputed interest 247 62 309 Total lease obligations 1,017 325 1,342 Less: Current obligations 159 143 302 Long-term lease obligations $ 858 $ 182 $ 1,040
Finance Lease Liability Maturity Schedule	Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are presented in the following table: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2020 $ 159 $ 143 $ 302 2021 180 96 276 2022 160 38 198 2023 140 10 150 2024 121 9 130 Later years 504 91 595 Total lease payments 1,264 387 1,651 Less: Imputed interest 247 62 309 Total lease obligations 1,017 325 1,342 Less: Current obligations 159 143 302 Long-term lease obligations $ 858 $ 182 $ 1,040
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02)	Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2018, prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Capital lease obligations $ 425 $ 140 $ 95 $ 57 $ 37 $ 21 $ 75 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 932 $ 171 $ 151 $ 133 $ 113 $ 92 $ 272
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases (prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02)	Future maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2018, prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Capital lease obligations $ 425 $ 140 $ 95 $ 57 $ 37 $ 21 $ 75 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 932 $ 171 $ 151 $ 133 $ 113 $ 92 $ 272

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	The table below shows our long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior unsecured notes: 5.500% due 2019 $ — $ 468 6.750% due 2020 — 300 8.125% due 2022 2,800 2,800 6.750% due 2023 1,872 1,872 7.000% due 2025 478 478 6.875% due 2031 362 362 Senior secured first lien notes: 4.750% due 2020 — 500 6.000% due 2020 — 1,800 4.500% due 2021 — 850 4.375% due 2021 — 1,050 4.625% due 2024 1,870 1,870 4.625% due 2024 600 — 4.875% due 2026 2,100 — 5.125% due 2027 1,500 — Senior secured second lien notes: 7.500% due 2022 — 750 5.125% due 2025 1,410 1,410 6.250% due 2027 1,500 — Finance leases and mortgage notes 445 500 Unamortized issue costs and note discounts (186 ) (184 ) Total long-term debt 14,751 14,826 Less current portion 171 182 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 14,580 $ 14,644
Schedule of Future Long Term Debt Maturities and Minimum Operating Lease Payments	Future long-term debt maturities, including finance lease obligations, as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Long-term debt, including finance lease obligations $ 14,937 $ 171 $ 112 $ 2,851 $ 1,903 $ 2,486 $ 7,414

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Information Related to Stock-Based Awards by Grant Date	The table below shows certain stock option and restricted stock unit grants and other awards that comprise the stock-based compensation expense recorded in the year ended December 31, 2019 . Compensation cost is measured by the fair value of the awards on their grant dates and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, whether or not the awards had any intrinsic value during the period. Grant Date Awards Exercise Price Per Share Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date Stock-Based Compensation Expense for Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In Thousands) (In Millions) Stock Options: February 27, 2019 210 $ 28.26 $ 12.49 $ 1 February 28, 2018 442 $ 20.60 $ 8.83 1 March 1, 2017 821 $ 18.99 $ 8.52 1 Restricted Stock Units: July 9, 2019 94 $ 18.55 1 May 3, 2019 100 $ 16.18 2 February 27, 2019 800 $ 28.26 9 January 31, 2019 318 $ 21.99 2 June 28, 2018 51 $ 34.61 1 March 29, 2018 293 $ 24.25 4 February 28, 2018 204 $ 20.60 2 March 1, 2017 383 $ 18.99 2 August 25, 2014 456 $ 59.90 3 Other grants 2 USPI Management Equity Plan 11 $ 42
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Life (In Millions) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,435,921 $ 22.87 Granted 1,396,307 18.24 Exercised (20,400 ) 4.56 Forfeited/Expired (247,006 ) 24.37 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,564,822 $ 20.35 Granted 635,196 21.33 Exercised (619,849 ) 18.19 Forfeited/Expired (317,426 ) 35.30 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 2,262,743 $ 19.12 Granted 230,713 28.28 Exercised (306,427 ) 18.05 Forfeited/Expired (226,037 ) 20.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,960,992 $ 20.24 $ 35 6.1 years Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 1,960,992 $ 20.24 $ 35 6.1 years Exercisable at December 31, 2019 454,360 $ 17.26 $ 9 2.7 years
Schedule of Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Stock Options	These fair values were calculated based on each grant date, using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: February 27, February 28, 2019 2018 Expected volatility 48% 46% Expected dividend yield 0% 0% Expected life 6.2 years 6.2 years Expected forfeiture rate 0% 0% Risk-free interest rate 2.53% 2.72%
Summary of Information About Stock Options by Range of Exercise Prices	The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options at December 31, 2019 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $16.43 to $19.759 1,224,289 5.2 years $ 18.14 408,526 $ 16.43 $19.76 to $35.430 736,703 7.5 years 23.74 45,834 24.63 1,960,992 6.1 years $ 20.24 454,360 $ 17.26
Schedule of Stock Options by Monetary Status and Employment Status of the Awardees	As of December 31, 2019 , 61.2% of all our outstanding options were held by current employees and 38.8% were held by former employees. Of our outstanding options, 100% were in-the-money, that is, they had exercise price less than the $38.03 market price of our common stock on December 31, 2019 . There were no options out-of-the-money. In-the-Money Options Out-of-the-Money Options All Options Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total Current employees 1,199,274 61.2 % — — % 1,199,274 61.2 % Former employees 761,718 38.8 % — — % 761,718 38.8 % Totals 1,960,992 100.0 % — — % 1,960,992 100.0 % % of all outstanding options 100.0 % — % 100.0 %
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Unvested at December 31, 2016 3,174,533 $ 38.75 Granted 714,018 18.25 Vested (1,397,953 ) 35.50 Forfeited (236,610 ) 32.13 Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,253,988 $ 35.20 Granted 765,184 24.74 Vested (995,331 ) 32.63 Forfeited (139,711 ) 36.01 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,884,130 $ 32.25 Granted 1,481,021 27.87 Vested (1,562,191 ) 36.45 Forfeited (339,461 ) 24.74 Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,463,499 $ 25.08
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	We sold the following numbers of shares under our employee stock purchase plan in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of shares 215,422 228,045 395,957 Weighted average price $ 24.44 $ 22.96 $ 17.28
Schedule of Reconciliation of Funded Status of Plans, the Amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Assumptions Used for Projected Benefit Obligations	The following tables summarize the balance sheet impact, as well as the benefit obligations, funded status and rate assumptions associated with the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan based on actuarial valuations prepared as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 2018 Reconciliation of funded status of plans and the amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Projected benefit obligations (1) Beginning obligations $ (1,301 ) $ (1,455 ) Service cost — (2 ) Interest cost (58 ) (56 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (132 ) 90 Benefits paid 123 122 Special termination benefit costs (1 ) — Ending obligations (1,369 ) (1,301 ) Fair value of plans assets Beginning plan assets 731 850 Gain (loss) on plan assets 128 (65 ) Employer contribution 33 47 Benefits paid (102 ) (101 ) Ending plan assets 790 731 Funded status of plans $ (579 ) $ (570 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Other current liability $ (19 ) $ (49 ) Other long-term liability $ (560 ) $ (521 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 323 $ 281 SERP Assumptions: Discount rate 3.50 % 4.50 % Compensation increase rate 3.00 % 3.00 % Measurement date December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 DMC Pension Plan Assumptions: Discount rate 3.60 % 4.62 % Compensation increase rate Frozen Frozen Measurement date December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (1) The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $1.367 billion and $1.299 billion , respectively.
Schedule of Components of Net Benefit Costs and Assumptions Used for Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The components of net periodic benefit costs and related assumptions are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service costs $ — $ 2 $ 2 Interest costs 58 56 62 Expected return on plan assets (46 ) (54 ) (50 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 10 14 14 Special termination benefit costs 1 — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 23 $ 18 $ 28 SERP Assumptions: Discount rate 4.50 % 3.75 % 4.25 % Long-term rate of return on assets n/a n/a n/a Compensation increase rate 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Measurement date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 Census date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 DMC Pension Plan Assumptions: Discount rate 4.62 % 4.00 % 4.42 % Long-term rate of return on assets 6.50 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Compensation increase rate Frozen Frozen Frozen Measurement date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017 Census date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2017
Schedule of Weighted-Average Asset Allocations by Asset Category	The weighted-average asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2019 , were as follows: Asset Category Target Actual Cash and cash equivalents 2 % 2 % U.S. government obligations — % 2 % Equity securities 65 % 64 % Debt securities 33 % 32 % Alternative investments — % — %
Summary of DMC Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Aggregated by the Level in the Fair Value Hierarchy	The following tables summarize the DMC Pension Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements are determined. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We consider a security that trades at least weekly to have an active market. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 37 $ 37 $ — $ — U.S. government obligations 9 9 — — Equity securities 461 461 — — Fixed income funds 283 283 — — Futures contracts — — — — $ 790 $ 790 $ — $ — December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 33 $ 33 $ — $ — U.S. government obligations 9 9 — — Equity securities 423 423 — — Fixed income funds 262 262 — — Futures contracts $ 4 $ 4 $ 731 $ 731 $ — $ —
Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments	The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments to be made from the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan, a portion of which will be funded from plan assets, for the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter: Years Ending December 31, Five Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Estimated benefit payments $ 876 $ 85 $ 87 $ 89 $ 89 $ 90 $ 436

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Property and Equipment	The principal components of property and equipment are shown in the following table. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, assets under capital leases were included with buildings and improvements and with equipment in the following table. December 31, 2019 2018 Land $ 602 $ 613 Buildings and improvements 6,856 6,920 Construction in progress 184 199 Equipment 4,173 4,482 Finance lease assets 561 — 12,376 12,214 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,498 ) (5,221 ) Net property and equipment $ 6,878 $ 6,993

