EXHIBIT 12 COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) 1997 1996 ---- ---- EARNINGS: Income before minority interests and income taxes................... $847 $723 Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized interest.................... 151 165 ---- ---- $998 $888 ==== ==== FIXED CHARGES: Interest charged to expense......................................... $116 $130 Interest portion of rental expense and amortization of deferred loan costs.............................................................. 35 35 ---- ---- Fixed charges, exclusive of capitalized interest.................... 151 165 Capitalized interest................................................ 6 8 ---- ---- $157 $173 ==== ==== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.................................. 6.36 5.14 ==== ==== 19