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     Merilyn Herbert
     HealthTrust, Inc.
     615/297-6261
     or
					Paula Lovell
     Lovell Communications
     615/297-7766


    NASHVILLE, TN, January 10, 1994:  Healthtrust, Inc. - The
 Hospital Company (NYSE:HTI) announed that, in connection with its
 acquisition of EPIC Holdings, Inc., it is purchasing the equity
 of EPIC for $7.00 per share, or approximately $277 million,
 in cash, and will assume or refinance approximately $727 million
 of EPIC indebtedness.  In addition, the acquisition of EPIC is
 expected to have no material effect on Healthtrust earnings
 for the remainder of the 1994 fiscal year, and to add $.10
 to $.12 per share to earnings in fiscal year 1995, the first
 full year of operation following the transaction.  Healthtrust
 anticipates that the acquisition will create goodwill of
 approximately $400 million to $450 million.

   Healthtrust is one of the largest health care providers in
 the United States with revenues of $2.4 billion.  Operating
 in 84 markets in 21 southern and western states, the Company
 delivers a variety of inpatient and outpatient health care 
 services through its 81 affiliated hospitals and 3 hospital
 joint ventures in Orlando, Florida; Encino, California; and
 Charlotte, North Carolina.

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