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	2019 2018 Conifer As of January 1: Goodwill $ 605 $ 605 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total 605 605 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments — — Total $ 605 $ 605 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 605 $ 605 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total $ 605 $ 605 2019 2018 Ambulatory Care As of January 1: Goodwill $ 3,696 $ 3,437 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total 3,696 3,437 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments 43 219 Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities — 40 Total $ 3,739 $ 3,696 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 3,739 $ 3,696 Accumulated impairment losses — — Total $ 3,739 $ 3,696 The following table provides information on changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2019 and 2018 : 2019 2018 Hospital Operations and other As of January 1: Goodwill $ 5,410 $ 5,406 Accumulated impairment losses (2,430 ) (2,430 ) Total 2,980 2,976 Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments — 1 Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities (72 ) 3 Total $ 2,908 $ 2,980 As of December 31: Goodwill $ 5,338 $ 5,410 Accumulated impairment losses (2,430 ) (2,430 ) Total $ 2,908 $ 2,980
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	The following table provides information regarding other intangible assets, which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2019 and 2018 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value At December 31, 2019: Capitalized software costs $ 1,616 $ (912 ) $ 704 Trade names 102 — 102 Contracts 869 (94 ) 775 Other 107 (86 ) 21 Total $ 2,694 $ (1,092 ) $ 1,602 At December 31, 2018: Capitalized software costs $ 1,667 $ (858 ) $ 809 Trade Names 102 — 102 Contracts 871 (76 ) 795 Other 104 (79 ) 25 Total $ 2,744 $ (1,013 ) $ 1,731
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization of Intangibles with Finite Useful Lives	Estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives as of December 31, 2019 is as follows: Total Years Ending December 31, Later Years 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Amortization of intangible assets $ 1,037 $ 156 $ 142 $ 130 $ 122 $ 104 $ 383

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS (T

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Investments and Other Assets	The principal components of investments and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Marketable securities $ 2 $ 40 Equity investments in unconsolidated healthcare entities 978 956 Total investments 980 996 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 36 30 Long-term deposits 59 44 California provider fee program receivables 213 231 Operating lease assets 912 — Land held for expansion, other long-term receivables and other assets 169 155 Investments and other assets $ 2,369 $ 1,456

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Our accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 Adjustments for defined benefit plans $ (257 ) $ (223 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (257 ) $ (223 )

NET OPERATING REVENUES - (Table

NET OPERATING REVENUES - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Sources of Net Operating Revenues Less Provisions for Doubtful Accounts and Implicit Price Concessions	The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Ambulatory Care segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net patient service revenues $ 2,040 $ 1,965 $ 1,816 Management fees 95 92 93 Revenue from other sources 23 28 31 Net operating revenues $ 2,158 $ 2,085 $ 1,940 The table below shows our sources of net operating revenues less provision for doubtful accounts and implicit price concessions from continuing operations: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Hospital Operations and other: Net patient service revenues from hospitals and related Medicare $ 2,888 $ 2,882 $ 3,243 Medicaid 1,193 1,294 1,304 Managed care 9,516 9,213 9,583 Uninsured 92 96 91 Indemnity and other 679 596 608 Total 14,368 14,081 14,829 Other revenues (1) 1,154 1,204 1,431 Hospital Operations and other total prior to 15,522 15,285 16,260 Ambulatory Care 2,158 2,085 1,940 Conifer 1,372 1,533 1,597 Inter-segment eliminations (573 ) (590 ) (618 ) Net operating revenues $ 18,479 $ 18,313 $ 19,179 The table below shows the composition of net operating revenues for our Conifer segment: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenue cycle services – Tenet $ 556 $ 568 $ 583 Revenue cycle services – other customers 713 855 891 Other services – Tenet 17 22 35 Other services – other customers 86 88 88 Net operating revenues $ 1,372 $ 1,533 $ 1,597
Revenue Expected to be Recognized in the Future Related to Performance Obligations	The following table includes Conifer’s revenue that is expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, at the end of the reporting period. The amounts in the table primarily consist of revenue cycle management fixed fees, which are typically recognized ratably as the performance obligation is satisfied. The estimated revenue does not include volume or contingency based contracts, performance incentives, penalties or other variable consideration that is considered constrained. Conifer’s contract with Catholic Health Initiatives (“CHI”), a minority interest owner of Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, represents the majority of the fixed-fee revenue related to remaining performance obligations. Conifer’s contract term with CHI ends December 31, 2032. Years Ending December 31, Later Years Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Performance obligations $ 7,347 $ 601 $ 598 $ 598 $ 597 $ 550 $ 4,403

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Tables)

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliations Of Legal Settlements And Related Costs	The following table presents reconciliations of the beginning and ending liability balances in connection with legal settlements and related costs recorded in continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . No amounts were recorded in discontinued operations in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 periods. Balances at Beginning of Period Litigation and Investigation Costs Cash Payments Other Balances at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 8 $ 141 $ (55 ) $ (8 ) $ 86 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 12 $ 38 $ (41 ) $ (1 ) $ 8 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 12 $ 23 $ (23 ) $ — $ 12

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_2

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries	The following table shows the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries during the years ended 2019 and 2018 : December 31, 2019 2018 Balances at beginning of period $ 1,420 $ 1,866 Net income 192 190 Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (145 ) (142 ) Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests 18 173 Purchases and sales of businesses and noncontrolling interests, net 21 (667 ) Balances at end of period $ 1,506 $ 1,420

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes For Continuing Operations	The provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current tax expense (benefit): Federal $ (6 ) $ (6 ) $ (4 ) State 26 33 23 20 27 19 Deferred tax expense (benefit): Federal 134 159 202 State (1 ) (10 ) (2 ) 133 149 200 $ 153 $ 176 $ 219
Schedule of Reconciliation Between Reported Income Tax Expense (Benefit) and Income Taxes Calculated by the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation between the amount of reported income tax expense and the amount computed by multiplying income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by the statutory federal income tax rate is shown below. State income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes $2 million of expense related to the write-off of expired or worthless unutilized state net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets for which a full valuation allowance had been provided in prior years. A corresponding tax benefit of $2 million is included for the year ended December 31, 2019 to reflect the reduction in the valuation allowance. Foreign pre-tax loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $6 million . Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax expense (benefit) at statutory federal rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 $ 62 $ 134 $ (35 ) State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 20 23 4 Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit 2 9 28 Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests (79 ) (70 ) (113 ) Nondeductible goodwill 4 8 109 Nondeductible executive compensation 6 4 — Nondeductible litigation costs 7 — — Expired charitable contribution carryforward 8 — — Impact of decrease in federal tax rate on deferred taxes — (1 ) 246 Reversal of permanent reinvestment assumption and other adjustments related to divestiture of foreign subsidiary — (6 ) (30 ) Stock-based compensation tax deficiencies 4 5 15 Changes in valuation allowance (including impact of decrease in federal tax rate) 133 76 — Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest (14 ) (1 ) (6 ) Prior-year provision to return adjustments and other changes in deferred taxes (3 ) (5 ) 4 Other items 3 — (3 ) Income tax expense $ 153 $ 176 $ 219
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities, Including Any Valuation Allowance	The following table discloses those significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, including any valuation allowance: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Depreciation and fixed-asset differences $ — $ 282 $ — $ 297 Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges 14 — 24 — Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments) 165 — 155 — Accruals for retained insurance risks 195 — 205 — Intangible assets — 356 — 341 Other long-term liabilities 35 — 39 — Benefit plans 274 — 255 — Other accrued liabilities 45 — 32 — Investments and other assets — 95 — 83 Interest expense limitation 219 — 89 — Net operating loss carryforwards 179 — 266 — Stock-based compensation 19 — 24 — Other items 45 34 88 32 1,190 767 1,177 753 Valuation allowance (281 ) — (148 ) — $ 909 $ 767 $ 1,029 $ 753
Reconciliation of the Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities and the Corresponding Amounts Reported in the Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets	Below is a reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities and the corresponding amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred income tax assets $ 169 $ 312 Deferred tax liabilities (27 ) (36 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 142 $ 276
Schedule of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Have Impacted Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The following table summarizes the total changes in unrecognized tax benefits in continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . There were no such changes in discontinued operations. The additions and reductions for tax positions include the impact of items for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Such amounts include unrecognized tax benefits that have impacted deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Continuing Operations Balance At December 31, 2016 $ 35 Additions for prior-year tax positions 31 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (15 ) Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (5 ) Balance At December 31, 2017 $ 46 Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (1 ) Balance At December 31, 2018 $ 45 Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations (14 ) Balance At December 31, 2019 $ 31

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SH_2

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of our Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share calculations for our continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Net income available (loss attributable) to our common shareholders is expressed in millions and weighted average shares are expressed in thousands. Net Income Available (Loss Attributable) to Common Shareholders (Numerator) Weighted Average Shares (Denominator) Per-Share Amount Year Ended December 31, 2019 Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share $ (243 ) 103,398 $ (2.35 ) Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — — — Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share $ (243 ) 103,398 $ (2.35 ) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share $ 108 102,110 $ 1.06 Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — 1,771 (0.02 ) Net income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share $ 108 103,881 $ 1.04 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share $ (704 ) 100,592 $ (7.00 ) Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units — — — Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share $ (704 ) 100,592 $ (7.00 )

