EXHIBIT (23)-5


                          Consent of Smith Barney Inc.


We hereby  consent to (i) the  inclusion  of our opinion  letter to the Board of
Directors  of  HEALTHSOUTH  Corporation   ("HEALTHSOUTH")  as  Annex  B  to  the
Prospectus-Joint  Proxy Statement of HEALTHSOUTH  and Surgical Care  Affiliates,
Inc.  ("SCA")  relating to the proposed  merger of a wholly owned  subsidiary of
HEALTHSOUTH  with and into  SCA and  (ii)  references  made to our firm and such
opinion  in  "Summary  of  Prospectus-Joint  Proxy  Statement  -- The  Merger --
Recommendations  of the Board of  Directors"  and "-- The Merger --  Opinions of
Financial  Advisors --  HEALTHSOUTH"  and "THE MERGER -- Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendations of the Board of Directors" and "-- Opinion of Smith Barney".  In
giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under, and we do not admit and we disclaim that we are
"experts" for purposes of, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                SMITH BARNEY INC.
                              

New York, New York
December 12, 1995