SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report April 21, 1999 (Date of Earliest Event Reported) COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) DELAWARE (State of Incorporation) 001-11239 75-2497104 (Commission (I.R.S. Employer File Number) Identification No.) One Park Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (615) 344-9551 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On April 21, 1999, Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation (the "Company") announced operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 1999. The Company also announced that, subject to certain financing arrangements and regulatory approvals, its Board of Directors has authorized the spin-offs of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and Triad Hospitals, Inc. (America and Pacific Groups, respectively) to the stockholders of Columbia/HCA and established April 30, 1999 as the record date for the distribution. ITEM 7. EXHIBIT Exhibit 20 Copy of press release dated April 21, 1999. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. COLUMBIA/HCA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION /s/ JOHN M. FRANCK II - ----------------------------------------- John M. Franck II Corporate Secretary DATED: April 21, 1999