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis	The following tables present this information and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair values. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which generally are not applicable to non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as definitive sales agreements, appraisals or established market values of comparable assets. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability, such as internal estimates of future cash flows. December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-lived assets held for sale $ 387 $ — $ 387 $ — December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-lived assets held for sale $ 39 $ — $ 39 $ — Long-lived assets held and used $ 130 $ — $ 130 $ —

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	Preliminary or final purchase price allocations for all the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Current assets $ 16 $ 6 $ 7 Property and equipment 20 19 9 Other intangible assets 4 9 8 Goodwill 43 220 91 Other long-term assets, including previously held equity method investments 24 (18 ) (3 ) Current liabilities (16 ) — (8 ) Long-term liabilities (35 ) (15 ) (2 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries (18 ) (21 ) (29 ) Noncontrolling interests (7 ) (85 ) (18 ) Cash paid, net of cash acquired (25 ) (113 ) (50 ) Gains on consolidations $ 6 $ 2 $ 5

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Assets by Reportable Segment to Consolidated Assets	The following table includes amounts for each of our reportable segments and the reconciling items necessary to agree to amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations: December 31, December 31, December 31, Assets: Hospital Operations and other $ 16,182 $ 15,684 $ 16,466 Ambulatory Care 6,195 5,711 5,822 Conifer 974 1,014 1,097 Total $ 23,351 $ 22,409 $ 23,385
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items From Segments to Consolidated	Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Capital expenditures: Hospital Operations and other $ 572 $ 527 $ 625 Ambulatory Care 75 68 60 Conifer 23 22 22 Total $ 670 $ 617 $ 707 Net operating revenues: Hospital Operations and other total prior to inter-segment eliminations $ 15,522 $ 15,285 $ 16,260 Ambulatory Care 2,158 2,085 1,940 Conifer Tenet 573 590 618 Other clients 799 943 979 Total Conifer revenues 1,372 1,533 1,597 Inter-segment eliminations (573 ) (590 ) (618 ) Total $ 18,479 $ 18,313 $ 19,179 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates: Hospital Operations and other $ 15 $ 10 $ 4 Ambulatory Care 160 140 140 Total $ 175 $ 150 $ 144 Adjusted EBITDA: Hospital Operations and other $ 1,425 $ 1,411 $ 1,462 Ambulatory Care 895 792 699 Conifer 386 357 283 Total $ 2,706 $ 2,560 $ 2,444 Depreciation and amortization: Hospital Operations and other $ 733 $ 685 $ 736 Ambulatory Care 72 68 84 Conifer 45 49 50 Total $ 850 $ 802 $ 870 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,706 $ 2,560 $ 2,444 Income (loss) from divested and closed businesses (2 ) 9 (41 ) Depreciation and amortization (850 ) (802 ) (870 ) Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs (185 ) (209 ) (541 ) Litigation and investigation costs (141 ) (38 ) (23 ) Interest expense (985 ) (1,004 ) (1,028 ) Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt (227 ) 1 (164 ) Other non-operating expense, net (5 ) (5 ) (22 ) Net gains (losses) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities (15 ) 127 144 Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes $ 296 $ 639 $ (101 )

Supplemental Financial Inform_2

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Year Ended December 31, 2019 First Second Third Fourth Net operating revenues $ 4,545 $ 4,560 $ 4,568 $ 4,806 Net income (loss) $ 65 $ 112 $ (152 ) $ 129 Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders $ (19 ) $ 17 $ (232 ) $ 2 Earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders: Basic $ (0.18 ) $ 0.17 $ (2.24 ) $ 0.02 Diluted $ (0.18 ) $ 0.16 $ (2.24 ) $ 0.02 Year Ended December 31, 2018 First Second Third Fourth Net operating revenues $ 4,699 $ 4,506 $ 4,489 $ 4,619 Net income $ 191 $ 108 $ 65 $ 102 Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders $ 99 $ 26 $ (9 ) $ (5 ) Earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders: Basic $ 0.98 $ 0.25 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 ) Diluted $ 0.96 $ 0.25 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 )

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Description of Business (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 03, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019hospitalcenter	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition
Number of hospitals operated by subsidiaries | hospital					65
Number of outpatient centers | center					500
Number of facilities owned by subsidiaries | hospital					109
United Surgical Partners International
Business Acquisition
Payment contributed to joint venture | $	$ 716	$ 630	$ 716	$ 127
Joint venture ownership (as a percentage)	80.00%	15.00%	80.00%	56.30%		50.10%
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | United Surgical Partners International
Business Acquisition
Payment contributed to joint venture | $				$ 127
Joint venture ownership (as a percentage)		95.00%		56.30%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Business Acquisition
Operating lease assets	$ 912								$ 912			$ 822
Operating lease, current liabilities	159								159			147
Operating lease, long-term liabilities	858								858			715
Cumulative effect of accounting change												1	$ 0
Implicit price concessions	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Business Acquisition
Cumulative effect of accounting change												$ 1
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Business Acquisition
Implicit price concessions										$ 1,422
Contract with customer, asset													171
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Business Acquisition
Cumulative effect of accounting change													36
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
Business Acquisition
Cumulative effect of accounting change													$ 7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_6

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Net Operating Revenues (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cost report filing period after end of annual cost reporting period	5 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262	$ 411
Accrued property and equipment purchases for items received but not yet paid	136	135	$ 117
Capital (finance) leases	141	149	162
Captive insurance subsidiaries
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	176	177
Health plan related businesses
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	2	8
Accounts payable
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Book overdrafts classified as accounts payable	246	288
Accrued property and equipment purchases for items received but not yet paid	$ 119	$ 114	$ 79

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_8

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018hospital	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)hospital	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of investee results reflected on date of acquisition		1
Current assets		$ 1,180	$ 842	$ 805
Noncurrent assets		1,042	662	1,223
Current liabilities		(372)	(313)	(354)
Noncurrent liabilities		(739)	(430)	(389)
Noncontrolling interests		(579)	(530)	(490)
Net operating revenues		2,680	2,469	2,907
Net income		765	599	558
Net income attributable to the investees		499	372	363
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		175	150	144
Texas Health Ventures Group, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$ 79	70	$ 69
Ambulatory Care
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of outpatient centers recorded not using equity method | hospital		238
Number of outpatient centers recorded using equity method | hospital		108
Number of outpatient centers | hospital		346
Hospital Operations and other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of hospitals recorded using equity method | hospital	4
Gain on sale of minority interest in hospitals			$ 11

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_9

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	40 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	15 years
Newly constructed hospitals
Property and equipment
Useful life	50 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Interest costs capitalized related to construction projects	$ 11	$ 7	$ 15

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_10

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	15 years
Capitalized software costs | Minimum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	3 years
Capitalized software costs | Maximum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	15 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_11

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property and equipment
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	15 years
Minimum
Property and equipment
Finance lease renewal term	5 years
Maximum
Property and equipment
Finance lease renewal term	10 years
Real estate | Minimum
Property and equipment
Operating lease, term of contract	5 years
Real estate | Maximum
Property and equipment
Operating lease, term of contract	10 years
Equipment
Property and equipment
Operating lease, term of contract	3 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	15 years
Medical Equipment
Property and equipment
Operating lease, term of contract	3 years
Medical Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	5 years
Medical Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	7 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_12

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Insurance and Segments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks
Risk-free discount rate (percentage)	1.83%	2.59%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_13

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Segment Reporting (Details) - hospital	8 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition
Revenue generated by general hospitals		81.00%	80.00%	82.00%
United Surgical Partners International | European Surgical Partners Ltd
Business Acquisition
Number of private hospitals	9

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholder

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders' Equity - Noncontrolling interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests balance	$ 483	$ 687	$ 539	$ 1,082
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(38)	276	(559)
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests balance	854	806	686	$ 665
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	194	165	145
Noncontrolling Interests | Hospital Operations and other
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests balance	114	112
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	16	8	11
Noncontrolling Interests | Ambulatory Care
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests balance	740	694
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ 178	$ 157	$ 134

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Component

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable, net	$ 2,743	$ 2,595
Continuing Operations
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Patient accounts receivable	2,567	2,427
Estimated future recoveries	162	148
Net cost reports and settlements receivable and valuation allowances	12	18
Accounts receivable, net	2,741	2,593
Discontinued operations
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable, net	$ 2	$ 2

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Narrative

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Receivables	$ 2,743	$ 2,595
Accounts receivable, after allowance for credit loss, noncurrent	213	231
Payables	1,204	1,207
California's Provider Fee Program | Other current assets
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Receivables	316	278
California's Provider Fee Program | Other assets
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable, after allowance for credit loss, noncurrent	213	231
California's Provider Fee Program | Other current liabilities
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Payables	115	100
California's Provider Fee Program | Other long-term liabilities
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 57	$ 42

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Allowance

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Estimated costs of caring	$ 822	$ 764	$ 769
Self-Pay
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Estimated costs of caring	666	640	648
Charity care patients
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Estimated costs of caring	$ 156	$ 124	$ 121

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract As

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Assets for Hospital Operations and Other Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contract with Customer, Asset, Rollforward [Abstract]
Percentage of contract assets that meet the conditions for unconditional right to payment payment (percentage)	85.00%
Hospital Operations and other:
Contract with Customer, Asset, Rollforward [Abstract]
Receivables	$ 169	$ 171
Increase (decrease) in contract asset	1	(2)
Receivables	$ 170	$ 169

