EXHIBIT 12 COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE QUARTERS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) QUARTER NINE MONTHS --------- ------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 ---- ---- ------ ------ EARNINGS: Income from continuing operations before minority interests and income taxes............................ $183 $534 $1,678 $1,876 Fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest.......... 159 152 461 468 ---- ---- ------ ------ $342 $686 $2,139 $2,344 ==== ==== ====== ====== FIXED CHARGES: Interest charged to expense............................ $125 $119 $361 $371 Interest portion of rental expense and amortization of deferred loan costs................................... 34 33 100 96 ---- ---- ------ ------ Fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest.......... 159 152 461 467 Capitalized interest................................... 3 7 12 21 ---- ---- ------ ------ $162 $159 $ 473 $ 488 ==== ==== ====== ====== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..................... 2.12 4.32 4.52 4.80 ==== ==== ====== ====== 26