EXHIBIT 12 COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE QUARTERS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) QUARTER SIX MONTHS ---------- ------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 ----- ---- ------ ------ EARNINGS: Income before minority interests and income taxes..... $ 646 $155 $1,369 $ 782 Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized interest...... 159 160 324 303 ----- ---- ------ ------ $ 805 $315 $1,693 $1,085 ===== ==== ====== ====== FIXED CHARGES: Interest charged to expense........................... $ 127 $121 $ 257 $ 236 Interest portion of rental expense and amortization of deferred loan costs................................... 32 39 67 67 ----- ---- ------ ------ Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized interest...... 159 160 324 303 Capitalized interest.................................. 6 8 14 13 ----- ---- ------ ------ $ 165 $168 $ 338 $ 316 ===== ==== ====== ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.................... 4.87 1.88 5.01 3.43 ===== ==== ====== ====== 19