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract _2

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Assets and Liabilities, Conifer (Details) - Conifer - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Change in Contract with Customer, Asset, Rollforward [Abstract]
Receivables	$ 42	$ 89
Contract asset - unbilled revenue	11	10
Change in receivables	(16)	(47)
Change in contract asset - unbilled revenue	0	1
Receivables	26	42
Contract asset - unbilled revenue	11	11
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability Rollforward [Abstract]
Contract liability- current deferred revenue	61	80
Contract liability - long-term deferred revenue	20	21
Contract liability- current deferred revenue	61	61
Contract liability - long-term deferred revenue	18	20
Amount of revenue recognized by Conifer that was included in the opening current deferred revenue liability	61	72
Short-term Contract with Customer
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability Rollforward [Abstract]
Change in contract liability	0	(19)
Long-term Contract with Customer
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability Rollforward [Abstract]
Change in contract liability	$ (2)	$ (1)

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Co

CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Amortized customer contract costs	$ 5	$ 11	$ 10
Unamortized contract costs	$ 25	$ 28

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD F_3

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)hospital	Mar. 31, 2019hospital	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
Impairment charges			$ 42	$ 77	$ 402
Memphis area | Disposal group, held-for-sale, not discontinued operations
Current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
Number of hospitals | hospital	2
Assets held for sale	$ 387		387
Liabilities held for sale	$ 44		44
Impairment charges			26
Chicago-area | Disposal group, disposed of by sale, not discontinued operations
Current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
Number of hospitals | hospital		3
Impairment charges				$ 24	$ 73
Loss on transaction			$ 14

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD F_4

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Net assets held for sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current liabilities	$ (44)	$ (43)
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	108
Other current assets	24
Investments and other long-term assets	6
Property and equipment	184
Other intangible assets	23
Goodwill	42
Current liabilities	(35)
Long-term liabilities	(9)
Net assets held for sale	$ 343

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD F_5

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Significant Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 42	$ 77	$ 402
Disposal group, disposed of by sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes	(19)	(41)	(82)
Disposal group, held-for-sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes	8	23	33
Chicago-area | Disposal group, disposed of by sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes	(19)	(41)	(82)
Gain (loss) on disposition of business	(14)
Impairment charges		24	73
Memphis area | Disposal group, held-for-sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes	8	$ 23	$ 33
Impairment charges	$ 26

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING _2

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segmenthospital	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)hospital	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)investment
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Number of continuing operating segments | segment	3
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	$ 185	$ 209	$ 541
Impairment charges	42	77	402
Restructuring charges	137	115	117
Acquisition costs	6	17	22
Impairment charges	40	40	364
Other impairment charges		4	7
Employee severance costs	57	68	82
Lease termination costs	6	17	15
Restructuring costs	$ 46	30	20
Acquisition-related transaction costs		$ 10	6
Number of hospitals with impairment charges | hospital	2	2
Aggregate carrying value of assets held and used of the hospitals for which impairment charges were recorded		$ 130
Acquisition integration charges		7	16
Investments impairment			$ 31
Number of equity method investments with impairment charges | investment			2
Memphis area
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 26
Other impairment charges	16
Chicago-area
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges		24
Aspen
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges		9
Hospital Operations and other
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	31	67	$ 337
Ambulatory Care
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	6	9	63
Conifer
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	5	$ 1	$ 2
Global Business Center In The Republic Of Philippines
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 28

LEASES - Balance Sheet Componen

LEASES - Balance Sheet Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease assets	$ 912	$ 822
Finance lease assets	407
Total leased assets	1,319
Less: Current obligations	159	147
Long-term lease obligations	858	$ 715
Total operating lease liabilities	1,017
Less: Current obligations	143
Long-term lease obligations	182
Total finance lease liabilities	325
Total lease liabilities	$ 1,342

LEASES - Lease Costs (Details)

LEASES - Lease Costs (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 211
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	85
Interest on lease liabilities	15
Total finance lease expense	100
Variable and short term-lease expense	133
Total lease expense	$ 444
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years), operating leases	7 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years), finance leases	5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average discount rate, operating leases (percentage)	5.60%
Weighted-average discount rate, finance leases (percentage)	5.50%

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Cash Paid For Amounts Included In The Measurement Of Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$ 197
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	18
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	151
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	249
Finance leases	$ 141

LEASES - Schedule of Lease Matu

LEASES - Schedule of Lease Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Operating Leases
2020	$ 159
2021	180
2022	160
2023	140
2024	121
Later years	504
Total lease payments	1,264
Less: Imputed interest	247
Total operating lease liabilities	1,017
Less: Current obligations	159	$ 147
Long-term lease obligations	858	$ 715
Finance Leases
2020	143
2021	96
2022	38
2023	10
2024	9
Later years	91
Total lease payments	387
Less: Imputed interest	62
Total finance lease liabilities	325
Less: Current obligations	143
Long-term lease obligations	182
Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
2020	302
2021	276
2022	198
2023	150
2024	130
Later years	595
Total lease payments	1,651
Less: Imputed interest	309
Total lease liabilities	1,342
Less: Current obligations	302
Long-term lease obligations	$ 1,040

LEASES - Lease Obligations Prio

LEASES - Lease Obligations Prior to Adoption of ASU 2016-02 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capital lease obligations
Total	$ 425
2019	140
2020	95
2021	57
2022	37
2023	21
Later Years	75
Long-term non-cancelable operating leases
Total	932
2019	171
2020	151
2021	133
2022	113
2023	92
Later Years	272
Rent expense	326	$ 340
Operating leases, sublease income	$ 11	$ 14

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of De

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Aug. 26, 2019	Feb. 05, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 14, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance leases and mortgage notes	$ 445			$ 500
Total long-term debt	14,751			14,826
Less current portion	171			182
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$ 14,580			14,644
5.500% due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.50%		5.50%
6.750% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.75%
8.125% due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	8.125%
6.750% due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.75%
7.000% due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	7.00%
6.875% due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.875%
4.750% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
6.000% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.00%
4.500% due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%
4.375% due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.375%
4.875% due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.875%
5.125% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.125%
7.500% due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			7.50%
6.250% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			6.25%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized issue costs and note discounts	$ (186)			(184)
Senior Notes | 5.500% due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			468
Senior Notes | 6.750% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			300
Interest rate, stated percentage			6.75%
Senior Notes | 8.125% due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	2,800			2,800
Senior Notes | 6.750% due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	1,872			1,872
Interest rate, stated percentage							6.75%
Senior Notes | 7.000% due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	478			478
Interest rate, stated percentage							7.00%	7.00%
Senior Notes | 6.875% due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	362			362
Interest rate, stated percentage					6.875%	6.875%
Senior Notes | 4.750% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			500
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.75%
Senior Notes | 6.000% due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			1,800
Interest rate, stated percentage		6.00%
Senior Notes | 4.500% due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			850
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.50%
Senior Notes | 4.375% due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	0			1,050
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.375%
Senior Notes | 4.625% due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 1,870			1,870
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.625%							4.625%
Senior Notes | 4.625% due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 600			0
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.625%	4.625%
Senior Notes | 4.875% due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 2,100			0
Interest rate, stated percentage	7.50%
Senior Notes | 5.125% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 1,500			0
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.125%
Senior Notes | 7.500% due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 0			750
Interest rate, stated percentage	7.50%
Senior Notes | 5.125% due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 1,410			1,410
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.125%							5.125%
Senior Notes | 6.250% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 1,500			$ 0
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.25%

LONG-TERM DEBT - Credit Agreeme

LONG-TERM DEBT - Credit Agreement and Letter of Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019
Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, subfacility maximum available capacity		$ 200,000,000
Standby letters of credit outstanding	$ 1,000,000
Amount available for borrowing under revolving credit facility	$ 1,499,000,000
Credit Agreement | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused commitment fee (percentage)	0.25%
Credit Agreement | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused commitment fee (percentage)	0.375%
Credit Agreement | Base rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage margin on variable rate (percentage)	0.25%
Credit Agreement | Base rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage margin on variable rate (percentage)	0.75%
Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage margin on variable rate (percentage)	1.25%
Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage margin on variable rate (percentage)	1.75%
Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 180,000,000
Cash borrowings outstanding	0
Standby letters of credit outstanding	92,000,000
Borrowing capacity after increase subject to certain conditions	$ 200,000,000
Unused commitment fee percentage after step down (percentage)	0.50%
Secured debt to EBITDA ratio	3
Issuance fee (percentage)	1.50%
Issuance fee, based on face amount (percentage)	0.125%
Letter of Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of business days after notice for reimbursement of drawings	3 years

LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Secured

LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Secured Notes and Senior Unsecured Notes (Details) - USD ($)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Nov. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

May 31, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Aug. 26, 2019

Feb. 05, 2019

Sep. 11, 2017

Aug. 01, 2017

Jul. 14, 2017

Jun. 14, 2017

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$ (180,000,000)

$ (47,000,000)

$ (227,000,000)

$ 1,000,000

$ (164,000,000)

4.875% due 2026

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.875%

5.125% due 2027

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

5.125%

4.750% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.75%

6.750% due 2023

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.75%

6.000% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.00%

4.500% due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.50%

4.375% due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.375%

6.250% due 2027

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.25%

6.750% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.75%

7.500% due 2022

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

7.50%

5.500% due 2019

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

5.50%

5.50%

6.875% due 2031

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.875%

7.000% due 2025

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

7.00%

Senior Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price percentage

100.00%

Repurchase obligation due to change of control percentage of principal

101.00%

Senior Notes | 4.625% due 2024

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 600,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.625%

4.625%

Senior Notes | 4.875% due 2026

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 2,100,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

7.50%

Senior Notes | 5.125% due 2027

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 1,500,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

