Exhibit 4.3(b)

                           TRIAD ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

                                                                    May 11, 1999

Reference is hereby made to the Purchase Agreement, dated April 30, 1999 (the
"Agreement"), between Healthtrust, Inc.-The Hospital Company ("Healthtrust") and
the Purchasers named therein. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in
the Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given them in the
Agreement.

Triad Hospitals, Inc. ("Triad") hereby unconditionally and irrevocably expressly
assumes, confirms and agrees to perform and observe as the "Company" each and
every of the covenants, agreements, terms, conditions, obligations,
appointments, duties, promises and liabilities of Healthtrust under the
Agreement, and upon the Business being validly transferred to Triad, the
assumption by Triad of the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities and
Healthtrust and Triad executing and delivering this Triad Assumption Agreement,
Healthtrust shall fully, unconditionally and irrevocably be released of all
covenants, agreements, terms, conditions, obligations, appointment, duties,
promises and liabilities under the Agreement.

Each of the undersigned hereby agrees to promptly execute and deliver any and
all further documents and take such further action as the other undersigned
party or the Representatives may reasonably require to effect the purpose of
this Triad Assumption Agreement.

This Triad Assumption Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

                                       HEALTHTRUST, INC.-THE HOSPITAL
                                       COMPANY


                                       By:  /s/ R. Milton Johnson
                                                Name:  R. Milton Johnson
                                                Title:  Vice President

                                       TRIAD  HOSPITALS, INC.


                                       By:  /s/ Donald P. Fay
                                                Name:  Donald P. Fay
                                                Title:  Executive Vice President