5.125%

Senior Notes | 4.750% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.75%

Repurchased face amount

$ 500,000,000

Senior Notes | 6.750% due 2023

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.75%

6.75%

Repurchased face amount

$ 28,000,000

$ 28,000,000

Senior Notes | 6.000% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.00%

Repurchased face amount

$ 1,800,000,000

Senior Notes | 4.500% due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.50%

Repurchased face amount

$ 850,000,000

Senior Notes | 4.375% due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.375%

Repurchased face amount

$ 1,050,000,000

Senior Notes | 6.250% due 2027

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 1,500,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.25%

Senior Notes | 6.750% due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.75%

Repurchased face amount

$ 300,000,000

Senior Notes | 7.500% due 2022

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

7.50%

Repurchased face amount

750,000,000

Senior Notes | 5.500% due 2019

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchased face amount

$ 22,000,000

$ 10,000,000

$ 22,000,000

$ 468,000,000

Proceeds from (repayments of) notes payable

$ 22,000,000

$ 10,000,000

Senior Notes | 6.875% due 2031

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.875%

6.875%

Repurchased face amount

$ 38,000,000

$ 30,000,000

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$ (1,000,000)

Proceeds from (repayments of) notes payable

36,000,000

$ 28,000,000

Amount of accrued and unpaid interest included in purchase price

$ 1,000,000

Senior Notes | 7.000% due 2025

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 500,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

7.00%

7.00%

7.00%

Repurchased face amount

$ 22,000,000

$ 22,000,000

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$ 1,000,000

Proceeds from (repayments of) notes payable

51,000,000

Amount of accrued and unpaid interest included in purchase price

$ 1,000,000

Senior Notes | 4.625% due 2024

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 830,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.625%

4.625%

Senior Notes | Senior Secured First Lien Notes Due 2024

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 1,040,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

4.625%

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$ 26,000,000

Senior Notes | Debt Instrument Floating Percent Secured Senior Notes Due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchased face amount

$ 900,000,000

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$ (138,000,000)

Senior Notes | 5.125% due 2025

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$ 1,410,000,000

Stated interest rate (percentage)

5.125%

5.125%

Senior Notes | Debt Instrument, 6.25%, Senior Secured Notes Due 2018

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

6.25%

Repurchased face amount

$ 1,041,000,000

Senior Notes | Debt Instrument, 5% Senior Notes Due 2019

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

5.00%

Repurchased face amount

$ 1,100,000,000

Senior Notes | Debt Instrument, 8% Senior Notes Due 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Stated interest rate (percentage)

8.00%

8.00%

Repurchased face amount

$ 250,000,000

$ 500,000,000

LONG-TERM DEBT - Covenants (Det

LONG-TERM DEBT - Covenants (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Credit Agreement
Covenants
Threshold limit of revolving credit facility	$ 150,000,000
Threshold limit of unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility (less than)	$ 150,000,000
Threshold limit of unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility, number of consecutive days	3 years
Senior Notes | Maximum
Covenants
Secured debt ratio	4
Asset value as a percentage of consolidated net tangible assets for properties to be defined as principal property (percentage)	15.00%
Senior Notes | Minimum
Covenants
Asset value as a percentage of consolidated net tangible assets for properties to be defined as principal property (percentage)	5.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT - Future Maturit

LONG-TERM DEBT - Future Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Long-term debt, including finance lease obligations
Total	$ 14,937
2020	171
2021	112
2022	2,851
2023	1,903
2024	2,486
Later Years	$ 7,414

GUARANTEES (Details)

GUARANTEES (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Income Guarantee
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	12 months
Commitment period	3 years
Guarantee of Business Revenue | Minimum
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	1 year
Guarantee of Business Revenue | Maximum
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	3 years
Income and revenue collection guarantee
GUARANTEES
Maximum potential amount of future payments under guarantees	$ 133
Income and revenue collection guarantee | Other current liabilities
GUARANTEES
Liability for guarantees	107
Guaranteed investees of third parties
GUARANTEES
Liability for guarantees	25
Guarantee obligations for consolidated subsidiaries	$ 8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Share-

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Share-based Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 42	$ 46	$ 59
Stock Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Expiration period from the date of grant	10 years
Portion of awards vesting on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant	33.33%
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Contractual right to receive shares of common stock for a stock based award (in shares)	1
Portion of awards vesting on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant	33.33%
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 42
2008 Stock Incentive Plan
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Shares available for issuance under the plan (in shares)	8,200,000
2008 Stock Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Vesting period	3 years

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Grant

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Grant Dates Options and RSUs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 27, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 01, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 12.50	$ 9.16
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 42	$ 46	$ 59
Stock Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		230,713	635,196	1,396,307
Stock Options | February 27, 2019
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)	210,000
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 28.26
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$ 12.49
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 1
Stock Options | Grant Date February 28, 2018
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		442,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 8.83
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 1
Stock Options | Grant Date March 1, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		821,000
Exercise price (in dollars per share)					$ 18.99
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 8.52
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 1
Restricted Stock Units
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 42
Restricted Stock Units | February 27, 2019
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		800,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 28.26
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 9
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date February 28, 2018
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		204,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 20.60
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 2
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date March 1, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		383,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 18.99
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 2
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date July 9, 2019
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		94,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 18.55
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 1
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date May 3, 2019
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		100,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 16.18
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 2
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date January 31, 2019
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		318,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 21.99
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 2
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date June 28, 2018
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		51,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 34.61
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 1
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date March 29, 2018
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		293,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 24.25
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 4
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date August 25, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Awards (in shares)		456,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$ 59.90
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 3
Restricted Stock Units | Other grants
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		2
Equity Option | USPI Management Equity Plan
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax		$ 11

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Stock

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 29, 2019	Feb. 27, 2019	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options					$ 4
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation costs					1 year 7 months 6 days
Fair value per share at grant date (in dollars per share)					$ 12.50	$ 9.16
Fair Value, Option, Assumptions Used [Abstract]
Expected volatility (percentage)		48.00%		46.00%
Expected dividend yield (percentage)		0.00%		0.00%
Expected life		6 years 2 months 12 days		6 years 2 months 12 days
Expected forfeiture rate (percentage)		0.00%		0.00%
Risk-free interest rate (percentage)		2.53%		2.72%
Stock Options
Stock option activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)					2,262,743	2,564,822	1,435,921
Granted (in shares)					230,713	635,196	1,396,307
Exercised (in shares)					(306,427)	(619,849)	(20,400)
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)					(226,037)	(317,426)	(247,006)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)					1,960,992	2,262,743	2,564,822
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)					$ 19.12	$ 20.35	$ 22.87
Granted (in dollars per share)					28.28	21.33	18.24
Exercised (in dollars per share)					18.05	18.19	4.56
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)					20.21	35.30	24.37
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)					$ 20.24	$ 19.12	$ 20.35
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period					$ 35
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period					35
Exercisable at the end of the period					$ 9
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Outstanding at the end of the period					6 years 1 month 6 days
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period					6 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable at the end of the period					2 years 8 months 12 days
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)					1,960,992
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)					454,360
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)					$ 20.24
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)					$ 17.26
Aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercised					$ 3	$ 4
Vesting period					3 years
Expiration period from the date of grant					10 years
Performance Based Stock Options
Stock option activity
Granted (in shares)					230,713	635,196
Performance Based Stock Options | Senior Officers
Stock option activity
Granted (in shares)	7,862	222,851	31,184	604,012
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Targeted share price (in dollars per share)	$ 36.05		$ 44.29
Percentage of stock price premium	25.00%		25.00%
Share price (in dollars per share)	$ 28.84		$ 35.43
Number of consecutive trading days	20 days		20 days
Vesting date subject to conditions	3 years		3 years
Expiration period from the date of grant				10 years
Non-Performance Employee Stock Option
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Share price (in dollars per share)				$ 20.60
Non-Performance Employee Stock Option | Senior Officers
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Targeted share price (in dollars per share)		$ 35.33		$ 25.75
Percentage of stock price premium		25.00%		25.00%
Share price (in dollars per share)		$ 28.26
Number of consecutive trading days		20 days		20 days
Vesting date subject to conditions		3 years	3 years	3 years
Expiration period from the date of grant				10 years

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Range

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Range of Exercise Prices (Details) - Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares
Options Outstanding
Number of options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,960,992
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.24
Options Exercisable
Number of options exercisable (in shares) | shares	454,360
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.26
$16.43 to $19.759
Options Outstanding
Number of options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,224,289
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.14
Options Exercisable
Number of options exercisable (in shares) | shares	408,526
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 16.43
$19.76 to $35.430
Options Outstanding
Number of options outstanding (in shares) | shares	736,703
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 6 months
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.74
Options Exercisable
Number of options exercisable (in shares) | shares	45,834
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.63
Minimum | $16.43 to $19.759
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Lower range of stock exercise price range (in dollars per share)	16.43
Minimum | $19.76 to $35.430
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Lower range of stock exercise price range (in dollars per share)	19.76
Maximum | $16.43 to $19.759
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Upper range of stock exercise price range (in dollars per share)	19.759
Maximum | $19.76 to $35.430
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Upper range of stock exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 35.430

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employ

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	100.00%
% of all outstanding options	100.00%
Current employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	61.20%
Options outstanding (in shares)	1,199,274
Former employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	38.80%
Options outstanding (in shares)	761,718
Stock Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Market price of the entity's common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 38.03
Options outstanding (in shares)	1,960,992	2,262,743	2,564,822	1,435,921
Stock Options | Current employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	61.20%
Stock Options | Former employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	38.80%
In-the-Money Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	100.00%
% of all outstanding options	100.00%
Options outstanding (in shares)	1,960,992
In-the-Money Options | Current employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	61.20%
Options outstanding (in shares)	1,199,274
In-the-Money Options | Former employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	38.80%
Options outstanding (in shares)	761,718
Out-of-the-Money Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	0.00%
% of all outstanding options	0.00%
Options outstanding (in shares)	0
Out-of-the-Money Options | Current employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	0.00%
Options outstanding (in shares)	0
Out-of-the-Money Options | Former employees
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
% of Total	0.00%
Options outstanding (in shares)	0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Restri

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Restricted Stock Units (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	May 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2019member	Aug. 30, 2019member	May 31, 2019shares	May 31, 2018membershares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)quartermember$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Other Disclosures
New directors | member		1	1		2	2
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation costs						1 year 7 months 6 days
Stock Options
Other Disclosures
Vesting period						3 years
Awards vesting						33.33%
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)						1,884,130	2,253,988	3,174,533
Granted (in shares)				100,444	54,198	1,481,021	765,184	714,018
Vested (in shares)						(1,562,191)	(995,331)	(1,397,953)
Forfeited (in shares)						(339,461)	(139,711)	(236,610)
Unvested at the end of the period (in shares)						1,463,499	1,884,130	2,253,988
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 32.25	$ 35.20	$ 38.75
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						27.87	24.74	18.25
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						36.45	32.63	35.50
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						24.74	36.01	32.13
Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 25.08	$ 32.25	$ 35.20
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting						33.33%
Unrecognized compensation costs | $						$ 25
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation costs						1 year 7 months 6 days
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)							765,184
Other Disclosures
Vesting period							3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting | Director
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)					12,154	13,257
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting | Senior Officers
Other Disclosures
Vesting period					3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Time Based Vesting, Three Year Period From Grant Date
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)						337,848	288,325
Restricted Stock Units | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One
Other Disclosures
Vesting date subject to conditions						3 years
Restricted stock that will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the grant date (in shares)						353,354	60,963
Restricted Stock Units | Twenty Seven Month Vesting Period
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)						566,172
Other Disclosures
Award vesting period, number of quarterly periods | quarter						9
Restricted Stock Units | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three
Other Disclosures
Vesting period						3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Time Based Vesting, Two Years
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)							339,806
Other Disclosures
Vesting period							2 years
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting
Other Disclosures
Award vesting performance period							3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Minimum
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting							0.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Maximum
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting							200.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Senior Officers
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)							6,068
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Non Employee Directors
Other Disclosures
Vesting period	3 years
Additional Prorated Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting | Director
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)					3,670	5,569
2013 Grant | Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)						7,427
2014 Grant | Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units
Granted (in shares)						96,950

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - USPI Management Equity Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 42	$ 46	$ 59
USPI Management Equity Plan | Equity Option
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 11
USPI Management Equity Plan | Nonqualified Plan
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Vesting period, days to be exercised before termination	90 days
USPI Management Equity Plan | Nonqualified Plan | Equity Option
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Portion of awards vesting on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant	50.00%
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award requisite holding period of shares	6 months 1 day
Requisite holding period before buyback is allowed	1 year 7 days
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$ 11	$ 18	$ 13
Minimum | USPI Management Equity Plan | Nonqualified Plan | Equity Option
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Percent of common stock allocated to plan	10.00%
Vesting period	3 years
Maximum | USPI Management Equity Plan | Nonqualified Plan | Equity Option
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Empl_2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) - Employee Stock Purchase Plan - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Number of shares authorized to be issued under the plan (in shares)	5,062,500
Shares available for issuance under the plan (in shares)	3,000,000
Percentage of closing price at which shares are purchased by participant	95.00%
Requisite holding period for shares issued under the plan	1 year
Fair market value per employee per year	$ 25,000
Number of shares (in shares)	215,422	228,045	395,957
Weighted average price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.44	$ 22.96	$ 17.28
Minimum
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Base earnings elected to be withheld each quarter by eligible employees to purchase shares of the entity's common stock	1.00%
Maximum
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Base earnings elected to be withheld each quarter by eligible employees to purchase shares of the entity's common stock	10.00%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Empl_3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Retirement Plans (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Employee Retirement Plans
Contribution expense	$ 127	$ 99	$ 128
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning obligations	(1,301)	(1,455)
Service cost	0	(2)	(2)
Interest cost	(58)	(56)	(62)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(132)	90
Benefits paid	123	122
Special termination benefit costs	(1)	0
Ending obligations	(1,369)	(1,301)	(1,455)
Fair value of plans assets
Beginning plan assets	731	850
Gain (loss) on plan assets	128	(65)
Employer contribution	33	47
Benefits paid	(102)	(101)
Ending plan assets	790	731	850
Funded status of plans	(579)	(570)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other current liability	(19)	(49)
Other long-term liability	(560)	(521)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	323	281
Accumulated Benefit Obligations Assumptions
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,367	1,299
Components of net periodic benefit costs
Service costs	0	2	2
Interest costs	58	56	62
Expected return on plan assets	(46)	(54)	(50)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	10	14	14
Special termination benefit costs	1	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	23	18	28
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Gain (loss) adjustments recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)	(42)	(15)	56
Net actuarial gains/(losses)	(52)	(29)	42
Cumulative net actuarial losses	323	281	266
Maximum
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Unrecognized prior service costs	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
SERP
Employee Retirement Plans
Number of ended SERPs | plan	1
Number of frozen plans | plan	3
Accumulated Benefit Obligations Assumptions
Discount rate (percentage)	3.50%	4.50%
Compensation increase rate (percentage)	3.00%	3.00%
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Discount rate (percentage)	4.50%	3.75%	4.25%
Compensation increase rate (percentage)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Pension Plan
Employee Retirement Plans
Decrease in projected benefit obligations	$ 14	$ 4
Fair value of plans assets
Beginning plan assets	731
Ending plan assets	$ 790	$ 731
Accumulated Benefit Obligations Assumptions
Discount rate (percentage)	3.60%	4.62%
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Discount rate (percentage)	4.62%	4.00%	4.42%
Long-term rate of return on assets (percentage)	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Asset

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Asset Allocations (Details) - Pension Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Allowable deviation percentage from target (percentage)	10.00%
Cash and cash equivalents
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target (percentage)	2.00%
Actual (percentage)	2.00%
U.S. government obligations
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target (percentage)	0.00%
Actual (percentage)	2.00%
Equity securities
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target (percentage)	65.00%
Actual (percentage)	64.00%
Debt securities
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target (percentage)	33.00%
Actual (percentage)	32.00%
Alternative investments
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target (percentage)	0.00%
Actual (percentage)	0.00%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - SERP a

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - SERP and DMC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	$ 790	$ 731	$ 850
SERP and DMC Pension Plan
Total	876
2020	85
2021	87
2022	89
2023	89
2024	90
Five Years Thereafter	436
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Benefit plan obligations	(579)	(570)
Other current liability	19	49
Defined benefit plan obligations	560	521
Expected contribution to the plan for 2019	19
Pension Plan
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	790	731
Pension Plan | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	37	33
Pension Plan | U.S. government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	9	9
Pension Plan | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	461	262
Pension Plan | Fixed income funds
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	283	423
Pension Plan | Alternative investments
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	4
Pension Plan | Level 1
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	790	731
Pension Plan | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	37	33
Pension Plan | Level 1 | U.S. government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	9	9
Pension Plan | Level 1 | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	461	262
Pension Plan | Level 1 | Fixed income funds
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	283	423
Pension Plan | Level 1 | Alternative investments
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	4
Pension Plan | Level 2
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 2 | U.S. government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 2 | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 2 | Fixed income funds
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 2 | Alternative investments
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0
Pension Plan | Level 3
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 3 | U.S. government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 3 | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	0
Pension Plan | Level 3 | Fixed income funds
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	0	$ 0
Pension Plan | Level 3 | Alternative investments
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	$ 0

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Compon

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	$ 12,376
Gross property and equipment		$ 12,214
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(5,498)	(5,221)
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(5,221)
Net property and equipment	6,878
Net property and equipment		6,993
Land
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	602	613
Buildings and improvements
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	6,856	6,920
Construction in progress
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	184	199
Equipment
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	4,173	$ 4,482
Finance lease assets
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	$ 561

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Total	$ 7,281
Total	7,252	$ 7,281
Hospital Operations and other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill	5,338	5,410	$ 5,406
Accumulated impairment losses	(2,430)	(2,430)	(2,430)
Total	2,980	2,976
Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments	0	1
Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities	(72)	3
Total	2,908	2,980
Ambulatory Care
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill	3,739	3,696	3,437
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Total	3,696	3,437
Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments	43	219
Goodwill related to assets held for sale and disposed or deconsolidated facilities	0	40
Total	3,739	3,696
Conifer
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill	605	605	605
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	$ 0
Total	605	605
Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments	0	0
Total	$ 605	$ 605

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,694	$ 2,744
Accumulated Amortization	(1,092)	(1,013)
Net Book Value	1,602	1,731
Capitalized software costs
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,616	1,667
Accumulated Amortization	(912)	(858)
Net Book Value	704	809
Trade names
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	102	102
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net Book Value	102	102
Contracts
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	869	871
Accumulated Amortization	(94)	(76)
Net Book Value	775	795
Other
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	107	104
Accumulated Amortization	(86)	(79)
Net Book Value	$ 21	$ 25

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives
Total	$ 1,037
2020	156
2021	142
2022	130
2023	122
2024	104
Later Years	383
Amortization expense	$ 188	$ 185	$ 172

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS -

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS - Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable securities	$ 2		$ 40
Equity investments in unconsolidated healthcare entities	978		956
Total investments	980		996
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	36		30
Long-term deposits	59		44
California provider fee program receivables	213		231
Operating lease assets	912	$ 822
Land held for expansion, other long-term receivables and other assets	169		155
Investments and other assets	$ 2,369		$ 1,456

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Adjustments for defined benefit plans	$ (257)	$ (223)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(257)	(223)
Tax effect allocated to adjustments for defined benefit plans	$ 8	3
Tax effect allocated to adjustments for foreign currency translation adjustments		$ 3
Cumulative effect of accounting change			$ 1	$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change				36
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change				$ 7

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net Op

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net Operating Revenue By Source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									15,522	15,285	16,260
Operating Segments | Ambulatory Care
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Operating Segments | Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Inter-segment eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									(573)	(590)	(618)
Continuing Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									18,479	18,313	19,179
Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									15,522	15,285	16,260
Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Other Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,154	1,204	1,431
Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Ambulatory Care
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Continuing Operations | Inter-segment eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									(573)	(590)	(618)
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Medicare
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,888	2,882	3,243
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Health Care, Patient Service - Medicare
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,193	1,294	1,304
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Health Care, Patient Service - Managed Care
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									9,516	9,213	9,583
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Health Care, Patient Service - Self-pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									92	96	91
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Health Care, Patient Service - Indemnity And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									679	596	608
Acute Care Hospitals And Related Outpatient Facilities | Continuing Operations | Operating Segments | Hospital Operations and other | Health Care, Patient Service, Excluding Physician Practices
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									$ 14,368	$ 14,081	$ 14,829

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Narrat

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									$ 1,372	1,533	1,597
Revenue from other sources | Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Percentage of net operating revenues related to Conifer generated by other services (percentage)									8.00%
Restatement Adjustment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									$ 27	$ 24	$ 35

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net _2

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net Operating Revenue Composition, Ambulatory Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Net patient service revenues | Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									2,040	1,965	1,816
Management fees | Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									95	92	93
Revenue from other sources | Hospital Operations and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									$ 23	$ 28	$ 31

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net _3

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Net Operating Revenue Composition, Conifer Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Conifer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Tenet | Conifer | Revenue cycle services – Tenet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									556	568	583
Tenet | Conifer | Health Care - Client Contracts - Other Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									17	22	35
Other Customers | Conifer | Revenue cycle services – Tenet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									713	855	891
Other Customers | Conifer | Health Care - Client Contracts - Other Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net operating revenues									$ 86	$ 88	$ 88

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Perfor

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Performance Obligation (Details) - Conifer $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 7,347
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	601
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	598
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	598
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	597
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	550
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 4,403

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Perf_2

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Performance Obligation 2 (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Conifer
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 7,347

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Perf_3

NET OPERATING REVENUES - Performance Obligation Timing of Satisfaction (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND_2

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Scenario, Forecast
Insurance coverage
Insurance coverage, aggregate limit	$ 850
Scenario, Forecast | Floods
Insurance coverage
Property insurance coverage	100
Scenario, Forecast | Earthquakes
Insurance coverage
Property insurance coverage	200
Insurance deductible	40
Scenario, Forecast | Windstorms
Insurance coverage
Property insurance coverage	200
Scenario, Forecast | Fires and other perils
Insurance coverage
Property insurance coverage	$ 850
Scenario, Forecast | Floods, earthquakes and windstorms
Insurance coverage
Insurance deductible (percentage)	5.00%
Insurance deductible	$ 25
Scenario, Forecast | New Madrid fault earthquakes
Insurance coverage
Insurance deductible (percentage)	2.00%
Insurance deductible	$ 25
Scenario, Forecast | Fires and certain other covered losses
Insurance coverage
Insurance deductible	$ 1
Professional and general liability reserves
Insurance coverage
Property loss contingency period for discount rate		7 years	7 years	7 years

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND_3

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE - Professional and General Liability Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance coverage
Risk-free discount rate (percentage)	1.83%	2.59%
Malpractice expense, portion related to adverse developments in prior years	$ 155	$ 176	$ 61
Professional and general liability reserves
Insurance coverage
Self insurance reserve	$ 915	$ 882
Risk-free discount rate (percentage)	1.83%	2.59%	2.33%
Professional and general liability reserves | Other operating expense, net
Insurance coverage
Malpractice expense	$ 374	$ 388	$ 303

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Details)

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 20, 2019individual	Jun. 30, 2006hospital	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)individual	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017lawsuit
Loss Contingencies
Number of individuals | individual	3				3
Litigation and investigation costs					$ 141	$ 38	$ 23
Shareholder derivative litigation
Loss Contingencies
Number of consolidated lawsuits | lawsuit										2
Maderazo V. VHS San Antonio
Loss Contingencies
Number of hospitals | hospital		3
Oklahoma Surgical Hospital Qui Tam Action
Loss Contingencies
Estimated litigation liability								$ 66
Litigation and investigation costs			$ 1	$ 68
Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss									$ 63

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS - Reconcili

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS - Reconciliations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Litigation and investigation costs	$ 141	$ 38	$ 23
Claims, lawsuits, and regulatory proceedings
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Litigation reserve, Balances at Beginning of Period	8	12	12
Litigation and investigation costs	141	38	23
Cash Payments	(55)	(41)	(23)
Other	(8)	(1)	0
Litigation reserve, Balances at End of Period	$ 86	$ 8	$ 12

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_3

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 03, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 01, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
United Surgical Partners International
Interests acquired and other disclosures
Payment contributed to joint venture	$ 716	$ 630	$ 716	$ 127
Joint venture ownership (as a percentage)	80.00%	15.00%	80.00%	56.30%			50.10%
United Surgical Partners International | Put option
Interests acquired and other disclosures
Equity necessary for joint venture					5.00%
United Surgical Partners International | Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Interests acquired and other disclosures
Payment contributed to joint venture				$ 127
Joint venture ownership (as a percentage)		95.00%		56.30%
Baylor University Medical Center | Put option | Maximum
Interests acquired and other disclosures
Equity necessary for joint venture					33.30%
Purchasable equity In joint venture, percentage of total shares (percentage)						0.3333

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_4

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	$ (162)	$ (148)	$ (123)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Balances at beginning of period	1,420	1,866
Net income	192	190
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(145)	(142)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	18	173
Purchases and sales of businesses and noncontrolling interests, net	21	(667)
Balances at end of period	$ 1,506	$ 1,420	$ 1,866

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_5

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Segment Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Hospital Operations and other
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	$ 383	$ 431
Net income	(37)	(25)
Ambulatory Care
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	777	713
Net income	159	151
Conifer
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	346	276
Net income	$ 70	$ 64

INCOME TAXES - Provision and De

INCOME TAXES - Provision and Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$ (6)	$ (6)	$ (4)
State	26	33	23
Total	20	27	19
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal	134	159	202
State	(1)	(10)	(2)
Total	133	149	200
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 153	$ 176	$ 219

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Reco

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Decrease in valuation allowance due to changes based on expiration or worthlessness of unutilized state net operating loss carryovers	$ 2	$ 9	$ 28
Income tax benefit, reduction in valuation allowance of expired or worthless operating loss carryforwards	2
Foreign pretax loss	6	6
Reconciliation between reported income tax expense (benefit) and income taxes calculated by the statutory federal income tax rate
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory federal rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 (35% in 2017)	62	134	(35)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	20	23	4
Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit	2	9	28
Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests	(79)	(70)	(113)
Nondeductible goodwill	4	8	109
Nondeductible executive compensation	6	4	0
Nondeductible litigation costs	7	0	0
Expired charitable contribution carryforward	8	0	0
Impact of decrease in federal tax rate on deferred taxes	0	(1)	246
Reversal of permanent reinvestment assumption and other adjustments related to divestiture of foreign subsidiary	0	(6)	(30)
Stock-based compensation tax deficiencies	4	5	15
Changes in valuation allowance (including impact of decrease in federal tax rate)	133	76	0
Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest	(14)	(1)	(6)
Prior-year provision to return adjustments and other changes in deferred taxes	(3)	(5)	4
Other items	3	0	(3)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 153	$ 176	$ 219

INCOME TAXES - Tax Cuts and Job

INCOME TAXES - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, deferred tax asset, provisional income tax (expense) benefit			$ 251
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, deferred tax asset, provisional income tax (expense) benefit			252
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, deferred tax asset, change in valuation allowance, provisional income tax (expense) benefit			6
Impact of decrease in federal tax rate on deferred taxes, expense (benefit)	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 246

INCOME TAXES - Components of De

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges	$ 14	$ 24
Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments)	165	155
Accruals for retained insurance risks	195	205
Other long-term liabilities	35	39
Benefit plans	274	255
Other accrued liabilities	45	32
Interest expense limitation	219	89
Net operating loss carryforwards	179	266
Stock-based compensation	19	24
Other items	45	88
Deferred tax assets, gross	1,190	1,177
Valuation allowance	(281)	(148)	$ (72)
Deferred tax assets, net	909	1,029
Liabilities
Depreciation and fixed-asset differences	282	297
Intangible assets	356	341
Investments and other assets	95	83
Other items	34	32
Deferred tax liabilities, total	767	753
Reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred income tax assets	169	312
Deferred tax liabilities	(27)	(36)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 142	$ 276

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowa

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowances and Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INCOME TAXES
Increase in valuation allowance against deferred tax assets	$ 133,000,000	$ 76,000,000
Increase in valuation allowance due to limitations on deductions of interest expense	130,000,000	89,000,000
Decrease in valuation allowance due to changes based on expiration or worthlessness of unutilized state net operating loss carryovers	2,000,000	9,000,000	$ 28,000,000
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance due to changes in expected realizability of deferred tax assets	5,000,000	(4,000,000)	22,000,000
Valuation allowance	281,000,000	148,000,000	72,000,000
Increase in valuation allowance due to changes in federal tax rate			6,000,000
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	45,000,000	46,000,000
Ending balance	31,000,000	45,000,000	46,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	29,000,000	43,000,000	44,000,000
Current income tax benefit due to increase in liabilities for uncertain tax positions	11,000,000	1,000,000	5,000,000
Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	0
Continuing Operations
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	45,000,000	46,000,000	35,000,000
Additions for prior-year tax positions				$ 31,000,000
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations	(14,000,000)	(1,000,000)		(5,000,000)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years				(15,000,000)
Ending balance	$ 31,000,000	$ 45,000,000	$ 46,000,000	$ 35,000,000

INCOME TAXES - NOL and Tax Cred

INCOME TAXES - NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating loss carryforwards
Unrecognized federal and state tax benefits and reserves for interest and penalties, which may decrease in the next 12 months	$ 0
Deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, associated with NOL carryforwards	$ 179	$ 266
Percentage of shareholders, purchase or sale of stock by them is considered as ownership change (percentage)	5.00%
Maximum increase in percentage points of the ownership of the 5% shareholders in a given period to enable the full use of NOL carryfowards	50.00%
Rolling period during which certain ownership changes limit ability of the entity for utilization of NOL carryforwards	3 years
Federal
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	$ 600
State
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	3,500
Deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, associated with NOL carryforwards	25
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward
Operating loss carryforwards
Tax credits carryforwards	$ 25

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SH_3

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Income Available (Loss Attributable) to Common Shareholders (Numerator)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (243)	$ 108	$ (704)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (243)	$ 108	$ (704)
Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	103,398	102,110	100,592
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units (in shares)	0	1,771	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	103,398	103,881	100,592
Per-Share Amount
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (2.35)	$ 1.06	$ (7)
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation units (in dollars per share)	0	(0.02)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (2.35)	$ 1.04	$ (7)

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SH_4

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - Antidilutive securities (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units
Antidilutive securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,457	788

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)hospital	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)hospital	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held for sale	$ 387	$ 39
Long-lived assets held and used		130
Impairment charges	$ 40	40	$ 364
Other impairment charges		$ 4	7
Number of hospitals with impairment charges | hospital	2	2
Investments impairment	$ 42	$ 77	$ 402
Impairment charges related to write-down of long-lived assets		$ 4
Estimated fair value of the long-term debt instrument as a percentage of carrying value	106.40%	97.30%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held for sale	$ 0	$ 0
Long-lived assets held and used		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held for sale	387	39
Long-lived assets held and used		130
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held for sale	0	0
Long-lived assets held and used		0
Memphis area
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Impairment charges	26
Other impairment charges	$ 16
Chicago-area
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Impairment charges		24
Write-down assets held for sale		24
Aspen
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Investments impairment		$ 9

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)business	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)business	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)business
Business Acquisition
Goodwill	$ 7,252	$ 7,281
Acquisition-related transaction costs		$ 10	$ 6
United Surgical Partners International
Business Acquisition
Number of business acquisitions | business	10	10	8
Number of off-campus emergency departments and various physician practices | business		3
Series of individual business acquisitions
Business Acquisition
Goodwill	$ 43	$ 220	$ 91
Acquisition-related transaction costs	6	10	6
Gains on consolidations	6	2	5
Series of individual business acquisitions | United Surgical Partners International
Business Acquisition
Consideration conveyed in the acquisition	25	113	50
Hospital Operations and other
Business Acquisition
Goodwill	2,908	2,980	2,976
Ambulatory Care
Business Acquisition
Goodwill	$ 3,739	$ 3,696	$ 3,437

ACQUISITIONS - Purchase Price A

ACQUISITIONS - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Final purchase price allocations
Goodwill	$ 7,252	$ 7,281
Series of individual business acquisitions
Final purchase price allocations
Current assets	16	6	$ 7
Property and equipment	20	19	9
Other intangible assets	4	9	8
Goodwill	43	220	91
Other long-term assets, including previously held equity method investments	24
Other long-term assets, including previously held equity method investments		(18)	(3)
Current liabilities	(16)	0	(8)
Long-term liabilities	(35)	(15)	(2)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	(18)	(21)	(29)
Noncontrolling interests	(7)	(85)	(18)
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	(25)	(113)	(50)
Gains on consolidations	$ 6	$ 2	$ 5

SEGMENT INFORMATION - General I

SEGMENT INFORMATION - General Information and Customer Concentration (Details)	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2018hospital	Dec. 31, 2019hospitalstate
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of hospitals owned by subsidiaries		65
Number of states in which entity operates | state		9
Minimum | Conifer
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of Tenet and non-Tenet Hospitals and other health care organizations to which Conifer provided revenue cycle services		660
United Surgical Partners International
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of states in which entity operates		27
Number of ambulatory surgery centers		260
Number of urgent care centers		39
Number of diagnostic imaging centers		23
Number of surgical hospitals		24
European Surgical Partners Ltd | United Surgical Partners International
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of outpatient centers	9
Conifer Health Solutions, LLC
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ownership percentage of subsidiary		76.20%
Conifer Health Solutions, LLC | Ambulatory Care
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ownership percentage of subsidiary		95.00%

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconcili

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciling Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets:	$ 23,351				$ 22,409				$ 23,351	$ 22,409	$ 23,385
Capital expenditures:									670	617	707
Net operating revenues	4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	18,479	18,313	19,179
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									175	150	144
Adjusted EBITDA									2,706	2,560	2,444
Depreciation and amortization									850	802	870
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA									2,706	2,560	2,444
Income (loss) from divested and closed businesses (i.e., the Company’s health plan businesses)									(2)	9	(41)
Depreciation and amortization									(850)	(802)	(870)
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs									(185)	(209)	(541)
Litigation and investigation costs									(141)	(38)	(23)
Interest expense									(985)	(1,004)	(1,028)
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt		$ (180)		$ (47)					(227)	1	(164)
Other non-operating expense, net									(5)	(5)	(22)
Net gains (losses) on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities									(15)	127	144
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes									296	639	(101)
Inter-segment eliminations
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues									(573)	(590)	(618)
Hospital Operations and other
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets:	16,182				15,684				16,182	15,684	16,466
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Hospital Operations and other | Operating segments
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Capital expenditures:									572	527	625
Net operating revenues									15,522	15,285	16,260
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									15	10	4
Adjusted EBITDA									1,425	1,411	1,462
Depreciation and amortization									733	685	736
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA									1,425	1,411	1,462
Depreciation and amortization									(733)	(685)	(736)
Ambulatory Care
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets:	6,195				5,711				6,195	5,711	5,822
Ambulatory Care | Operating segments
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Capital expenditures:									75	68	60
Net operating revenues									2,158	2,085	1,940
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									160	140	140
Adjusted EBITDA									895	792	699
Depreciation and amortization									72	68	84
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA									895	792	699
Depreciation and amortization									(72)	(68)	(84)
Conifer
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets:	$ 974				$ 1,014				974	1,014	1,097
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Conifer | Operating segments
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Capital expenditures:									23	22	22
Net operating revenues									1,372	1,533	1,597
Adjusted EBITDA									386	357	283
Depreciation and amortization									45	49	50
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA									386	357	283
Depreciation and amortization									(45)	(49)	(50)
Conifer | Operating segments | Tenet
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues									573	590	618
Conifer | Operating segments | Other clients
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues									$ 799	$ 943	$ 979

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Nar

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change		$ 1	$ 0
Subsequent Event | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 15
Subsequent Event | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 20

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2020USD ($)
Equity Option | Nonqualified Plan | USPI Management Equity Plan | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent events
Expected payment for vested securities and termination of plan	$ 35

Supplemental Financial Inform_3

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating revenues	$ 4,806	$ 4,568	$ 4,560	$ 4,545	$ 4,619	$ 4,489	$ 4,506	$ 4,699	$ 18,479	$ 18,313	$ 19,179
Net income (loss)	129	(152)	112	65	102	65	108	191	154	466	(320)
Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$ 2	$ (232)	$ 17	$ (19)	$ (5)	$ (9)	$ 26	$ 99	$ (232)	$ 111	$ (704)
Income available (loss attributable) per share to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders, basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.02	$ (2.24)	$ 0.17	$ (0.18)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.25	$ 0.98	$ (2.24)	$ 1.09	$ (7)
Income available (loss attributable) per share to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders, diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.02	$ (2.24)	$ 0.16	$ (0.18)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.25	$ 0.96	$ (2.24)	$ 1.07	$ (7)

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUA_2

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 0	$ 898	$ 1,031
Costs and Expenses	0	0	1,434
Deductions	0	0	(1,445)
Other Items	0	(898)	(122)
Balance at End of Period	0	0	898
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	148	72	72
Costs and Expenses		76
Costs and Expenses	133		0
Deductions	0	0	0
Other Items	0	0	0
Balance at End of Period	$ 281	$ 148	$ 72

Uncategorized Items - thc-20191

Label	Element	Value
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (43,000,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	1,000,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	43,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	56,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 56,000,000